I am getting greener as I get older and as a result I have found some great ways to save money in the laundry room while also having a smaller footprint.
First off make sure you are only running full loads. This is true even if you have one of the washing machines that is smart and knows to reduce the water level. While you are saving on water (this is great), it still is costing you to run that load at the same rate as that full load. Also, while the washer is smart, the dryer is not and will cost you full price to dry that smaller load.
Hang your clothes out if you can they smell terrific and won’t cost a dime to dry. If you are one of those persons who doesn’t like the stiff fabric that outdoor drying creates, bring them indoors and pop them into the dryer for about 5 minutes just to get tossed around and I find they are nice and soft.
The next secret is to use cold water. I could not believe what a difference this made in my bill but the clothes come out just as clean. Oh and don’t waste your time on the cold water detergent. Regular detergent works just as well.
Let’s take a moment to chat about that dryer. Make sure to clean the lint filter every time. This reduces the dry time, cuts down on fire risk and allows the motor to run as it was supposed too. If you use dryer sheets, make sure you soap up the lint filter at least annually to make sure the screen is still breathing. They can become clogged and you won’t even see it but once you clean it with a bit of soap and water you will notice your loads drying a bit quicker. If your machine has choices, set the dryer to a bit less dry and remove them promptly once they are done.
Another great dryer tip is to make sure you washer is doing a great job of spinning your load dry. The extra spin time will allow for shorter dry times and the difference in appliance cost is worth it!
The last tip I have is to dry similar weights of clothes together. Example – dry towels together instead of a mixed load so that when you are drying a load of t shirts they will dry quicker, resulting in a faster dryer cycle.
Do you have any laundry room tips to share? I know some of you make your own detergent I haven’t tried that yet. I also hear you can make your own dryer sheets, has anyone tried that? I would love to hear from you!
Kim Woehl is a realtor with Keller Williams Premier Realty and wants to be your housing expert. If you are looking to buy or sell please give her a call at 651-214-1459 or visit her website where you can search homes in the area for free. http://kwoehl.kwrealty.com/
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