1. Buy Energy Star rated appliances. That Energy Star emblem means they use less energy in a more efficient manner and will cost you less to use. When replacing old or worn out appliances, check first for the Energy Star on your replacement choices. **Get in on those last state rebates**
2. Cut dryer sheets in half. One box lasts twice as long when you cut the sheets in half. As soon as you open the box, break out the scissors and enjoy cutting your dryer sheet expenses by 50%! I have found that coupons for dryer sheets are pretty skimpy, so I try to stock up of free samples as much as possible. Also, most often, the store brand sheets work just as well!
3. Dilute laundry detergent in the bottle with water. Save your empty laundry detergent bottles. When you open a fresh one, pour half into the empty bottle. You now have 2 bottles half full of detergent waiting to be filled with water. You can fill water all the way to the top or 2/3 full, depending on the savings you want. Diluted detergent will get your clothing just as clean, and if you’re used to filling the cap (or your family members are), this trick will save you. Most of us use more detergent than recommended or necessary anyway.
4. Use less detergent and liquid fabric softener. Are you strong enough to skip the diluting and just use less? More power to you!
5. Clean the lint trap before every load of laundry. A clean lint trap lets your dryer work more efficiently and dry clothes faster. Spend the extra 20 seconds and empty it before you start the dryer. Plus, a clean lint trap cuts down the risk of a dryer fire – how about that!
6. Line dry your clothes. String up a line, buy some cheap wooden clothes pins, and you’re in business. Zero energy use and it costs exactly $0 to use. Check out your local Dollar Store for great cheapie supplies!
7. Create a hybrid drying routine. Maybe you don’t like line drying because of the possible clothing stiffness. Maybe you can’t use a clothesline because of space limitations, like living in an apartment with no yard. If you can’t convert wholly to the clothesline method for whatever reason, create a hybrid routine that still has you using your electric dryer, but only half as much. Hang items to dry over shower curtain rods, hang from ceiling fans, or clotheslines for part of the time, dryer for the rest. Get soft clothes with half the energy use.
8. Do less laundry. Wear jeans more than once, use bath towels more than once. Sweaters and jackets can also be worn more than once if you wear them layered with a shirt underneath. Make sure you hang up clothes that can be worn again so that they’re not washed by mistake. When the weather is nice hang your clothes outside for a bit to freshen them up! Just watch that the sun doesn't bleach them.
9. Double up 1/2 loads of laundry and only dry full loads. Put your half load of washed whites in the dryer and let them wait until your next half load is complete. Dry as one full load and cut the energy cost in half. I use an extra basket to hold my wet clothes until my next load is done in the washing machine then dry them together.
10. Dry loads back to back if possible to keep the dryer from heating up again (save time and energy). This is a great money saver and great for the environment! Most of the energy used by your dryer is in just coming up to temperature. If you dry them back to back the dryer is already pre-heated (so to speak) and you are saving TONS of energy!
11. Double spin clothes in the washer. After your washing machine is done, turn the knob to “Spin only” and spin the clothes a second time. The centrifugal motion (spinning) helps to get extra water out of the clothes, which in turn take less time to dry in the dryer.
12. Use vinegar in the wash instead of fabric softener (1/4 cup). Smaller loads need smaller amounts, unless you want to smell vinegar on your clean clothes! This cheap alternative to liquid fabric softener will save money on your laundry supply budget for certain. **This is another great environmentally friendly tip! Less fabric softener = less plastic bottles/dryer sheets to toss in the bin**
13. Wash in the coldest temperature recommended for your clothes. Save your water heater from firing up to heat the water when possible. Cold wash temperatures will also help to preserve the fibers in the material of your clothing, meaning it won’t wear out as fast.
