The cost of doing laundry, whether at home or at a laundromat, can be quite high. Doing laundry at home could end up costing around $530 per year, while doing laundry at a laundromat could cost up to $2,000 per year. If you opt in for doing laundry at home all the time, you’re clearly saving the most. But we know, just as much as anyone, sometimes doing laundry at a laundromat is more convenient with their larger appliances.
So, how can you save money either way?
At home laundry
Use Cold Water
One of the easiest ways to save money when doing laundry at home is to switch to using cold water instead of hot water whenever possible. Hot water is commonly used to remove stains from clothes since it allows the water molecules to move around faster and with more energy for better cleaning. However, using hot water can increase the cost of doing laundry by as much as 68 cents per load. On the other hand, using cold water usually averages out to only 4 cents, with a possible savings of almost $130 a year!
Additionally, if you accidentally wash clothes that are not meant to be washed with hot water, it can damage the dyes, sizing, and shape of the clothes. A nice alternative or median is using warm water, which is also effective in cleaning and can help reduce costs.
Do Full Loads
If you only have a small number of items to wash, such as an outfit and outerwear, you might consider washing them alone. However, this approach is not cost-effective. Using your laundry appliances for small loads wastes money depending on the type and model of the washer or dryer. So, it's better to wait until you have enough clothes to fill both your washer and dryer before doing laundry.
It's understandable to use a washer for delicate or expensive items. However, repeatedly using the washer for just a few items, multiple times a week, is not a cost-effective or energy-efficient approach. Waiting for a full load of laundry is always a better option since washers consume a similar amount of energy for each wash. This way, you can get the most out of your washer and save money and energy.
It's worth noting that there are fill-sense washers available that can estimate the amount of clothes inside and adjust the water usage accordingly. This feature is highly cost-efficient, as it helps save both water and energy.
Air Dry When Possible
Drying your clothes by air is a cost-free method. It offers the advantage of being able to dry your clothes for free, which is hard to resist. Of course, you'll need a clothesline or a suitable place to hang your clothes, but air drying remains an excellent way to dry your clothes. By going all-in with air drying, you can eliminate the need for a dryer and significantly reduce your annual laundry expenses.
Using The Right Amount of Detergent
Each of us has a preferred detergent, and our choices may vary. However, there's a general guideline for the amount of detergent to use while washing clothes, which is often less than what we tend to use. In fact, only two teaspoons of detergent are required for a typical wash, and using more can result in unpleasant odors in your clothes. Often, we tend to overlook such minor details, but they could lead to increased expenses in the long run.
The choice of detergent brand is another essential factor to consider. Typically, brand name detergents are more expensive than their generic counterparts. In some cases, they might be virtually identical, making it more costly to pay for the brand name rather than the quality or quantity of the product. If you prefer not to switch to generic brands, consider using less of your preferred detergent brand. For High Efficiency (HE) washers, usually, only one teaspoon of detergent is required.
Buy Generic!
Regarding generic detergent, it's worth noting that these products are typically less expensive than their brand name counterparts, which can help reduce overall laundry expenses. Moreover, many generic detergents, fabric softeners, and even bleach are made by leading manufacturers. Therefore, opting for generic laundry products can be a cost-effective solution without sacrificing quality.
Plus, if you are a DIY person, you could make your own detergent! Here’s a recipe for homemade detergent.
Use an Energy Star Certified Appliance
Appliances that are Energy Star Certified are highly energy-efficient and more environmentally friendly than their counterparts. Moreover, they prove to be more cost-effective in the long run. Energy Star Certified washers use approximately 25% less energy than other models, and certified dryers use about 20% less energy. By choosing Energy Star Certified appliances, you not only save on utility bills but also contribute to a healthier planet.
Saving money at the laundromat
Most of the strategies to save money at a laundromat are similar to those you would use at home. These include waiting until you have a full load to wash, using less detergent, opting for generic laundry products, and air-drying your clothes. However, laundromats operate differently, and there are other ways to save money as well.
Bring Your Own Detergent
It's quite self-explanatory, but it's always better to bring your own laundry detergent and accessories when heading to a laundromat. Although most laundromats provide detergent and fabric softeners, it's still recommended to bring your own. By doing so, you can save anywhere from $1 to $5 on every visit.
Compare Laundromats
When it comes to visiting a laundromat, do you usually go to the nearest one without doing any research? We recommend exploring other laundromats in the area to compare their prices per load. You can easily find this information on their website, and you might be surprised to discover that you've been paying more than necessary. So, if you have the opportunity to do laundry for even a small amount less, it could add up to significant savings in the long run.
Customer Loyalty Programs
While it's not very common, some laundromats offer loyalty programs that can provide excellent benefits, including free detergent, fabric softeners, and even free use of their washers and dryers. If your laundromat has such a program, it's worth inquiring about how to sign up and take advantage of the perks. Keep in mind that loyalty programs may vary from laundromat to laundromat.
Why shop laundry at airport home appliance?
In the end, owning your own laundry appliances at home proves to be a more cost-effective option in the long term.
At Airport Home Appliance, we offer a wide range of Energy Star Certified laundry appliances and various accessories, including Excelsior detergent and more! With over a hundred brands to choose from, you'll have the freedom to browse through our selection and find a product that fits both your budget and home. Additionally, many of our laundry sets are available for next-day delivery!
You can check out our extensive inventory online or visit any of our eight showrooms located throughout California!
