Growing up, laundry was a fond memory. I remember my mom doing at least 4-8 loads a day. She always used Tide w/ Bleach, watered down fabric softener, and no dryer sheets, hang drying whenever possible, and a secret to get stains out! Her laundry came out perfectly clean, and smelling perfect! My mom taught me a few tricks over the years, and many I still use, a few I learned the hard way, by trying cheaper (it was not in the long run), and others I have weaned away from (separating by every single color). My mom always bought name brand detergents, and softener, and managed to still save! I am amazed at how well my mom did it all!
Now on to Detergent!
Use little detergent, even less with a front loader. All depends on what you feel comfortable with. I have a top loader energy efficient washer, and I use only about 1/8 of a cup with a regular load, and ¼ of a cup with a heavy duty loads. It is actually better for your clothes to use less detergent, it does not cause a build-up, and clothing last longer. Also vinegar in the rinse cycle will remove this build-up, AND NO...will not make your clothes stink!
A guide to buying powdered detergent. Do not go by the price on the label. I did this once, and wasted money on a decent brand, thinking it was a good deal! I bought 4 boxes of Purex powder for under 12 bucks, and it lasted 2 months, and did not clean my clothes well. So I went back to my mom's voice in the back of my head, Tide w/ Bleach. It is more concentrated, and cleans so much better. I spent 15 bucks on a box, 2 months later, I still have 2/3 of a box...what a save Sometimes you can even find coupons on Tide w/ Bleach! Also I can wash all my clothes on tap cold water, and the powder dissolves!
I cannot recommend much on liquid because I am not fond of it...it cost more, and does less. But one thing I do know, you can use less of liquid too!
If you get brave, and I am going to when my Tide w/ Bleach runs out, make your own! I am excited about this adventure! I am still researching the best recipes, so I will post later! I know you can make both powdered, and liquid. When I do get to make mine, I am going to switch to liquid, because it last longer, and I can add essential oils to it better than powdered!
There are many more tips, but for now that is it!
