Frugal Laundry Essentials for Low-Cost and Eco-Friendly Washing
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There are many ways that you can save money in the laundry and reduce the environmental impact at the same time. Washing in cold water, using an eco-friendly detergent and line-drying your washing are just three money-saving options.
For lots of tips on saving money in the laundry check out the articles:
Washing clothes the old fashioned way is easier if you have the right equipment. A good clothes rack, for instance, allows for easy all-weather drying if you don’t have or don’t want to use a dryer.
Below are a list of resources that can help you save money on washing. Some are an upfront investment that will save you money over the long run compared to running the dryer, for example. Others are some eco alternatives to regular washing detergents.
You can also buy eco-washing detergent at the supermarket – keep an eye out for specials – especially half-price specials – when you can stock up and save money.
Frugal Laundry Essentials For Green and Low-Cost Washing
Saving money in the laundry means investing in the right equipment. A clothes drying rack, for example, will save you hundreds compared to using a dryer. Below I've also included some items that will help reduce the environmental impact of doing the laundry as well.
Foldable Clothes Drying Rack
A clothes drying rack is a great way to dry most clothes. This one is extendable, so it fits into a small space and extends to hold more, but there are a tonne of clothes drying rack options.
Wall-Mounted Collapsible Drying Rack
If you're short on space, a wall-mounted rack that extends and can be folded away is a great option.
Smalls Clothes Drying Rack
One of these racks is invaluable for socks, underwear, masks, baby clothes and other small items, saving space.
Stainless-steel Pegs, Marine Grade
I absolutely love these pegs. We have marine grade because we live near the beach, but you can get cheaper versions that aren't marine grade. They don't leave peg marks as much as other pegs, they're strong and durable and we use them for everything including in the kitchen to clip bags.
Wool Dryer Balls
These wool dryer balls are handmade from organic New Zealand wool. While we don't have a dryer, many people swear by these to cut drying time and soften clothes. They don't prevent static, however.
Ecostore Laundry Powder - Fragrance Free | Nourished Life
I made my laundry powder for many years, but when we got busy, I switched to Ecostore laundry powder. You can buy this at the supermarket (keep an eye out for half price sales!) but you can't always get the frangrence-free version.
Organic Soap Berries (Soap Nuts)
Soap nuts are a great natural alternative to laundry detergent. They last ages, which means they can be cost-effective as well.
Naturally Better Oxygen Bleach
Chlorine bleach isn't good for the environment, but it can be handy to have on hand. A better alternative is oxygen bleach that is better for the environment.
The Australian Natural Soap Company Dish & Laundry Soap
My go-to stain remover in the laundry is plain-old supermarket brand laundry soap, which is excellent for removing most stains and is super cheap. However, it is made from animal products, so if you prefer something vegan, then this is a great alternative.
Ecostore Laundry Soaker & Stain Remover - Fragrance-Free
We used to use a laundry soaker on our cloth nappies, although I don't use it so much anymore. This one is fragrance-free. My son would get eczema when he was a baby, so we had to be careful what detergents we used.
Ethique Flash! Solid Laundry Bar & Stain Remover
I use laundry soap to get stains out but many people swear by stain sticks, which you use to pre-treat fresh stains before washing. This one is in bar form without plastic.