When I got my first utility bill as a new mom living in a tiny apartment, I nearly cried. It wasn’t the groceries or the heating—it was the laundry. Between burp cloths, tiny onesies, and our usual mess, the washer and dryer barely had time to rest. That was my wake-up call. I had to figure out how to stay clean and sane; without my bills spiraling out of control. That’s when I dove into the world of laundry frugality and learned exactly that—how to be frugal doing laundry.
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What I discovered didn’t just save us money—it extended the life of our clothes, made our home more eco-friendly, and took some pressure off our monthly budget. And friend, if you’re reading this, I bet you’re ready to do the same.
Laundry alone makes up about 5% of your total household electricity usage, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That doesn’t include water, detergent, or wear and tear on your clothes.
But the good news?
Small changes to how you wash, dry, and maintain your laundry routine can lead to big savings.
You may also like: 30 Secret Household Hacks To Save Money
10 Frugal (and Green) Laundry Tips
Let’s dive into 10 frugal (and green) tips to make your laundry routine budget- and eco-friendly—without compromising clean, fresh clothes.
1. Always Run Full—but Not Overloaded—Loads
Running full loads means you’re getting the most out of the water and energy used. But there’s a balance. Overstuffing your washer makes detergent less effective and increases strain on the machine.
Frugal Tip: Follow the “golden-hand rule”—leave a hand’s width of space at the top of the drum.
Full loads laundry can save up 3,400 gallons of water a year compared to when doing half-loads.
2. Use Cold or Warm Water—Reserve Hot for Special Cases
Modern detergents are designed to work well in cold water. Unless you’re washing cloth diapers or sanitizing oily rags, hot water is unnecessary—and expensive.
Frugal Tip: Switching from hot to cold water can cut your energy use in half for that cycle.
Around 90% of a washer’s energy goes into heating water.
3. Choose the Right Cycle Each Time
Avoid using “normal” or “heavy” cycles by default. Use gentle, eco, or quick wash modes for lightly soiled items. These save time, water, and energy—plus they’re gentler on your clothes.
Frugal Tip: Quick cycles can cut energy use by up to 35% depending on the washer model.
Using eco settings saves 25–30% more water.
4. Cut Down on Detergent and Skip Fabric Softener
More detergent doesn’t equal cleaner clothes. In fact, it leaves residue that leads to odor and buildup—meaning more rinsing and rewashing.
Frugal Tip: Use 50–75% of the recommended detergent. For softener, skip it altogether.
📌 Try white vinegar instead: it’s cheaper and keeps towels fluffy without residue.
Readers have also loved: 9 Homemade Cleaning Products That Will Save You (Big) Money.
5. Time Laundry During Off‑Peak Hours
If your utility provider charges variable rates, avoid peak hours (typically late afternoon to evening). Instead, wash laundry in the morning or late evening.
Frugal Tip: Off-peak rates can be 20–50% lower depending on your energy provider.
Check your local utility’s time-of-use pricing schedule for maximum savings.
6. Air‑Dry Whenever Possible—and Use Dryer Balls if Not
Line-drying clothes can slash your energy bill. If that’s not feasible, use wool dryer balls to reduce static and cut drying time.
Frugal Tip: Each load you air-dry instead of tumble-dry saves ~2–3 kWh. That’s about $0.30–$0.50 per load.
Wool dryer balls can shorten drying time by 25%.
7. Maintain Your Appliances for Efficiency and Longevity
Clean lint traps after every load. Wipe down seals, run a monthly hot vinegar cycle, and leave the door open after washing to prevent mold and improve air flow.
Frugal Tip: A well-maintained washer and dryer use less energy and last longer.
Clogged dryer vents cause 34% longer drying cycles.
8. Invest in High‑Efficiency Appliances Over Time
High-efficiency (HE) washers use 25% less energy and 33% less water than traditional models. ENERGY STAR-certified front-loaders also remove more moisture—cutting drying time.
Frugal Tip: If you’re replacing an old machine, opt for a certified HE model.
Average yearly savings = $370 in energy and water costs over the machine’s life.
9. Pre‑Treat, Soak, and Delay Washing When Possible
Stains come out easier if treated quickly. Soaking before washing reduces the need for repeat washes and harsh cycles. Also? Not every item needs to be washed after one wear.
Frugal Tip: Air out clothes, steam refresh, or use a fabric spray between washes.
📌 Jeans, sweaters, and jackets often go 3–5 wears before needing a wash.
10. Deepen Frugality with Natural and Eco Alternatives
Skip pricey name-brand detergents. Try soapberries, baking soda, or DIY powder blends. They’re budget-friendly and gentler on your skin and clothes.
Frugal Tip: A $10 bag of soapberries can last up to 100 loads.
Baking soda boosts cleaning and odor-fighting, especially in hard water areas.
The Bottom Line: Do More, Using Less
Saving money on laundry isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing it smarter. From tweaking your wash cycles to drying clothes naturally, every small shift adds up.
Over a year, you could save hundreds on energy, water, and detergent—and give your clothes a longer, fresher life.
And if you’re anything like me, you’ll love the feeling of making eco-friendly choices that also keep more money in your pocket.
What’s one laundry habit you’d love to change starting this week?
Last Updated on 8th August 2025 by Emma
