How many loads of washing do you put in your machine each week? For some of us, it might just be one. For others, it might be one a day! However many times we are running our washing machine, we need to know the cheapest way to wash clothes. That way we can keep washing the dirt from our clothing, dress our kids in their favourite attire and keep an eye on the cost of it all. Let’s have a look at the cheapest way to wash clothes.
What Is The Cheapest Way To Wash Clothes?
The most obvious way to drop the price you are paying to wash your clothing is to use the lowest temperature. Clothes can be cleaned on a cold wash and many of the detergents that you find on supermarket shelves work just as well at lower temperatures as they do on a hot wash.
Your machine probably has a whole host of different settings. The higher the temperature, the more energy you are using. This is because the majority of the energy used in a washing machine goes towards heating the water. You also need to keep an eye on the duration of your washing cycle. The longer the machine is running, the more you will be paying for energy costs. Different machines also use different amounts of energy. A new machine might be more energy efficient than an older one!
What Is The Cost Of Using Your Washing Machine?
To figure out the cost of using your washing machine, you need to look at the duration you are running the machine for and the cost per kWh to run. You’ll also need to know the price you are paying your energy company for your electricity. I cover all of this in another blog post here so you can figure out how much you are shelling out every time you run your washing machine.
How To Save Money On Washing Your Clothes?
The best way to save money whilst using a washing machine is low temperatures and short cycles. However, there are other ways to wash clothes too. Soak clothes in the bath. Wash clothing by hand.
You could even look to see if there is a local launderette that will work out cheaper than using your own energy at home. Some of these places will even collect and drop off your stuff for you, taking one more thing off your plate.
Your washing machine might be fairly old as well, meaning it is probably less energy efficient than a newer machine. Is it time to buy a new washing machine that is better-rated energy-wise? Find the cheapest way to wash clothes that works for you.
What Is The Cost Of Drying Your Clothes?
Tumble dryers are expensive to run. You can figure out how much it costs to run your specific dryer by doing the same equation as explained in the blog post above. I usually suggest avoiding using your dryer, unless you really have to. Maybe you need something drying within the hour, or the weather outside is so bad you can’t use the washing line. Drying during winter can be tricky! If you have large and bulky items to dry, it can be worthwhile using your dryer but you should always look for cheaper alternatives. Dryer balls can speed up the process too.
How To Lower The Cost Of Drying Your Clothes
The best way to dry your clothes is outside on a washing line. Using the wind and sun to dry your clothing is absolutely free! You don’t have to pay for this as you aren’t using any energy in the form of electricity. Simply hang your clothes on a line and in a short time, they will be dry and ready for folding and putting away.
You can also use washing maidens. These can be placed outside too if you don’t have room for a washing line. They are perfectly sized for a balcony! However, they can also be used indoors. Just ensure that you open a window every now and then because drying clothes indoors can lead to mould on walls. If drying your clothing indoors, a dehumidifier can also help speed up the process and eliminate any damp issues.
What Is The Most Efficient Way To Do Laundry?
There are many variables to consider when washing your clothes. It costs the same amount to run a machine on the same cycle, so you need to make sure you are maximising the space in the washer to clean the most clothes you can. Remember that the clothes need room to move around and actually be cleaned, so don’t overfill the machine.
You also need to maintain your machine. So many of us just expect our washing machines to stay clean and do a good job. However, there can be a build-up of dirt and grime in the machine that causes it to work less efficiently. There are products you can add to the wash to clear this. A top tip is leaving the door open after a wash so the machine gets aired out. You also need to clean the filters regularly.
Is It Cheaper To Wash On A Quick Wash?
Depending on the temperature that you are washing at, a quick wash will save you money. However if the quick was is at a higher temperature, you will likely pay more as the majority of the energy used in a washing machine is heating up the water. A short cycle cold wash is the cheapest way to wash clothes.
Is It Cheaper To Do Your Own Laundry?
Typically it is cheaper to do your own laundry. However, it is worth looking at alternatives that could cost a similar amount and free up your time. Consider what your time is worth washing and drying your clothes. If you can get someone else to do it for you and pay a similar cost, you can do other things with your time instead.
You might also find that a laundrette has bigger machines. Meaning you can fit more clothes in each cycle. If you have big and bulky items such as towels and bedding that you are going to struggle to get dry, it might be worth paying for them to be washed and dried for a fixed price. That way you know exactly how much you are spending and the items of washing aren’t draped on a washing maiden in your spare room for days on end over winter.
They could even end up smelling musty if they aren’t dried quickly. Meaning that the washing process has to start all over again. This is definitely something to consider over the winter months!
Final Thoughts
Whilst it is important to figure out the cheapest way to wash clothes, it is also important to consider the most efficient and effective way to keep on top of your washing. We all need clean clothes. Drawers of items that we can put on for work and school. Bedding to sleep in, towels to dry ourselves with. There is a lot to do so finding the best way that works for your individual circumstances is just as important as the cost you are paying.
