Don’t get taken to the cleaners. Here are a DOZEN money saving laundry tips.

For the WASHER:
1) Check your clothing labels. Many fabrics do great in cold water and you can always rinse in cold water. Some data says that 90% of the energy used when washing clothes is used for heating the water. Getting out of hot water can save you money - as much as $70 / year on your energy bill. (See seventh generateion )
2) Do less laundry.. encourage your children to wear jeans and over-shirts more than once.
3) Measure and use only the minimum amount of laundry soap required. Make sure you are using the proper amount or a little less if your detergent is concentrated.
4) Buy your detergent with coupons and when it is on sale.:) You can buy very effective pre-treatment spray, delicates detergent, a generic oxyclean product and dryer sheets all at the dollar store.
5) Full loads use a gallon or two more water, but the same amount of electricity, so try to do full loads.
6) Use the fast spin cycle to squeeze out as much water as possible from your clothes. This reduces the amount of time spent in the dryer.

For the DRYER:
7) Clean out the dryer lint. This allows for maximum air flow.
Using a dryer that senses when your clothes are dry will save $$.
9) Rip dryer sheets in half or thirds to save money.. You can buy a pack of 55 sheets at a dollar store. If you tear them in half or thirds (along the lines) it makes each load less than a penny.
10) Use a laundry ball or tennis ball to separate the laundry while drying. This shortens the dry time.
11) Separate your wet clothes as you put them into the dryer. This also speeds drying time.
12) Make sure your dryer vent is sealed tightly on the outside of the house. If the flapper stays open in the winter, cold air will come into your house and rob you of some energy $$.

enJOY
-Kathy Danner
www.PBandJAHM.com
simple, fun, frugal