How to save on your laundry costs

Laundry is one of those seemingly never-ending household chores, especially if you have a big family, and it can be surprisingly expensive. Between detergent, fabric softener, water, electricity, and wear and tear on your appliances, the costs can add up.

However, with a few simple changes and smart habits, you can reduce your laundry expenses without compromising on cleanliness.

Washing 

Use the correct dosing 

To help cut down on packaging and transport costs, makers of detergent are bringing out smaller but more concentrated versions of their laundry detergent. 

So you’ll get less but equally you don’t need to use as much. 

Read the dosing instructions for your detergent carefully. The formula may have changed recently. Don’t just throw in a big capful or large scoop of detergent because that's what you’ve always done. You may need to use less than you’ve traditionally used. 

The amount of detergent you need will also depend on the water hardness of your area.

Hard water contains high levels of natural minerals that have come from rock and soil. It's very common in Ireland, especially in Dublin and the surrounding counties. Hard water isn't harmful to your health. In fact, its high mineral content may offer some health benefits. However hard water does impact on the effectiveness of cleaning agents meaning the harder your water is, the more detergent you’ll need to use and vice versa.   

You can check the hardness of your water here.  

Compare unit pricing when buying detergent to get the best deal 

You might think that it’s better value to buy in bulk. But this isn’t always the case. 

The 24-pod box of detergent that you like can sometimes be more expensive, pod for pod, than the 12-pack one, especially if the latter is on sale.    

So how do you know what represents the best value? 

Simple - compare prices based on the unit price or the price per unit of measurement. In other words, compare prices based on the price per kilogramme, per pod, or per millilitre etc. 

This might seem complicated to work out. But thankfully, under EU rules, the unit price (or price per unit of measurement) must be clearly displayed in shops on barcodes beside the actual price. Though it’s amazing how many people either don’t know this or don’t see it. 

So by looking at this you can determine what represents the best value and ensure you’re not overpaying or being fooled by gimmicky offers.

Don’t overfill (or under fill) your machine 

It can be tempting to try cram as many clothes as possible into your washing machine to save on time and money. But overfilling your machine can be counterproductive. It means stains may not come out as well, requiring a second wash, and it can cause damage to your machine, especially during the spin cycle which could then require costly repairs. 

Similarly, don’t under fill the machine. While some stains may need to be treated quickly, try only use your washing machine when you have a full load to help save on electricity costs.

Speaking of which… 

Go for lower temperature washes

A standard 40º wash in a D* energy rated washing machine will cost around 35 cent per wash. It’s not a huge amount of money but if you live in a large family and need to put on a wash almost every day you’re looking at forking out around €22 on every bi-monthly bill just on electricity costs alone.   

But you can reduce your running costs by washing your clothes at 30º where possible. And the lower temps will mean your clothes will last longer too. A win-win. 

Of course there will be times when a 40º or even a 60º wash is needed. Indeed it’s even recommended every few weeks to help keep your washing machine in good condition and free from bacteria. 

*under the new rating scale launched in 2021. This would have been rated A under the old scale. 

Look after your washing machine

A well maintained washing machine from a good brand should last well over 10 years if treated well. So give it some TLC. 

Every few months make sure you pull out and clean the filter in warm soapy water. Place a towel under the filter as up to a litre of water will likely spill out when you open it. The detergent tray should be cleaned too. Then run a hot cycle of at least 60º using a washing machine cleaner. And when you take your clothes out of the machine after a wash, leave the door open for a while so that the drum can fully dry/air out. This helps prevent smells and bacteria developing.

And never overload the washing machine. Along with not cleaning the filter, this is the main reason for machines breaking down.  

Consider ditching fabric softener 

The use of fabric softener on some fabrics such as towels and sportswear can reduce their absorbency and effectiveness over time. Sometimes it can also leave a residue on clothing. Those with sensitive skin can also find that it leads to irritation.   

It’s a personal choice. But consider whether you need to fork out on fabric softener at all, especially during the summer months when it’s easier to dry clothes outside.  

Drying

Go easy with the tumble dryer 

Tumble dryers are big energy guzzlers. One hour of drying can cost around €1 at today's elevated prices (though ultra-modern, A-rated dryers will cost much less).

So where possible, use your tumble dryer during the winter months only. 

If it’s a good day, hang your clothes out on the line. And if you’ve no garden, hang them on a clothes horse in the spare room if you have one (though be mindful of damp/excess moisture - open a window from time to time to let in fresh air).    

While throwing socks, baby's bibs, and towels into the tumble dryer is usually fine, more delicate and expensive articles should be left to dry naturally. The high heat of a tumble dryer can be very harsh on clothes.    

Separate your clothes

Don’t overload your tumble dryer to try dry your clothes in one load. It’s a false economy. Two medium-sized loads will usually dry quicker than one heavy load.

And separate your clothes into lighter and heavier items - don't throw big towels and heavy hoodies in with your underwear!  

Use dryer balls

Dryer balls are similar to tennis balls. You throw them into your machine and they help separate your clothes and dry them up to 25% quicker. 

Use your dryer at off-peak hours

If you have a smart meter you may be able to avail of cheaper electricity by running your appliances at off-peak hours. And some smart tariffs offer completely free electricity at certain times during the weekend for example.

Check with your supplier to see what plan and rates you’re on and then move your usage accordingly if it will save you money. Many new appliances have delay start timers which can help you avoid peak-time usage.    

There are of course potential fire risks to running appliances late at night, so consider this and weigh up the risk/cost benefits for yourself.

Switch your electricity supplier

One of the easiest ways to save on your laundry costs is to switch to a cheaper energy supplier to help reduce your electricity bills. 

You can compare tariffs and deals from all of Ireland’s energy suppliers on bonkers.ie in just a few clicks.

Most suppliers offer big discounts for an entire year to those who switch. And with our energy comparison service, switching has never been easier!