Laundry costs the average U.S. household more than $600 per year in water, energy, and detergent — but small changes to your routine and equipment can cut that bill significantly. Data from Ace Laundry confirms that switching wash cycles, load sizes, and machine types are among the fastest ways to reduce utility costs. If you're already tracking your monthly expenses, you may be surprised how much the laundry line item can shrink. Ready to get started?
Quick Answer
Wash clothes in cold water, run full loads only, and use a high-efficiency machine to cut laundry costs. Clean the lint trap regularly, air-dry when possible, and buy detergent in bulk. These changes can reduce the average U.S. household's $600+ annual laundry bill significantly with minimal effort.
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Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switch to ENERGY STAR Certified Washers | $600–$1,200 | Homeowners replacing older machines | Visit Site |
| Choose Front-Load Over Top-Load Washers | $700–$1,500 | High-volume households cutting water bills | Visit Site |
| Select High-Efficiency Models | $500–$1,400 | Budget-conscious buyers upgrading appliances | Visit Site |
| Reduce Water Consumption Per Load | Free–$30 | Renters and owners wanting instant savings | Visit Site |
| Consider All-in-One Washer-Dryer Combinations | $900–$1,800 | Small spaces or apartments with limited room | Visit Site |
| Take Advantage of Lifetime Savings Programs | Free | Anyone maximizing rebates and utility incentives | See details |
How to Save Money by Doing Laundry: 7 Smart Ways to Try Now
Below you'll find detailed information about each aspect, including important details and considerations.
1. Switch to ENERGY STAR Certified Washers
Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR certified washer is one of the most effective long-term strategies to cut laundry costs. These machines use about 25% less energy and 33% less water than standard models, directly reducing your monthly utility bills. Over the lifespan of the appliance, the savings can easily total hundreds of dollars.
Why it saves money:
- Average annual energy savings of $45–$75 compared to non-certified models
- Lower water usage means reduced water heating costs as well
- Many utility companies offer rebates up to $100 for purchasing certified appliances
2. Choose Front-Load Over Top-Load Washers
Front-load washers consistently outperform top-loaders when it comes to reducing laundry expenses. They use up to 40% less water per cycle and require less detergent due to their tumbling wash action, which means you spend less on both utilities and supplies over time. According to Consumer Reports, front-loaders also extract more water during the spin cycle, cutting dryer run time and energy use.
Key advantages:
- Use roughly 13 gallons per load vs. 20+ gallons for top-loaders
- Shorter drying time reduces electricity costs per load
3. Select High-Efficiency Models
High-efficiency (HE) washers are specifically engineered to lower the cost of doing laundry by using less water, less detergent, and less energy per cycle compared to conventional machines. HE detergent, which is required for these machines, is concentrated, so a smaller amount goes further — saving you money on supplies as well as utilities. This combination of reduced inputs makes HE models a smart choice for households looking to shrink their overall laundry budget.
Notable savings:
- HE machines can save $50–$100 annually on water and energy bills
- Concentrated HE detergent costs less per load than standard formulas
- Compatible with cold-water washing, amplifying energy savings further
4. Reduce Water Consumption Per Load
One of the most direct ways to save money doing laundry is cutting how much water each cycle uses. Running full loads instead of half-empty ones, and switching to a high-efficiency (HE) washer, can reduce water use by up to 50% per cycle — translating directly to lower water and energy bills. Front-loading machines typically use 13–25 gallons per load compared to 40+ gallons for older top-loaders.
Practical steps:
- Always run full loads — a half-full load uses nearly the same water as a full one
- Select the correct load size setting if your machine offers it
- Cold water cycles heat less water, compounding the savings further
5. Consider All-in-One Washer-Dryer Combinations
Combo washer-dryer units can lower laundry costs by eliminating a separate dryer's energy draw and reducing total appliance footprint. Ventless condenser models don't require external ducting, making installation cheaper and more flexible. According to Consumer Reports, efficient combo units use significantly less energy per cycle than running two separate machines back-to-back, particularly for smaller households washing moderate loads.
Worth knowing:
- Best suited for smaller households or apartments with limited space
- Longer cycle times but lower combined energy and water usage
- Upfront cost ranges $900–$1,800, with long-term utility savings offsetting the investment
6. Take Advantage of Lifetime Savings Programs
Many utility companies and appliance manufacturers offer rebate programs, loyalty discounts, and energy-efficiency incentives that cut laundry costs over the long term. Signing up for time-of-use utility rate plans lets you run machines during off-peak hours — often 9 PM to 7 AM — when electricity rates drop by 20–50%. Pairing these programs with managing your spending helps you measure exactly how much you're saving each month.
Programs to explore:
- Utility company rebates for purchasing ENERGY STAR-certified washers (typically $50–$200 back)
- Time-of-use rate plans from your electricity provider for off-peak discounts
- Manufacturer loyalty programs offering maintenance discounts and extended warranties
Final Words
Small laundry habit changes can add up to serious savings over time — from washing in cold water to air-drying clothes. Ready to put these tips to work and start keeping more money in your pocket?