15 Genius Laundry Hacks to Save Money and Keep Clothes Looking New

Laundry is a household chore that never seems to end. While it’s a blessing to have modern machines and products to make the process easier, the associated costs can pile up.

From detergents to electricity bills, laundry expenses can be surprisingly high. But don’t worry — with the right strategies, you can significantly cut down on these costs.

Here are 15 clever laundry hacks that will keep your clothes fresh and clean and help you save hundreds of dollars annually.

1. Beat Wrinkles Without Ironing

Hate ironing? You’re not alone. Instead of dealing with a hot iron, try these simple alternatives:

• Steam it in the shower: Hang wrinkled clothes in the bathroom while you shower. The steam will naturally relax the fabric’s fibres, leaving you with smoother clothes.
• DIY wrinkle spray: Mix water with a few drops of lavender essential oil in a spray bottle. Lightly spritz the clothes, smooth them out with your hands, and let them air dry.
• 5-minute dryer trick: Lightly spritz your wrinkled clothes with water, throw them in the dryer for 5 minutes, and remove them immediately. Creases will disappear like magic.

2. De-Grease Stains with Baby Powder or Chalk

Grease stains can ruin your favourite clothes, but you can fight them with everyday items like baby powder or white chalk. Here’s how:

• Rub baby powder or chalk directly on the greasy stain.
• Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to absorb the grease.
• Wash the clothing as you normally would, and the stain should be removed.

These handy items soak up the grease before it can set in, saving you the cost of buying expensive stain removers.

3. Cut Laundry Cycles to Save Energy

Did you know you may be over-washing your clothes? Many washing machines offer extra rinse cycles that aren’t always necessary. Here’s how to save:

• Test your machine: Run your wash on a single rinse cycle and check the cleanliness of the clothes. If they’re still clean, stick to one rinse going forward.
• Shorten the wash cycle: For lightly soiled clothes, opt for “quick wash” settings. This will save water, energy, and time.

4. Know Your Water Temperature

Washing clothes at the wrong temperature can be costly. Hot water consumes more energy and can wear out fabrics faster. Use these temperature tips to save:

• Cold water: Use for colours, delicate fabrics, and denim.
• Warm water: Use for light-coloured clothes, linens, and everyday wear.
• Hot water: Reserve for heavy stains, whites, and deep-cleaning towels.

Switching to cold water for most loads can cut your energy bills significantly.

5. Air-Dry Clothes to Keep Them Looking New

Dryers are convenient but cause shrinkage, fading, and wear on fabrics. Here’s how to extend your clothes’ lifespan:

• Hang your clothes to dry, especially high-end fabrics, jeans, and adult clothing.
• Use foldable drying racks indoors or hang clothes on a line outside.
• Save on energy bills by running your dryer less often.

6. Extend Dryer Sheets by Cutting Them in Half

Dryer sheets are essential for fresh, static-free clothes, but you can make them last twice as long using only half a sheet. Surprisingly, half a sheet works just as well as a whole one. Double the lifespan of your box of dryer sheets with this simple hack.

7. Use Wool Dryer Balls Instead of Dryer Sheets

Want a more eco-friendly option? Try wool dryer balls:

• Save drying time: Wool balls improve airflow in the dryer by keeping clothes apart, leading to more efficient drying.
• Softening effect: They naturally soften fabrics, reducing the need for fabric softeners.
• Reusable: Unlike dryer sheets, they can be used for hundreds of cycles.

8. Replace Dryer Sheets with Aluminum Foil Balls

If you’re in a pinch, grab some aluminium foil from the kitchen:

• Roll it into tight balls (about the size of a baseball).
• Toss the balls into the dryer with your wet clothes.
• They eliminate static and can be reused indefinitely.

9. Revive Towels with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Towels can lose their absorbency and develop a sour smell over time. Here’s how to revive them:

1. Wash towels in hot water with 1 cup of vinegar (no detergent).
2. Follow up with another wash using 1 cup of baking soda.

This method removes buildup and restores the towels’ fluffiness and absorbency.

10. Clean Your Washing Machine Regularly

A dirty washing machine can transfer dirt, soap residue, and bacteria onto your clothes. Cleaning it monthly keeps it running efficiently. Here’s how:

• For top-loading machines, run a hot cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar and 1/2 cup of baking soda.
• For front-loading machines, use the machine’s self-cleaning option or follow manufacturer guidelines.

This practice reduces maintenance costs and extends the life of your machine.

11. Speed Up Hand-Washing with a Salad Spinner

If you have delicate, hand-wash-only clothing, don’t wait for it to drip dry. Use a salad spinner!

• Place the item in the spinner and spin it for 30 seconds to remove excess water.
• Air dry it on a flat surface or hang it to finish drying.

This method speeds up the drying process for delicates, saving you time and space.

12. Make DIY Fabric Softener with Vinegar and Essential Oils

Store-bought fabric softeners can be expensive and full of chemicals. Instead, make your own:

• Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 20-30 drops of essential oil in a jar.
• Add 1/4 cup of the mixture to your washing machine during the rinse cycle.

The vinegar naturally softens fabrics, and the essential oils leave a refreshing scent.

13. Avoid “Dry-Clean Only” Clothing

Dry-cleaning bills add up quickly. Reduce costs by buying machine-washable clothes instead of “dry-clean only” items.

• Look for clothes made from cotton, polyester, or blends.
• If you have “dry-clean only” clothes, see if they can be hand-washed with mild detergent.

With this approach, you’ll reduce dry-cleaning trips and expenses.

14. Revive Whites Naturally

Don’t let your white clothes turn yellow or dingy. Here’s how to keep them bright:

• Sunlight: Dry whites outdoors to benefit from the sun’s natural bleaching effect.
• Baking soda: Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your wash load for brighter whites.
• Aspirin: Toss a crushed aspirin into the washer for stain-free, crisp whites.

These natural methods are safer for fabrics than bleach and help avoid expensive whitening products.

15. Smart Tips for Cleaning Dry-Clean-Only Clothes at Home

When you absolutely must dry-clean, avoid paying full price:

• Look for coupons: Check for online promotions or local deals before visiting a dry cleaner.
• Wear with caution: Avoid wearing fancy “dry-clean only” clothes around messy kids or food.
• DIY Dry Cleaning: Some fabrics labelled “dry-clean only” can be washed at home. Test small, hidden areas before attempting this.

With a little caution, you can save big on dry-cleaning fees.

Bonus Tips to Brighten Your Clothes

Here are a few more simple tricks to brighten your clothes without spending a dime:

• Sunshine power: The sun naturally whitens whites and lightens stains.
• Aspirin magic: Add a single crushed aspirin to the wash cycle to brighten white fabrics.
• Baking soda boost: Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your laundry to make colors pop and whites shine.

Conclusion

Laundry doesn’t have to drain your wallet. By using these 15 creative laundry hacks, you can cut back on energy, water, and product costs while keeping your clothes looking fresh and new. From drying tricks to DIY fabric softeners, these money-saving tips can help you save hundreds each year. Try a few of these ideas today and watch your laundry expenses drop!