Pinch Pennies With Homemade Laundry Room Products

Doing laundry is an inevitable chore and expense around your household, but there are ways to cut the costs on laundry basics by making these store-bought products yourself. Not only will you save money in the long run by going homemade, but you will cut down on the amount of harmful chemicals in your home and will eliminate toxic hazards for your children. Here are some ideas and recipes to help you get started:

1. Dryer sheets. Instead of trying to cut dryer sheets in half to save money, try this simple homemade variety. Here is what you’ll need:

• 1 part hair conditioner
• 1 part water

Mix the two above ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray a clean rag four to six times with the mixture and tumble with clothes in the dryer as usual. You can also use regular fabric softener or vinegar in place of the hair conditioner.

2. Laundry Detergent. Save money on laundry by throwing together this easy, inexpensive detergent in a pinch. You will need:

• 1 quart water, boiling
• 2 cups grated bar soap
• 2 cups Borax
• 2 cups washing soda
• 2 gallons water

Add grated bar soap to boiling water and stir until soap has melted. Pour the soap and water mixture into a large pot and add the Borax and washing soda. Stir well until all is dissolved. Add 2 gallons of water and stir well. Store in an airtight jar and use approximately ¼ cup for each load of laundry.

3. Tips for efficient washing and drying. Since using your washing machine and dryer has a substantial effect on your water and electric bills each month, consider these tips for cutting down your utility bills:

• Dry your clothes outdoors. Avoid the dryer all together by hanging your clothing on a line or rack outside. The natural freshness is unparalleled, and it won’t cost you anything.
• Wait until you have a full load. Doing small loads on a regular basis will make your water bill skyrocket, so save money by doing laundry only when you can fill up your washing machine.
• Use cold water as much as possible. Though some types of fabrics require a warm or hot wash cycle, sticking with cold water as much as you can will cut down on your electric bill.
• Clean dryer filters after each load. Your dryer will work more efficiently (and will thus use less power) if the filters are cleaned consistently.

4. Stain remover. Get rid of pesky clothing stains by applying this easy homemade mixture to the stained area as soon as you can. You will need:

• 1 cup hot water
• ½ cup baking soda
• ½ cup hydrogen peroxide

Mix ingredients together and then apply to stain (by soaking or spraying). Make as needed and don’t store for later, as this mixture will lose its potency over time.

5. Homemade fabric softener. Not only will you save money with this easy homemade product, but you might even have all of the ingredients on hand already. You will need:

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup baking soda
• 1 cup white vinegar

Combine baking soda and water and stir to dissolve. Slowly add 1 cup of vinegar (and expect a fizzy chemical reaction). Store the mixture in an airtight container and use approximately 1/3 cup for every load of laundry.

There is nothing like the crisp smell of fresh laundry, so if you miss that fragrance with some of these more neutral products, feel free to add some scented essential oils. With just a few drops you’ll be able bring out that scent you love and still keep your costs low.

Did you give any of these products a try? Share your reviews and your own tips with us here!

Tags: featured, savings

Category: Frugal Living