As much of a pain as it can be, doing laundry is an absolute necessity (unless you have a VERY accommodating employer, open-minded neighbors… and you don’t mind a draft). Thankfully, clothes washers and dryers aren’t terribly costly to run. If you have a front-loading washer and average-sized dryer, and you’re paying the current regulated energy rate of about 4.9 cents per kWh, the electricity necessary to do one load of laundry costs between 20 and 30 cents. Where you fall in that range depends on how often you wash using hot water.
But that cost does add up over time. A family of four averages about eight loads of laundry per week. This gives a weekly energy cost of between $1.60 and $2.40, which translates to about $100 per year. And of course, if electricity prices climb back up, then those figures will climb as well.
If you have a large family, or you have small children who necessitate doing a lot of laundry, this can put a serious dent in your budget. But minimizing clothes washing costs isn’t hard. Following just a few simple guidelines can save you a chunk of change.
- Do full loads of laundry. A few large loads of laundry require much less electricity than many small loads. If you do have to do a small load of laundry, remember to set the water level to the appropriate setting.
- Separate towels and heavier clothing from more lightweight items, as heavy items take much longer to dry. If you always throw everything in together, then you always have to run your dryer for the maximum amount of time. Sorting your laundry will allow you to run the dryer for much less time when you’re drying lightweight clothing.
- Clean the lint trap regularly, and use a vacuum with a nozzle attachment to suck out loose lint that collects beneath the lint screen. Additionally, occasionally check the dryer vent for obstructions. Better air circulation means that your dryer will work more effectively, and dry clothes quicker.
- Use a clothesline or drying rack when the weather is warm outside. More than half the cost of doing a load of laundry is from using the dryer.
- If you have a front loading washer or high-efficiency top-loader, use detergents that are specifically labeled for these types of washers. They produce less suds and rinse more efficiently, meaning that you can use much less water in every load.
- The next time you buy a new washer or dryer, look for an energy efficient model. Also, purchase a dryer with a moisture sensor. Dryers equipped with these sensors automatically shut off when a load of clothes is dry. This will not only save you money, but will also keep your clothes in better condition.
