Easy Ways to Save Money on Laundry, According to Redditors

With rising energy costs and persistent inflation, the cost of everyday chores like doing laundry have inched higher and higher. Frugal Redditors recently discussed a wide array of "pro tips" to save money on laundry, including changes you can make today.

Related: 20 Cleaning Products That Are a Complete Waste of Money

You're probably using too much detergent, Redditors say. "If you’re doing liquid, just go to the first line. If your clothes come out dirty or smelly, then consider pre-soaking or pre-treating with a little dish soap before washing or testing out just a little more detergent," the top comment explains. According to experts at Wirecutter, most people need just 2 tablespoons per load.

Related: Cleaning Myths That Will Ruin Your Things

Don't throw stained clothing out, as even the peskiest splotches and splatters will come out with Oxyclean and a scrub brush. "Saving the clothes you have is the most frugal thing you can do," a Redditor writes.

Related: Foods That Stain Clothing the Most — and How to Get Them Out

Save money and energy by washing with cold water. If you wash your clothes exclusively in cold water, you can save $66 a year, according to Energy Star.

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If you've ever travelled abroad, you've likely noticed that dryers aren't as common as they are in the U.S. Instead, just use a drying rack, which will save money on electricity. And when your dryer eventually breaks, you won't have to buy a new one.

Related: How to Make Sure Your Appliances Don’t Fail When You Can’t Get Them Repaired

No one needs to use fabric softeners or dryer sheets. Leave them on the shelf if you're trying to save money. If you need to give your laundry a "boost," one Redditor suggests adding a bit of vinegar to the load instead. 

Related: Do Wool Dryer Balls Really Work as Well as Dryer Sheets?

While powder detergents can have trouble dissolving in cold water, they tend to be cheaper than their liquid counterparts. "You get more laundry done for your dollar and for the volume of detergent," a Redditor writes.

It may sound gross, but you can wear clothes more than one time. That's especially true when it comes to garments like pajamas, jeans, and outerwear. Washing less frequently will save you money on detergent, electricity, water, etc.

While some Redditors swear by powdered detergent, others recommended Costco's award-winning Kirkland brand detergents (there are several). Experts agree. In its 2022 test of laundry detergents, Consumer Reports named Costco’s Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean Liquid as the “best value” detergent, ranking it above top-tier brands like Tide and Persil in the budget category.