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The Frugal Washing Machine

The way you load and set your washer can save you at least 50 percent a load.

I love writing about ways to save money on laundry, because it is just one of those expenses that can’t be avoided. I do know people who do everything they can to avoid doing laundry, from airing out their clothing instead of washing it between times it is worn (can be frugal) to purchasing more clothing (probably not frugal, although it can be).

Although I can do without many things in an effort to be frugal, I just can’t skimp on having clean clothes. Because of this, and a family of five, I do laundry at least twice a week. Along the way, I have made every effort to reduce this cost, from hanging laundry to making my own detergent. But here is a real gem. Did you know that the way you load and set your machine can save you money? It is true. Here is how.

First try to wash only the largest loads possible. This is where buying extra clothes comes in. It can be frugal if it allows you to wash larger loads.

Fill your washer first before adding clothes or detergent. I used to stuff the clothes in, add the detergent and then turn the washer on. But this is less efficient. Filling the washer first will allow you to use less detergent (save $), use powdered detergent instead of liquid (save $) and will get the clothes cleaner.

If you have an auto soak feature on your washer, use it. Otherwise let the washer fill, add the detergent and then add the clothing. Let the washer agitate for a few minutes (you can sort your next load) and then stop the machine. Let the clothing soak for at least 30 minutes. Again you will save on the amount and type of detergent, and eliminate most of the need for pre-treaters (save $).

Mary Ann Romans also writes for the Computing Blog here at Families.com where she shares everything from the latest news on technology to cool downloads and fun websites.

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About Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, online content manager, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania in the middle of the woods but close enough to Target and Home Depot. The author of many magazine, newspaper and online articles, Mary Ann enjoys writing about almost any subject. "Writing gives me the opportunity to both learn interesting information, and to interact with wonderful people." Mary Ann has written more than 5,000 blogs for Families.com since she started back in December 2006. Contact her at maromans AT verizon.net or visit her personal blog http://homeinawoods.wordpress.com