Sometimes laundry costs can exceed your allocated budget, and laundry can actually be one of the most expensive items on your utility bill, as it uses a lot of water and electricity.
Especially if you have a large family with many children, this article will give you some helpful tips on how to save money on washing machine laundry.
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Helpful tips regarding powder
"It's not always the most expensive powder that's the best. In fact, their ingredients are practically identical. Some brands are just well-known due to their extensive advertising campaigns, while others simply don't invest in it. Incidentally, the lack of a large, expensive promotional campaign can be the reason for the lower price. So, in the case of powder, cheaper doesn't necessarily mean worse."
"We often add powder by eye, but you can buy a special measuring cup and measure out the exact amount needed. This way, the powder will go down much more slowly, saving you money."
Useful tips for your washing machine
– It's worth using less high temperatures when washing. For example, at 30 degrees, a washing machine uses four times less energy than at 60. A lot of energy is used just to heat the water, but don't worry; many modern detergents are quite effective at 30-40 degrees, but before checking, it's best to read the instructions on the detergent packaging.
Various additional features on your washing machine, such as electric drying or delayed start, significantly increase energy consumption, so it's best to avoid them. However, if you're really determined to save money, you can soak your laundry in a basin and dry it as usual on a dryer.
By the way: not all fabrics tolerate electric drying well, you should definitely read the instructions.
– A washing machine cleans laundry best when its drum is 70-80% full, and although the machine always uses the same amount of water and energy, no matter how much laundry is loaded. Manufacturers still claim that for energy savings, it's best to underload the washing machine.
All washing machines are divided into energy consumption classes. Classes range from A+++—the most efficient, consuming less than 0.13 kW/kg per hour—to A++—0.15 kW—all the way to G—0.39 kW. When buying a washing machine, it's worth paying attention to this, as well as whether it has a special energy-saving wash cycle, also known as "Economy Wash." This cycle washes items in cool water, and the drum spins less.
Important: Don't confuse the Eco Wash icon with the Economy Wash. Eco means Eco-Friendly, which is a very intensive wash that takes much longer than a regular wash, and therefore consumes a lot of energy.
– Few people think about the fact that the washing machine consumes energy even in standby mode, so it’s worth unplugging it.
Helpful advice about the tariff
Few people know that electricity tariffs come in different forms: for example, two- or three-zone tariffs. These tariffs aren't fixed, like standard tariffs, but vary depending on the time of day. So, by changing your tariff, you can save significantly by washing at night and hanging up laundry in the morning.
By the way: at night, to save energy, you can also run other electronic appliances, such as a dishwasher.
About hand washing
Many stubborn stains can be removed at home, without re-washing or even washing the item a third time. For example, adding lemon juice to a wash basin can help whiten the item.
You can also bleach clothes using lemon in this way: add a slice of lemon and dirty laundry to a large container of water, and then boil it over a fire until the desired result is achieved.
Children's clothes often get stains from fruit, juice, or other foods, and vinegar can help remove them. Once the item dries, the vinegar smell will disappear.
– To save money, you can hand wash your underwear using laundry soap. Many people have forgotten about it lately, but it contains predominantly animal fats, which are excellent for removing stains of various origins. You can also soak the underwear with grated soap.
Afterword
And while it might seem pointless to skimp on something as simple as doing laundry, that's precisely where the savings lie. Few people consider how much money they spend annually on a simple laundry, but if they do, any sensible person will look for various ways to save on this simple task.
This is where a few helpful, time-tested tips can come in handy. In any case, an energy-efficient washing machine with a class A+++ rating and a dedicated economy wash cycle, at least for laundry and clean items, will greatly help conserve water and energy, and therefore reduce your utility bill.
