Most Helpful Hints: Saving Money in the Laundry Room

Here are a few hints that will help you to save money in the laundry room:

Don't use liquid laundry detergent. You're paying for the water in the container. Buy granulated (i.e. dry) laundry detergent instead, and add your own water for free.
You can save even more if you use laundry bar soap. It's not available at all supermarkets, but many of them still carry it. It's exactly what it sounds like &mdash a bar of soap that you use as laundry soap. You can put the whole bar directly in your washing machine; the agitator action washes off enough soap to do the job. However, you have to remove it before the rinse cycle starts. Alternately, you can shave off some soap shavings or small chunks from the soap bar with a knife. It's certainly more trouble than granulated laundry detergent, but it is quite a bit cheaper.
Instead of Spray 'n Wash or Shout, or some other stain remover, try using dish detergent. Squeeze a little bit of liquid dish detergent on each stain before putting laundry in the machine. You can even do this ahead of time, and let the stained item sit for a day or two until you are ready to do your laundry.
Rinse everything in cold water. This will save you money on your hot water bill.
Don't use your dryer. Your dryer uses more energy than any other appliance! Instead, hang your clothes outside on a clothesline. Sunshine is a natural disinfectant, as well as the cheapest way to dry clothes. For rainy days, string some clotheslines in your basement or your attic.