Laundry Tips
Wash smarter, not harder
Wash Clothes in Cold Water to Save $200/Year
Cold water cleans just as well as warm for most loads — and saves $200/year in water heating costs.
Tennis Balls in the Dryer Cut Drying Time
Toss 2-3 clean tennis balls in the dryer — clothes dry 25% faster and come out fluffier.
Remove Wrinkles with Ice Cubes in the Dryer
Toss wrinkled clothes in the dryer with 3 ice cubes for 10 minutes — steam removes wrinkles.
Use Aluminum Foil Instead of Dryer Sheets
Ball up aluminum foil and toss in the dryer — eliminates static cling for months of reuse.
Pre-Treat Stains with Dawn Dish Soap
A drop of Dawn on any stain before washing removes grease, food, and makeup that regular detergent misses.
Unshrink Clothes with Baby Shampoo
Soak shrunk clothes in lukewarm water with baby shampoo for 30 minutes — fibers relax and stretch back.
Wash Jeans Inside Out to Prevent Fading
Turn jeans inside out before washing — the outside stays dark and unfaded much longer.
Zip Zippers Before Washing to Protect Clothes
Zip all zippers closed before washing — open zippers snag and tear other garments.
Dry Clothes Faster by Adding a Dry Towel
Add a clean dry towel to wet laundry in the dryer — absorbs moisture and cuts drying time by 15-20%.
Use White Vinegar as Fabric Softener
1/2 cup white vinegar in the rinse cycle softens clothes, removes odors, and costs pennies.
Mesh Bags Protect Delicates in the Wash
$5 mesh laundry bags protect bras, underwear, and delicates from tangling and stretching.
Remove Deodorant Marks with Dryer Sheets
Rub a dryer sheet on white deodorant streaks — they disappear in seconds.
Clean Your Washing Machine Monthly
Run an empty hot cycle with vinegar monthly to prevent mildew and keep clothes smelling fresh.
Hang Dry Clothes to Save $200/Year
A $15 drying rack or clothesline eliminates the dryer for most loads — saving $200/year in electricity.