Cut laundry costs: Simple tips to slash your utility bills
In today's world, as the cost of living continuously rises, many of us are looking for ways to save money. How can you do this without making radical changes? It's possible. For example, by changing your approach to laundry, you can significantly reduce your electricity and water bills.
8:14 AM EST, December 12, 2024
Using a washing machine seems simple - just put in the clothes, add detergent, and turn on the machine. However, this seemingly straightforward process has several pitfalls that can lead to higher bills. Therefore, knowing how to wash clothes efficiently is valuable to save water, energy, and money.
One of the most common mistakes is overloading the washing machine. If you tend to pack the drum to the brim, it's time to change this habit. An overloaded washer doesn't work efficiently, meaning clothes won't be washed properly and may emit an unpleasant odor. This forces you to wash them again, increasing both energy and water usage. Before you turn on the washing machine, check if you can easily insert your hand into the drum. If you can, the machine is ready to work.
Another common mistake, which is also costly, is choosing the highest washing temperatures. Remember that higher temperatures mean higher energy consumption. Therefore, using cooler water will reduce your bills. Choosing the right temperature also affects the longevity of your clothes. It's always worth checking the care labels and following their recommendations. If the manufacturer recommends washing at 86°F, avoiding higher temperatures is better to prevent fabric damage.
The most costly mistakes during laundry
Do you think using more detergent will make your laundry more effective? This is a popular belief, but it's incorrect. Adding excess powder or liquid waste detergent means that the washing machine may not rinse it out properly. As a result, clothes can be dull or covered with white streaks, forcing you to wash them again and increasing costs.
To save on laundry, also avoid washing certain clothes too frequently. Underwear, socks, tights, swimwear, pajamas (without underwear), and sports clothing need regular washing. Other clothes only need washing when you notice stains or smell sweat. You can remove minor stains by spot cleaning.
