We can probably all agree laundry is no one’s favorite chore, and it doesn’t help that washers and dryers are among the costliest appliances to operate. Since most of us do at least a few loads of laundry each week, it’s worth taking steps to reduce energy use and save money.

If you’re in the market for a new washer and dryer, new efficient options are available that will save you money over the long term.

Tips to save money in the laundry room:

Wash and dry full loads

Doing one large load of laundry rather than multiple small loads is obviously the more energy-efficient option. The same goes for your dryer – drying full loads will help reduce the number of times you need to run your dryer and save you energy and money. Be careful not to overfill your washing machine or drying machine – that’ll only result in your clothes not being washed or dried properly.

Wash with cold water

Using warm water instead of hot can cut a load’s energy use in half, and using cold water will save even more. Cold water detergents can be helpful to ensure items get clean, and high-efficiency detergents (indicated by the “he” symbol) should be used when the manufacturer requires them.

Air-dry your clothes

If you’re looking to be more energy-efficient on a budget, look no further. Air drying your clothes costs nothing and is great for the environment. All you need to do is set up a clothesline outside. If you live somewhere where hanging your clothes up outside to dry isn’t an option, you can place a drying rack in your home as an alternative.

Increase the spin speed

This extracts more water from your laundry, cutting dryer time. If you’ve tried this and found that clothes come out wrinkled after drying, remove the laundry from the washer, untangle it, and shake it out before you toss it into the dryer.

Use dryer balls

Wool or rubber dryer balls will help separate your clothes and get more air to them, cutting drying time. They can also reduce static so you don’t need dryer sheets. The wool balls are said to absorb some moisture, further cutting drying time. We use these at my house and have seen a noticeable difference in the time it takes our clothes to dry.

Dry similar items together

Don’t mix heavy cotton with lightweight fabrics. Dry (as well as wash) towels with towels and sheets with sheets. You’ll spend less time drying the lighter-weight clothes.

Clean the lint screen and dryer duct

The dryer will run more efficiently and safely. If you use dryer sheets, scrub the filter once a month with a toothbrush to remove film buildup that can reduce air circulation.

Written by Malika Davids

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