Patric Richardson’s Money-Saving Laundry Tips

When it comes to laundry, no one does it better than Patric Richardson! The Laundry Guy and author of “Laundry Love” and “House Love” joined us to share his money-saving laundry tips. For more great tips from Patric, check out his website and YouTube channel.

I know laundry can get expensive. Between detergent, dry cleaning, and constant washing, the costs really add up. But you don’t have to spend a fortune to keep your clothes clean and fresh. Here are 5 tips that’ll save you some money and help you get the most out of your laundry routine:

1. Skip the Dry Cleaning — Dry cleaning is expensive and unnecessary. The truth is, you can safely clean most fabrics with a good soap like Soap Flakes. It’s more effective and way easier on your wallet and your clothes!

2. Wear Your Clothes More Than Once — Don’t feel like you need to wash everything after one wear. A quick spritz of vodka or fabric spray can freshen things up. And remember, you can wear your favorite jeans 5 or 6 times before washing.

3. Create Your Own Stain Kit — Before you toss something because of a stain, try this: grab some laundry soap, oxygen bleach, a horsehair brush, a spray bottle with vinegar and water, and a bottle of oily soap like stain solution from The Laundress. This kit can tackle almost any stain and save your favorite clothes from ending up in the trash.

4. Use the Express Cycle — The express cycle is quick and gentle on your clothes. The worst thing you can do to your laundry is over-agitate it. And if you can, hang your clothes instead of throwing them in the dryer — not only will it help your clothes last longer, but it’ll save you some cash, too.

5. Ditch the Dryer Sheets — I’m not a fan of dryer sheets. They’re overpriced, and frankly, there are better options. Try a ball of aluminum foil in your dryer — it’s cheap, works better to reduce static, and is way better for the environment and your clothes.