U.S. household utilities have risen in recent years and could see further increases amid the Iran War. Gas is one of the first places people will feel sticker shock, according to Christian A. Morales Reyes, CPA with Numbers Consulting, and then “utility costs can follow as higher transportation and energy inputs move through the supply chain.”
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One way to combat rising prices and save money is to change the way you do laundry. A few adjustments can make a difference in your utility bill.
1. Wash With Cold Water
Hot water costs money, so go for cold water instead when doing laundry. “Washing in cold water avoids the need to heat water, one of the biggest energy drivers in laundry,” said Stephanie Leichtweis, CEO of Ginsey Home Solutions.
Washing clothes in cold water averages 5 cents per load, per Cold Water Saves, versus 72 cents for a hot/warm load.
“Most of the time, cold water gets the job done just fine and you are not paying extra just to heat a full drum of water,” said Danny Ray, founder of PinnacleQuote, “The Life Insurance Experts.”
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2. Run Only Full Loads
Another trick to save money on laundry is to avoid doing a small load because it “wastes water, electricity and detergent,” Ray explained.
According to Leichtweis, running full loads helps reduce the number of cycles needed each week. “Combining compatible items into fewer loads is a simple way to save time, water and energy,” she said.
3. Hang Dry
Skipping the dryer might seem like a hassle, but the savings can add up. Depending on how many loads of laundry you do a week, you could save anywhere from about $80 to nearly $400 a year by air-drying some or all of your clothes, based on estimates from SolarTech that dryers cost 25 cents to 85 cents per load.
“It does not have to be all-or-nothing,” Ray said. “Even partial air-drying can take a little pressure off the bill.”
4. Clean the Lint Filter
Cleaning the lint trap won’t save as much as not using the dryer, but it does make a difference. “When lint builds up, the dryer has to work harder, and that usually means longer cycles,” Ray explained.
Making sure the trap is clean after every use “helps maintain proper airflow and keeps your dryer running efficiently,” Leichtweis explained.
5. Don’t Use Too Much Detergent
Instead of guessing how much detergent to use, measure it. “It seems harmless, but too much soap can leave residue on clothes and sometimes even lead to rewashing,” Ray said. “Using the right amount saves detergent itself and helps avoid wasting more water and power later.”
At the end of the day, lowering laundry costs is about switching up your routine. “Less hot water, fewer unnecessary loads and shorter dryer time can add up faster than people think,” Ray said.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Ways To Cut Your Laundry Costs as Utility Bills Spike
