Ways We Save Money on Laundry in Retirement
I’ve mentioned in other posts that my partner and I can only afford retirement in our late fifties because we’re super thrifty. We see all this economy as a bit of a fun game that now comes as second nature. I’ve written before about how we save big sums of money, hundreds or thousands or pounds at a time. But it’s also important to keep an eye on the smaller amounts too. All those regularly saved pounds and pennies add up. Without doing this we’d definitely have to balance the book with a part time job each.
Occasionally I’ll pick a topic and pick my brains about how we save money in a particular area of our daily life. This time it’s the turn of laundry. Here’s some ideas of how we keep down the costs of keeping our clothes clean.
Don’t Change Clothes on A Daily Basis
When my Dad came to stay I was alarmed at how much washing that a sedentary elderly man could produce. Surely changing shirts daily isn’t necessary? Anyway I only change my clothes that often when they are harbouring strong cooking smells or are visibly dirty. Actually that’s incorrect. I’ll keep mud encrusted allotment stuff aside and wear it two or three times before it hits the machine. I look like Mildew, Fungus the Bogeyman’s wife. It’s a good job that it’s only a short walk to our plot.
Most clothes that are they’re good for a least two or three days, even longer when we’re on holiday in the motorhome. I’d trust my friends and family to tell me if there was a nasty niff but they haven’t yet. And as I’m a clumsy clot always spilling something I’m a dab hand (get it!) at spot cleaning.
Buying Washing Powder and Fabric Conditioner Cheaply
We stock up on washing powder and fabric conditioner when it’s on special offer. I can’t recall when I last bought laundry supplies that were full price. It’s normally supermarket own brand as well so we’re quids in as opposed to buying from the big names.
Being Economical With Washing Powder Use
Did you know that you can have too much of a good thing? Apparently excessive detergent can cause damage to your clothes and the washing machine. It’s a waste of money too so go easy when you’re adding those soapy suds and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
No Dry Cleaning or Ironing
I haven’t visited a dry cleaners in years. I am selective about what I buy. If the washing instructions are overly fussy or dry cleaning is required a garment doesn’t normally come home with me. That’s not to say that clothes with ‘dry clean only’ haven’t made it into the wardrobe. I’ve just stuck them in the washing machine on a gentle wash and crossed my fingers. There’s been no harm done yet.
I don’t iron anymore. It dawned on me a few years back what a waste of time and money this activity was. Again it affects my buying decisions but sometimes I look a bit creased. It’s not for long though. With the heat from my body I act like a human trouser press and I’m soon crinkle free!
Low Temperature Washes
Most things come out perfectly fine on a thirty degree wash. What’s more, unless they’re excessively grubby I’ll do them on the short cycle that takes just over an hour.
Not Too Much, Not Too Little, Just Right
Running a machine with just a pair of socks in it is a nonsense. Hold off on the laundry until you have a full load but there is a caution here.
Stuffing the machine to the gunwales until it can hardly move won’t get the clothes clean. They have to be able to tumble and get agitated you see.
Gas Tumble Drying
Yes, I know that line drying is free and I have to admit to loving the smell of freshly laundered clothes that have been hung in the open air. But a houseful of people produce a lot of wet clothes and I think I’d lose the will to live if I had to fight through damp laundry in every room during the cold rainy months.
Our little luxury is a very rare gas tumble dryer that was installed by my partner when he was a properly registered heating engineering. It’s the domestic version of the type that they have in laundrettes. It costs pence per load and is to my mind money well spent.
Newer ultra efficient heat pump dryers are comparable in cost to run and we’d have one of them when our trusty White Knight finally hits the deck. But he’s twenty years old and still going strong.
Looking Forward
Our washing machine is over fifteen years old and we’re prepared for it to give up the ghost at any time. We’ll be checking those ratings for a super efficient model to save on ongoing costs. However at the purchase stage we’re looking to buy from an auction site. As I mentioned on that post about saving bigger sums of money you can pick up some absolute bargains.
Disclaimer
This post contains links to companies and organisations just because I’m happy with the products or services that they supply or I’m spreading the word about what they do. There may also be affiliate links to Amazon for books and other items that I am personally recommending. If you decide to make a purchase from them, I might get a little bit of commission at no cost to you.