When I re-read all three of the Tightwad Gazette books a few years ago, I made myself a list of the things we already do to save money, as well as the things I thought I might like to try and the things I’ve chosen not to do for whatever reason.  You can read more about previous lists: the home office/gifts list, the baby list, and/or the kitchen list.  And then we’ll move on to the laundry room – which includes both laundry and general cleaning.

We/I Already:

• Use dryer balls instead of dryer sheets.
• Use only half a dryer sheet at a time, when we do use them.
• Make my own laundry detergent, or buy it when it’s on sale.
• Buy a few basic cleaning products instead of a lot of specialized ones.
• Buy these basic cleaning products in bulk.
• Use reusable cleaning supplies rather than disposables.
• Invested in a quality mop with washable covers!
• Sewed my own cleaning apron.
• Look for cleaning supplies in less-expected places, like the janitorial section of Wal-Mart, the hardware store, etc.
• Use as little detergent as possible.
• Use bleach only in dishrags (to kill mold, etc.), not in all of our whites.
• Keep the lint trap clean.
• Save and using the lint (in homemade paper).
• Use a bagless vacuum cleaner.
• Purchased a carpet cleaner so we didn’t have to pay to have the van cleaned.
• Switched most of our cleaning products to Norwex so we rarely have to use cleaners at all!

I Would/Might Like To:

• Cut dryer sheets into fourths.  (I have tried this since making my initial list, and we didn’t feel they were effective cut this small.)
• Make my own dryer sheets by pouring 1-2 Tbsp. liquid softener onto a washcloth, and reusing it.  (Likewise, I’ve tried this since making the list, and it’s kind of a pain, for little return.  Wool dryer balls have been the best alternative for us.)
• Store used soapy steel wool in the freezer (to prevent rust).
• Sew my own mop covers.
• Get more use from my lint.