We’ve all heard the classics tips for getting more for your buck in the laundry room.  If you’re looking for a few “out of the basket” tricks for stretching that buck a bit further, however, these are little-known, but very effective!

Mix a DIY Stain Solution

Sure, you could spend $6 or more for a stain stick or other goo to rub into your stained sweater, but why not just create an affordable homemade version?  Many detergents are super-concentrated and work well as a stain fighter when applied directly to the clothing at full-strength.

You could also try filling a spray bottle with two parts water and one part rubbing alcohol.  You may want to test on an inconspicuous part of your more delicate clothing, but this all-purpose stain fighter is cheap and works very well.

Use Just Enough

Overdoing it on the detergent doesn’t make your clothes any cleaner, and can cost more than it should.  Be sure to use the measuring cup that comes with the brand you are using and use even less than recommended for soft water.

Skip the Softener

Yes, it can make your towels snuggly and your stinky stuff sweeter, but liquid softener generally adds a sticky film to the inside of your washer that can cut the life of your appliance short.  Opt for a sheet solution instead (or skip it altogether for added budget friendliness.)

Savor the Spin

Dryers work extra hard when clothes don’t wring out fully.  If you don’t own an HE washer with a super-efficient spin cycle, put clothes through an extra time on “spin” to wring out extra water and cut your drying time down.  You may also want to invest in an electric clothes spin dryer, a stand-alone unit that spins clothes at an impressive speed for line drying or shorter dryer times.

Snip Dryer Sheets

It’s almost as effective to use one half of a brand name dryer sheet as it is to use a full one.  Cut the cost of softness and static protection by cutting your sheets in two before you dry.  (Generic sheets may not have the power of more expensive brands; use this trick at your own risk for cheap brands.)

Tuck in a Towel

Drying times can be reduced simply by throwing a completely dry (and color coordinating) bath towel in each new dryer load.  The towel will help to absorb some of the water, cutting your time down quite a bit.

Do you have a trick for slashing laundry costs (such as line drying or one we mentioned above)?  We’d love to hear about it!

Linsey Knerl

Linsey Knerl

Linsey Knerl is a homeschooling mom of 5 and a freelance blogger and writer. You can read more about her at www.the1099mom.com