Groceries cost more. Gas prices yo-yo. Back-to-school shopping is draining wallets. And thanks to summer's nonstop air conditioning, utility bills are as unwelcome as an uninvited houseguest. It's enough to make anyone look around the house and wonder, Where can I save a little extra?
I realized the answer might be hiding in plain sight. Or, well, behind my humming washer and dryer. Laundry may be a chore we can't escape, but it doesn't have to be one that hikes our energy bill each month. In fact, with a few smart swaps, I've found it's easy to cut costs without resorting to handwashing or stringing clothes across my backyard like it's 1892.
Here's how I keep my laundry clean and utility bills lean.
For more ways to save around the house, start by unplugging your appliances and consider what temperature you should set your thermostat to this summer to save big.Â
1. Wash on cold and your clothes (and wallet) will thank you
Unless your clothing label says otherwise, switch to cold water. About 90% of the energy used in a washing cycle goes toward heating water, according to Consumer Reports. That's like buying a fancy latte every time you do laundry, except you don't even get a caffeine boost out of it.
Plus, most detergents are made to perform better in cold water, and cooler water helps prevent colors from fading. The only time you really need hot water is for loads like towels and sheets that benefit from the bacteria-busting heat.
2. Turn down the heat in the dryer
High heat dries faster, sure. But it also cranks up your energy use. A lower heat setting paired with a slightly longer cycle can save money without sacrificing dryness.
And don't skip your dryer's cool-down cycle. It uses the leftover heat in the drum instead of generating more, which means free warmth for the win.
3. Make your dryer work smarter, not harder
If your clothes are taking forever to dry, your dryer might just need a little TLC. Try the following:
- Clear the lint every load. It's not just a fire safety thing. Clogged lint traps and vents keep moist air trapped, making your dryer run longer.
- Deep clean annually. Vacuum out vents and the hose behind the dryer.
- Extra spin cycle. Give clothes one more spin in the washer to cut drying time in half.
- Don't overstuff. Fill the dryer about two-thirds full so clothes can tumble freely.
4. Run full loads, but not too full
Your washer and dryer use about the same energy for a small load as they do for a big one. Waiting until you have a full load is the efficient choice. Just remember that a "full load" in the washer doesn't mean you should pack the dryer like a clown car.
If you're short on clothes but need to wash now, toss in machine-safe household items — you might be surprised what can safely take a spin.
Unless you're washing bedsheets or towels, you can opt to wash your clothes on cold to save money and energy.Â
5. Play the off-peak game
Some utility companies charge more during "peak hours" when energy demand is high. If you're on a time-of-use plan, doing laundry at night, early morning or midday can shave real money off your bill.
Not sure if this applies to you? Check your utility statement or give your company a quick call. Shifting your laundry schedule is one of the easiest money-saving moves you can make.
Bottom line
Laundry will never be glamorous, but it doesn't have to be expensive. A few tweaks to how and when you wash and dry can put money back in your pocket, which you can then spend on things you actually want to buy.
For more laundry tips, check out how to clean your workout clothes the right way and how to clean mold out of your washer.