I Tried 8 Money-Saving Laundry Hacks—Here’s What Worked

When it comes to saving money, laundry might not be the first thing that crosses your mind. Yet, it’s one of those areas where small changes can really add up. From detergent choices to the way you dry your clothes, there’s a lot you can do to keep your laundry routine affordable—and efficient. But what actually works? I’ve seen countless laundry hacks floating around, promising to cut costs and streamline the process. So, I decided to put some of the most popular money-saving laundry hacks to the test. Some worked while others didn’t make the cut.

Hack 1: Using Less Detergent

This is one I’ve heard people swear by: use less detergent than recommended. Detergent companies often suggest you use more than necessary, and by cutting down to half or even a third, you supposedly get the same clean results while making the bottle last twice as long. So, I tried it.

The first load—using about half the recommended amount—came out clean enough. I didn’t notice any visible stains left behind, and everything smelled fine. However, after testing this with multiple loads, I did notice that with particularly sweaty or stained clothes, using less detergent just wasn’t cutting it. I had to rewash a couple of items, which defeated the purpose of saving detergent in the first place.

Final verdict: Using less detergent works for lightly soiled laundry, but don’t skimp if you’re dealing with a tough load. Otherwise, you might end up rewashing, which only uses more water and electricity, negating any savings.

Hack 2: Washing Everything in Cold Water

Cold water washes are touted as a great way to save energy. After all, heating water takes up a huge chunk of your laundry energy usage. So, I gave it a go—washing everything, from jeans to towels to delicates, in cold water.

I’ll admit, this hack worked better than expected. Cold water did a decent job on most items, even my everyday gym clothes. My whites weren’t as bright as they usually are, and some towels didn’t feel as fresh as I would like, but overall, it did the trick. It’s also nice knowing I was saving on electricity with every load.

However, certain items—like sheets and towels—benefit from a warmer wash to kill bacteria and ensure a deeper clean. So, while this hack worked, I wouldn’t recommend cold water for every load.

Final verdict: Cold water washing is a solid money-saver, but you might want to reserve warmer water for things like linens and heavily soiled items. It’s a balance between cleanliness and saving energy.

Hack 3: Wool Dryer Balls Instead of Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheets might seem like a small expense, but over time, they add up. Enter wool dryer balls, the reusable alternative that claims to soften clothes, reduce static, and cut down drying time. I was a little skeptical about this one but gave it a go.

The first thing I noticed was that the dryer balls really did help reduce drying time. I finished a load of towels, which normally take ages to dry, about 10 minutes faster than usual. Plus, the clothes came out feeling soft, though not as fragrant as they do with dryer sheets. If you’re into that clean laundry smell, you might miss it. However, I didn’t experience much static reduction, which was a bit of a letdown for synthetic fabrics.

Final verdict: Wool dryer balls are a great investment for cutting drying time and avoiding the waste of dryer sheets. If you like fragrance, though, you might want to add a few drops of essential oil to the balls before each load.

Hack 4: Drying Clothes on a Rack

Line drying—or using an indoor drying rack—promises to save you both energy and wear-and-tear on your clothes. I was intrigued by this one, especially since the weather was nice enough to give it a shot. The idea is simple: instead of using your dryer, hang everything up and let nature (or indoor air) do the work.

This hack definitely worked in terms of saving money. Not only did I avoid using the dryer entirely, but my clothes came out feeling fresher, with no shrinkage or heat damage. That said, line drying does take patience. It took nearly an entire day for my thicker items to dry completely, and I had to plan ahead to ensure I wasn’t stuck waiting on clothes for the next day.

For smaller spaces or those with lots of laundry, drying racks might become a bit of a laundry storage headache, so this method isn’t always practical.

Final verdict: Great for saving energy and preserving clothes, but slower and more cumbersome than using the dryer. It’s a solid option when you’re not in a rush.

Hack 5: Skipping the Fabric Softener

Fabric softener isn’t cheap, and some experts say it’s not even necessary. The claim is that you can ditch it altogether and use vinegar instead for a natural softening effect. I tried this out on a couple of loads, replacing my usual softener with white vinegar.

The results? Surprisingly soft clothes. I didn’t notice much of a difference in texture between using vinegar and using fabric softener, but there was one drawback—no scent. If you’re used to that fresh-out-of-the-dryer fragrance, you might be disappointed. Plus, the vinegar didn’t eliminate static cling as effectively as fabric softener would, especially on synthetics.

Final verdict: Vinegar works well for softening clothes, but if you’re after scent or static reduction, you might want to stick with your regular fabric softener.

Hack 6: Full Loads Only

It seems obvious, but one of the easiest ways to save on laundry is to wait until you have a full load before running the washer. It’s all about maximizing the use of water and energy. I’ve always been in the habit of doing laundry a bit more frequently to avoid a pile-up, so I decided to wait longer between washes and do only full loads.

I’ll be honest—this one’s harder than it seems, especially if you’re used to staying on top of laundry regularly. By the time I had enough for a full load, I found myself running low on essentials like socks and workout clothes. However, this method did make a noticeable difference in reducing water and electricity usage.

Final verdict: It’s an effective way to save, but it takes planning. You’ll need to be okay with larger laundry days and possibly fewer clean clothes in between.

Hack 7: Washing Jeans Less Frequently

We’ve all heard that washing jeans too often can wear them out prematurely. Some even suggest only washing them every few weeks—or freezing them to kill bacteria in between wears (spoiler: that doesn’t actually work). I put this to the test by wearing my favorite pair of jeans several times before tossing them in the wash.

This one didn’t work for me. Sure, my jeans didn’t wear out as quickly, but they definitely started to feel and smell less than fresh after a few wears. The fabric stretched out, and the jeans just weren’t as comfortable as they were right after washing. While it might work for some, I couldn’t get on board with wearing them that many times between washes.

Final verdict: Washing jeans less frequently might extend their lifespan, but the comfort and cleanliness trade-off wasn’t worth it for me. Stick to what feels right.

Hack 8: Washing During Off-Peak Hours

If you’re looking to save on electricity, doing laundry during off-peak hours—typically late at night or early in the morning—could help lower your bill. I tried switching up my laundry schedule, running loads after 7 p.m. and before 11 a.m.

While this hack made sense financially, it wasn’t always convenient. I prefer to do laundry during the day when I’m more likely to be at home and have time to put it away afterward. Doing it late at night meant my laundry routine got pushed into awkward hours, and I ended up with laundry piles waiting until morning to be folded.

Final verdict: Washing during off-peak hours can save you a bit on your energy bill, but only if it fits into your routine. For some, the timing might be more of a hassle than a help.