Spin It to Win It: Real Frugal Laundry Hacks That Save Serious Cash (and Maybe Even Make You Feel Like a Wizard)

by Dagne Goodwin, The Real Frugalist

Let’s talk laundry. That never-ending, ever-growing pile of socks, towels, and mystery stains that silently mocks us from the basket. It’s easy to just toss it all in, hit a button, and hope for the best—but laundry can quietly gobble up your time, energy, and money if you’re not paying attention.

Luckily, I AM paying attention. And I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that keep my clothes clean and my budget intact.

 1. Spin That Load Twice

Especially for heavy things—towels, jeans, bath mats, dog blankets, or anything else that makes you grunt when lifting it wet. Running an extra spin cycle in the washer pulls out a surprising amount of water and makes drying faster and cheaper. Try it. It’s laundry magic. I’m fortunate to have this as a cycle on my washer but you can just pop it on when your washer stops if you don’t.

 2. Wash in Cold Water

Unless your stuff is greasy, extra gross, or you’re dealing with germ warfare, cold water works beautifully. It’s gentler on fabrics and saves on your hot water bill. Bonus: modern detergents are built for cold anyway.

 3. Use Less Detergent (and Stretch It Further)

More soap doesn’t mean cleaner clothes—it just means soapier rinse water and potential buildup. Use the recommended amount or slightly less, especially in HE machines.

Want to stretch your detergent even further?

• Mix half detergent with half washing soda for a low-cost powerhouse.
• Or DIY your own with washing soda, borax, and grated bar soap if you’re feeling crafty and committed. (Not for High Efficiency washing machines though)

 4. Wash Full Loads (But Don’t Overload)

Your washer and dryer use almost the same energy for a small load as a full one. Wait until you’ve got a proper pile before running it—but don’t jam it full. Overloading makes everything less clean and wears out your machine faster.

 5. Take Out the Heavy Stuff Early

Want your dryer to work smarter, not harder? Take out those bulky towels and bath mats mid-way through and hang them up. The rest of the load will dry faster without dragging them around. I like to hang mats over the porch rail—free sunshine and zero dryer minutes.

 6. Line Dry What You Can

Whether you’ve got a clothesline, a folding rack, or a good breeze and a porch chair, use it! Line drying saves a bundle over time, reduces wear and tear on clothes, and leaves everything smelling like a summer day. No scented beads required. I hang mine off my canopy that I have on my deck for shade. And this is how I hang my pants, upside down with magnets! Works great. (use what you have!)

 7. Use Dryer Balls

Wool dryer balls bounce around to separate clothes, reduce static, and speed up drying. They’re reusable for hundreds of loads and can be spritzed with a drop of essential oil if you want scent without chemicals. (Lavender is my go-to, because it says “I have it together,” even when I absolutely do not.)

 8. Cut Dryer Sheets in Half—or Skip Them Entirely

Dryer sheets are like toddler snacks: marketed in excess. One full sheet? Overkill. Cut them in half or even quarters. Or better yet, switch to reusable dryer balls or nothing at all—especially if you’re drying natural fabrics that don’t cling.

 Bonus Frugalist Wisdom:

• Clean your dryer lint trap and give the vent hose a good cleaning once a month. A clogged dryer runs slower, uses more energy, and could turn into a fire hazard.
• Wash your clothes less often (hear me out!)—jeans, sweaters, and pajamas don’t need a wash after every wear. You’ll save water, detergent, and fabric life.
• Try a vinegar rinse in place of fabric softener—just add ¼ cup to the rinse cycle. It softens clothes, removes buildup, and doesn’t smell once it’s dry.

Final Thought:

Laundry doesn’t have to be a budget-buster. With a few smart tricks, a little sunshine, and maybe a second spin cycle, you can keep your clothes fresh, your utility bills down, and your inner frugalist glowing with pride.

What’s your best laundry hack? Drop it in the comments or snap a pic of your line-dried masterpiece and tag me @TheRealFrugalist. Extra points if it’s flapping in the breeze with a mason jar of sun tea nearby.