You've been doing your washing all wrong… Six tips to cut the cost of doing the laundry
SPRING is on the way – which means more outdoor play for children and dealing with their dirty clothes.
So now is a good time to think about driving down your laundry costs with help from these top tips.
SNIFF TEST: The Good Housekeeping Institute reckons you should wash jeans, jumpers and towels after every three uses. But if they look and smell OK, hold off for the sake of the planet — and your wallet.
MONEY LAUNDERING: The average washing machine costs about £38 a year to run four washes a week, according to the Which? consumer group. Switching to 30C would reduce this by £13 and turning down to 20C will cut it by £24.
POWDER POWER: Powder tends to be cheaper than liquid detergent. Best value is Aldi’s Almat bio powder at £2.99 for 40 washes. Bio is better for washing at 30 degrees as it contains enzymes that are activated at a lower temperature.
KEEP TABS ON LIMESCALE: Wilko’s 15-pack of laundry water softening tablets (£2) are on a three-for-£5 deal, making them 11p each. That’s three times cheaper than Calgon tablets.
GERMINATOR: Kill the germs lurking in your laundry by adding a cleanser to each wash. Aldi again wins the price war with its Wyx disinfectant laundry cleanser, costing £2.49 for two litres, or about 12p per wash. Don’t use it with fabric softener but do remember to add your usual detergent.
DRY-HARD: The sun not only dries clothes but also magically fades stains and makes white clothes brighter — so use your washing line when you can. If it’s damp outside, use an airer indoors. But don’t forget to open the windows to let out mould-making condensation.
Keep your tumble dryer’s filter fluff-free. It can make your machine more efficient and save nearly £20 on laundry costs.
- Prices correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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Deal of the day
SAVE £4 when you spend £12 or more on selected frozen foods at Tesco online, using code GRFFHG at checkout. Valid until Monday. T&Cs apply
SAVE: £4 on £12 spend
Cheap treat
MIX and match five packs of Batchelors Super Noodles, Pot Noodles or Pasta ’n’ Sauce for £3 at Morrisons, normally £3.75.
SAVE: 75p buying five
What’s new?
CALLING all new parents. The NHS has just launched a free weaning resource. The Start4Life hub contains more than 120 easy-to- prepare recipes and meal ideas, from first tastes to finger foods as well as tips on weaning. You can check it out at nhs.uk/start4life.
Top swap
WRAP up, vintage style, with the frill-collar cardigan, for £36 from Next. Or get a similar look with the one for £12.80, down from £16 at George.com until Monday and in Asda stores until Sunday.
SAVE: £23.20
Leah’s little helper
SHHH! You can still get the Terry’s Chocolate Orange hot chocolate from Costa until March 29. But it’s not on the drinks menu any more – just ask a barista to make you one.
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