Today, learn five ways to save money on doing laundry more efficient, thrifty and eco-friendly as possible!
Five Ways to Save Money on Doing Laundry Video
Tacking laundry each week is a task that never ends for a busy mother especially a full time working one. I do my laundry once a week, yes, I said once a week. I have been doing it this way for years maybe it was because I lived majority of my life where I had to go to the Laundromat once a week and I had no choice but, to get my laundry done but, once a week! Yes, it takes me all day but, once done I feel satisfied and in control.
There is never the time, money or energy to get laundry done that makes sense. Today, I am going to share all my “dirty secrets” on how to do laundry efficient, thrifty and of course as natural as possible. This is not “rocket science” it is just learning and practicing the “tips and tricks” my grandma knew all along!
A lot of money is spent on detergent, fabric sheets, bleach and energy to run our washer and dryer. With rising cost on laundry products and energy it becomes more a dreaded task. My tips will save you not only time but, money and control of your laundry routine.
First, Save Money on Using Dryer Balls on Doing Laundry
An idea situation to dry your garment is to hang them on a clothesline so save money. Some circumstances drying clothing on lines is not an option such as winter.
Always remove lint after each load from dryer between loads to ensure it will work efficiently. Clean vent in warm soapy water each year to remove gunk. Set timer on drying time, never over dry clothing. Use dryer balls to cut drying time down and promote an eco-friendly approach to laundry.
Time your laundry, remove one load just to add another. It takes time and money to reheat your dryer.
Ditch Dryer Sheets for Dryer Ball!
Many people use dryer sheets to soften and make our clothing smell amazing. However, dry sheets cause problems such as allergic reaction, migraines and did I mention these little sheets fill our landfills up.
Dryer sheets are typically heavily fragrant with factory made smells and have many synthetic ingredients and chemical covered on each sheet that cause many health issues.
A dryer ball is an environmentally friendly product that is used many times. A dryer ball is formed with natural ingredients such as wool and fragrance can be added by using 100% pure therapeutic-grade essential oils such as lavender and eucalyptus. Dryer Balls are nontoxic, and reusable and they cut drying time by up to twenty five percent. Save tons of money using dryer balls because you are not consistently buying dry sheets and cut drying time down to half the time which is saving money on the energy.
Dryer Balls are extremely easy to use all you do is add a few drops of your favorite oil or none at all and add to each load of laundry.
Essential Oil Combinations to add to Dryer Balls
When I discovered these wool dryer balls, I was are amazed and I really did not mind the bouncing around in your dryer because they cut down drying time (save money), soften clothing, and non-toxic. Conventional Dry Sheets contain chemicals and will transfer to our clothing and dryer balls are a great alternative that is affordable and healthy for my family.
I love infusing essential oils into my laundry. I add two drops of oil to my dryer balls to prevent infections, viruses plus they make my clothing smell amazing.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibiotic and deodorizing; it is a perfect oil to protect us all winter long from. This oil is perfect for prevent viruses and bacterial from brewing.
Lavender Essential Oil is one of the most popular oils. I love the different benefits of Lavender Essential Oil and the beautiful floral fragrance is my favorite. Lavender is very relaxing and calming, and I use it everywhere including on dryer balls.
Second, Save Money on Laundry by a DIY Liquid Fabric Softener
The combination of vinegar, clove essential oil and lemon essential oil are perfect for softening your laundry. Many Fabric softeners are filled with fragrances that can cause allergies and sensitivities.
Combine all the ingredients below and add to your final rinse.
- 1 cup of distilled white vinegar
- 20 drops of clove essential oil
- 15 drops of lemon essential oil.
This is not a secret to many but, some have no clue that I use one cup of vinegar in my laundry to kill bacteria, brightener, remove static, and softens my clothes.
Third, DIY HE Laundry Soap to Save Money on Laundry
Using only three ingredients plus some great essential oil the cost of this detergent per load it the right price and much cheaper than many brands per ounce. Making your own Laundry Detergent is easy and safe for your family.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup of Borax
- 1/2 cup of Washing Soda
- 5 Ounces of Naptha Bar Soap
- 25 Drops of Lemon Essential Oil
- 20 Drops of Clove Essential Oil
- 1/4 cup of Salt (Optional) to prevent dark items form fading.
First Shred your Naptha Bar Soap with a cheese Grater. Next, melt your soap in a pot on the stove over medium heat. Stir soap often until melted.
In a large bowl and melted soap, Gallon and Half of water, washing soap and borax; mix well.
Once everything is mixed well add your lemon and clove essential oil. Pour your mixture between three half gallon mason jars; filled to the top with more water.
*Note, wash all clothing by color to prevent mishaps. Was all clothing “Right Side Out” and not inside out.
Fourth, DIY Stain Remover to save Money on Laundry
Pretreating is key to saving money. A good stain remover will rescue stained clothing. I like to make my own DIY stain remover that note only works but saves tons of money.
~You will need ~
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- 1/2 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide
- two to three drops of lemon essential oil
In a small bowl combine baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and lemon essential oil. Mix well, with an old toothbrush treat the stain by lightly scrubbing in. Let the garment sit for twenty minutes before laundering.
Fifth, Save Money on Laundry by Keeping “Whites” White
This past New Year’s Eve I had a conversation with a few ladies in regard to why I do not use bleach in my home. They argued with me about that it is natural, safe and the best way to kill germs, Umm mm NO! I simply explain my reason why I do not use bleach and keep it out of my home verses using Hydrogen Peroxide.
First, I do not use bleach because it is a very dangerous and a poisonous gas, with children and dogs this is something I do not want in my home.
Second, after cleaning and it gets poured down the drain it taints our drinking water and marine life.
Third, chlorine bleach can mess with our reproductive, immune system and neurological system.
Lastly, chlorine bleach irritates skin, eyes, lungs and can burn the skin.
My final thoughts are Hydrogen Peroxide does just as great of a job as bleach so, why not use!
~Ingredients~
- 1/4 Hydrogen Peroxide
- 10 drops Lemon Essential Oil
Depending on your washing machine this will depend on where you will pour your white agent in, check with your owner’s manual. In a bowl and add your hydrogen peroxide and lemon essential oil, stir well. Add your whitening agent to your “White Load” in the bleach compartment.
*Note, if your “white garments” is a bit dingy I use “Mrs. Stewart” Liquid Bluing it Whiten’s whites, non-toxic and biodegradable.
More on Money Saving Natural Cleaning Products on the Farm
FIVE HABITS FOR A CLEAN HOME USING ESSENTIAL OILS
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