Five Steps to Saving Money on Laundry Day

I don't know of a single person who fits into that category. I'm sure you don't either. We are all on the lookout for products and ideas to help us make our daily lives easier and save money at the same time.

At least I am. If you fall into that same category, you'll appreciate a few tips that will help you save some bucks. Saving money is even better when it's combined with something we do on a regular basis - like laundry.

1. Make your own laundry detergent.

It's not hard at all, and it really is cheaper.

Liquid Laundry Soap

1/2 cup borax (I use 20 Mule Team)

1/2 cup washing soda

1/3 bar Fels-Naptha soap (or you can actually use any bar soap - even homemade lye soap - if using homemade soap, use entire bar)

Grate Fels-Naptha bar then add to 4 cups water. Heat on medium until dissolved, then add borax and washing soda. Stir until dissolved completely. Pour this mixture into a bucket, then add one gallon plus six cups of water. Stir, then let sit for 24 hours. Use approximately 1/2 cup per heavy load. Can also be used as a stain pretreatment - rub a small amount on the stain. A few drops of your favorite essential oil can be used to scent this soap. Store in lidded bucket or container. Makes approximately 2 gallons.

Granulated Laundry Soap

6 bars Fels Naptha soap

1 cup borax

1 cup washing soda

Grate Fels Naptha soap, mix thoroughly with borax and washing soda, store in lidded container.

The Fels Naptha soap has a strong smell which some people find unpleasant, some actually like. It's really a matter of personal preference. Regardless of whether you scent the laundry soap or not, your clothes will come out smelling fresh and clean

Cost comparison (may vary from region to region): 1 5 1/2 ounce bar Fels Naptha soap, $1.29; 1 76-ounce box 20 Mule Team Borax - $3.59, 1 55-ounce box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda - $2.09.

Above liquid recipe makes 256 ounces, worth approximately 64 loads (using 1/2 cup per load) while granulated recipe makes 49 ounces, worth approximately 98 loads (2 tablespoons per load). Cost to make: liquid - $0.79 per 2 gallons (.012 per load); granulated - $8.46 per 49 ounces (.09 per load).

Note: Washing soda is NOT the same thing as baking soda (baking soda is sodium bicarbonate and washing soda is sodium carbonate - it is not safe to ingest).

All of these ingredients can be found in the laundry section of your local grocery store, usually on a top shelf. Ask if you can't find them - they may be hard to see.

2. Hang your clothes to dry.

The electric clothes dryer is one of the worst power users in a home. Drying those clothes uses a huge amount of energy and runs up an electric bill.

If you don't have outside space for a clothes line, indoor drying racks and small indoor retractable clothes lines can be purchased and easily installed in a bathroom or utility room. I've also put a retractable clothes line on a back porch to hang clothes - this works great if your porch is covered.

3. Try an alternative fabric softener.

It is possible to save money on regular fabric softeners - either buy liquid fabric softener refills or buy bulk packages of dryer sheets (most often available at warehouse stores like Sam's Club).

I have found, though, that the most savings come through alternative fabric softening options.

Dryer balls are one environmentally-friendly option. They work on the principal that their design lifts and separates clothes while gently massaging and relaxing the fabrics. The dryer balls are reusable and eliminate the need for chemical fabric softeners. They are also hypoallergenic. Because the dryer balls lift and separate the laundry, they are supposed to reduce drying time by as much as 25% - reducing the electricity charge for running the dryer. The dryer balls are small, rubber balls covered in soft rubber nodules or bumps.

While the dryer balls do work, they don't help with static electricity in your clothing. Combining the dryer balls with inexpensive dryer sheets will help and will keep the cost low. Most dryer sheets can be used twice. This doesn't work with all brands, but try it with your brand to see. This doesn't save you a whole lot of money, but every little bit helps.

Plain, white household vinegar can also be used in place of liquid fabric softener. A gallon jug usually costs less than $2. Use approximately 1/4 cup per load. White vinegar will also help soften your clothes when you hang them to dry.

4. Minimize your wardrobe.

Having clothing items that are easily mixed and matched will keep your laundry costs lower (fewer loads of laundry!) and will help declutter your closets and drawers. For kids, a good rule is seven dress outfits and seven play outfits per season. This is a great rule for adults too.

For socks, we buy packages of several pairs of plain white socks. Each sock is identical, making it easier to match up pairs (sometimes we do embellish girl socks with ribbons or lace so they are prettier). Each person in my household gets seven pairs in their drawer each week - then I try to wash socks only once per week (this doesn't always work, but I try!)

5. Train your family to wear items more than once before washing.

Hang your bathroom towels to dry after each use. Instead of throwing your clothes in the hamper after taking them off, look them over to see if they warrant another wearing.

Around our house, we have the rule "If it doesn't smell bad and it doesn't look dirty (visible stains, spots or dirty), then it can be worn again." This especially works with jeans. It does not, however, work with underwear or socks. Those items are definitely good for only one wearing. With kids, this rule doesn't always hold true, because my kids usually get their clothes very dirty by the end of the day. On occasion, though - it does work out.

In addition, I've instructed my children to fold up their pajamas and put them under their bed pillow when they take them off. This keeps those jammies ready for the next bedtime, and out of the hamper.

Incorporating just one of these tips into your laundry day can help you "clean up" your budget and start saving a little extra.