Laundry lessons: Cut costs by ditching these hidden mistakes
With the cost of living continuously rising, many of us are looking for ways to save money. How can you do it without making radical changes? It's possible. By simply changing your approach to laundry, you can significantly reduce your spending on electricity and water.
Using a washing machine seems straightforward - just put in the clothes, add detergent, and turn on the machine. However, this seemingly simple process has a few pitfalls that can lead to higher bills. It's worth knowing how to wash your clothes efficiently to save water, electricity, and money.
Saving while doing your laundry - what can you do?
One of the most common mistakes is overloading the washing machine. If you tend to fill the drum to the brim, it's time to change this habit. An overloaded washing machine does not operate efficiently, meaning clothes won't be cleaned properly and may develop an unpleasant odour. This forces you to wash them again, increasing energy and water consumption. Before you start the washing machine, check if you can easily fit your hand into the drum. If you can, the machine is ready to go.
Another common but costly mistake is choosing the highest washing temperatures. Remember, a higher temperature means more energy consumption. Therefore, using cooler water will lower your bills. The right choice of temperature also affects the durability of your clothes. Always check the care labels and follow their recommendations. If the manufacturer advises washing at 30°C (approximately 86°F), avoiding higher temperatures is best to prevent fabric damage.
The most costly laundry mistakes
Do you think more detergent will increase cleaning efficiency? This is a common belief but a mistaken one. Adding too much detergent not only wastes product but also makes it harder for the washing machine to rinse it properly. As a result, clothes may appear dull or covered with white streaks, forcing you to wash them again and increasing costs.
To save on laundry, also avoid washing some clothes too often. Underwear, socks, tights, swimsuits, pyjamas (without underwear), and sportswear need regular washing. Other garments only need washing when you notice stains or smell sweat. You can remove minor stains by spot cleaning.
