I save what feels like a ton of money the way I do my laundry. Five years ago I created a process to fit my needs and to save me money. The process is easy, hang dry clothes and make my own laundry soap.
The process:
Line Drying:
Line Drying:
I hang dry my clothes inside. As you can see in the first image below, I installed an inexpensive retractable line above my bathtub. I created a V-shape line and with the help of the shower rod, it holds a whole load of clothes to dry. This initial set up cost $10.50 to install. I also bought two downy balls at $1.50/each, which get filled with white vinegar that acts as a fabric softener.
I wash one load/day and hang it overnight. The load is dry by the time I wake up. I do allow for 2 machine dry loads/month. I prefer machine dried towels, also the dryer gets dog fur off the reluctant to release pieces of clothing.
How to make laundry soap
How to make laundry soap
Recipe:
1 bar of Fels Naptha Soap
1 cup of Arm and Hammer Washing Soda
1 cup of 20 Mule Borax
A few drops of tea tree oil. I use this to keep bacteria at a minimum since I share machines.
Feel free to add any oils that you like to your recipe or none for fragrance free detergent.
Feel free to add any oils that you like to your recipe or none for fragrance free detergent.
-I use the food processor to grate the soap and mix the batch together. I spend about 30 minutes to make each batch and wash the processor.
-Use up to 2 tablespoons of detergent in each load.
- Usually all ingredients can be found in the laundry isle of your grocery store.
-The recipe is safe for Sensitive Skin and HE machines.
Cost
What I spend currently on laundry:
-$11/year on laundry soap
-$14/month in quarters wash my clothes ($168/year)
-$6/year in vinegar (as a fabric softener)
-$1.30/year for pre-treater
Total $186.30
If I was washing my clothes the conventional way, it would cost me
-$33/year on laundry soap
-$15/year softener sheets
-$1.30/year for pre-treater
-$24/month in quarters to wash my clothes ($288/year)
Total: $337.30
Difference of: $151/year. I've used this system for 5 years and I've saved about: $755.
My savings go beyond the dollars spent. My clothes last longer. They don't fade or shrink. Line drying inside also adds need humidity in the winter months.
This is based off a one person laundry needs and may not appeal all, but hang drying can really save some money and saves your clothes.
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| Clothes line empty and strung in a V-shape. It collapse when not in use. |
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| Clothes line full (1 load of laundry) |
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| Above image of full clothes line. |
I love line-drying clothes! This is a great indoor system. I have an outdoor one for nice weather, but this would be great for winter time. Thanks for the idea :)
ReplyDeleteI use your same system/recipe for laundry detergent at home. I really like how you've crunched the numbers so people see that making their own laundry detergent is worth it. (You can use a hand grater if you don't have a food processor).
ReplyDeleteIn addition to saving your clothes (the lint in the dryer is your clothes falling apart) from a lot of wear and tear, and saving money, I'd like to add that homemade laundry detergent + line drying also saves energy and reduces trash output!
Thanks ~M,
ReplyDeleteGood point about the hand grater. I actually used one before I invested in a food processor. The grater I purchased was from the thrift store for 25¢.