So one of the first things I did when we arrived was to make up a new batch of laundry detergent. So easy! And cheap! And it works! (Even in a front-load washer--not that I have one, but I've heard it does.)
I can't believe how much money this saves. Not to mention waiting in line at Costco and lugging the huge thing of detergent home along with all the other heavy stuff from there.
I've been washing all of our clothes in cold water and they've been getting just as clean--more money saved!
Know what this is?
Since we're out here in the desert now where it's super-duper hot, I spent $7.32 (or something like that!) at WalMart to buy a retractable laundry line. So now everything gets hung to dry outside.
More money saved!
Not to mention not heating up the house any more than necessary!
I've always kept a drying rack in the basement to dry delicates, so it's now set up outside on the patio too. With three sets of sheets and all those pillowcases, I filled both the line and rack full this morning. Everything dried in less than an hour, and the drying rack is now full again with beach towels and swimsuits.
I do wish the laundry line was just a bit longer, so I'm thinking I may need to go get a second one to run between the last two patio posts.
Got any Frugal Friday tips tucked away you wanna share? I'm all ears...
We have a laundry line outside and I've been using that to help save money. Today it was rainy so I had to do some laundry in the dryer. Before we moved here, my husband actually hung a laundry line between the doors of the closet where our washer and dryer was in our apartment. I would just hang dry clothes inside. It saved us a good bit of money on our electric bill!
Have a great weekend!
Karen
Posted by: Karen | July 10, 2009 at 02:29 PM
Sometimes I'm actually taking down the last load while hanging up the next load. They dry so fast! One of the perks of living in this heat!
And not only an energy saver... but your clothes will look better longer. Drying clothes in the dryer is so hard on fabrics.
Have a super, great weekend Joanne!
Posted by: linda t | July 10, 2009 at 03:41 PM
I put all leftover veggies (drained of any juice, butter, etc.) in a freezer storage container and stick it in the freezer. I continue to add to it until the container is full. Then I put the veggies in the crockpot (frozen), add a large container of broth (whatever I happen to have), cut up chicken or beaf (if I have it), add some spices... voila! Soup! I also try to throw a batch of bread in the breadmaker that same morning. Instant meal! Really great in the winter, but good even for summer days when I'm going to be out and about, or don't want to heat up the kitchen cooking.
Posted by: Dawn W | July 10, 2009 at 06:26 PM
Yeah, as a former Phoenix-er, your light bill will thank you for using a line to dry. Line drying in MO just varies...today's humidity...no way, some days when a front moves in, maybe. The best thing about Phoenix is winter and that fascinating botanical garden and mountains to climb, in winter, of course. I enjoy peeking into your world. Enjoy homeschooling!!
Posted by: Lisa | July 11, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Oh how I've missed your Frugal Fridays!
So is that line sturdy enough to hold an entire load of laundry? Do you just attach the end to a hook or something? I have been wanting a clothesline for awhile now--could it be this easy and cheap?!?!?
Could you post a pic of all your clothes on the line? I am ignorant about how this whole clothesline thing works.
Posted by: Bethany Peters | July 11, 2009 at 09:44 PM
My mom loves her laundry line. Here in the Houston humidity and pollens I am hesitant to dry outside because of our allergies. Start now to look for "school lunch goodies on sale with coupons". We homeschool so the one day a week we go to co-op I try to make the lunches fun for my kids.
Another saver if you have a mis print page flip it over and print on the other side...try in print in black and white more often.
Posted by: Kimberly S. | July 12, 2009 at 07:40 AM
Good for you!
Line drying saves so much green house gas too, not to mention all those pennies!
In Australia we all dry our washing on these huge washing lines called hills hoists. If it's windy they dry quicker than when you put them in the dryer, especially the sheets.
Glad to see how well you guys are settling in!
AnnieXX
Posted by: Annie | July 12, 2009 at 04:04 PM
I have a question. What is washing soda? Is it Arm and Hammer detergent? Liquid or powder? And, when you let the detergent "sit" for 24 hours to gel, what do you let it sit in? Could you pour it into a big container (like the kind laudry detergent comes in), or should it be in an open container like a pot?
Thanks
Posted by: Kristy | July 12, 2009 at 05:19 PM
Joanne,
I'm going to try making this laundry soap.... What are "essential oils" and where would I find them?
I also found a link to make homemade fabric softener: http://www.recipezaar.com/Homemade-Fabric-Softener-179890
Have you (or any of your readers) tried this? I'm curious to know if it works. I remember from when I lived in Phoenix that the water is incredibly hard, and fabric softeners really helped....
Hugs,
Adrienne
Posted by: fuzzytop | July 13, 2009 at 07:15 AM
i've been line-drying my clothes for about 6 months now and love it. i live in a humid climate, so sometimes it will take up to 24 hrs for clothes to dry, but we also have lots of wind which is great for taking out wrinkles. i've heard that drying clothes indoors will add humidity to your house if you need that - like maybe in the winter. thanks for your great ideas!
Posted by: Leah | July 13, 2009 at 12:16 PM