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Save on laundry detergent with this easy hack! Learn how to cut costs and make your laundry routine more affordable.
Hey there, laundry warriors! Ever wish there was a way to save big on laundry detergent without sacrificing cleanliness?
I've stumbled upon a game-changing hack that's transformed my laundry routine—and saved me a ton of cash in the process!
After nearly a year of putting it to the test, this is one of my favorite laundry hacks, and I'm excited to spill the beans and share this money-saving tip with you.
Just a heads-up: while it's been a game-changer for me, it might not work the same for all front-loading machines.
Let's dive in and revolutionize your laundry routine together!
Laundry Detergent Hack:
My front-load washing machine has a drawer that pulls out where you put detergent, bleach, and softener.
At the back of each compartment, the walls slope inward.
This is what you really need to pay attention to.
For my washer, an empty pill bottle fits perfectly in this slot.
The prescription bottle has a big edge around the cap so the bottle won't go past those slopes.
The pill bottle is also small enough that the drawer will shut with it in there.
When I do a load of laundry, I put the laundry soap in the prescription bottle, place it in the drawer, and then shut the drawer and leave the bottle inside.
Fill Line:
Measure out how much liquid detergent to use. Pour the soap into the pill bottle, and draw a fill line with a permanent marker.
I never use the full amount that the detergent bottle says to use, and my clothes still come clean and smell amazing because I also use a dryer sheet or fabric softener.
How to Use:
Poor the laundry soap into the washing machine drawer.
Leave the bottle and shut the drawer.
This has really come in handy for my kids as well.
They do their own laundry, and it is easy for them to fill it to the line and leave it in the drawer.
Plus the bottle doesn't get all gunky, and slimy because the washing machine rinses it with every load.
Stain Remover:
When working with difficult stains, I drop a small amount of laundry soap onto the stain and work it in with my fingers.
The item then gets tossed in for regular wash cycles.
I find this works better than pouring more soap into the entire load.
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Virginia Megin Gallagher
Great tip! I'm happy you decided to share. I'm sure I use way too much detergent...
Thank you for sharing this at Brag About It Link Party on VMG206.
~ Megin of VMG206
Shailynn Krow
Thats a great tip! Im going to have to try it and see if it works on mine
Lucia
I don't have this type of washing machine. However, to keep the measuring cup that comes with the liquid detergent gets washed every time I use it. I'm going to try this measuring technique. And drop the pill bottle in with my wash.
Thank you for the savings idea.
Sarah Vanderkooy
Wow, what a good idea. I am going to check out my machine and see if I can do this. I think I overuse detergent.
Erlene A
Awesome tip and great way to recycle old medicine bottles.
Alice Emma Thompson
Great tip - have got to investigate whether this will work on my machine. I am trying to cut down more and more on detergent and actually found things come out much fresher with less. Pinned to my laundry board ... Alice @ Mums Make Lists
Natalie
Good Idea!
Thanks for linking to Tutorial Thursdays on Marigolds' Loft.
x
Natalie
Rose
Hi, what I been doing now for a few years....I have what looks like that front loader,and it requires tide he. I buy the big orange bottle, and pour half into empty saved bottle. You can see it filling in the see through section of the bottles. Ii just keep going until both bottles look equal side by side... then take both bottles and slowly fill remainder of each with water. Put caps on and gently swish around. This gives me 2 bottles of detergent, and it lets my mind think I am using normal amounts. My clothes are just as clean, and I know I am saving bunch of money..works great!
Katie
That is another great tip Rose. Thanks!
Ana S.
Great idea de! Thx
Katie
Thank you Ana. I am so glad it is one that you think you could use. Thanks for stopping by.
Cecilia Mackey
Also great for storing threads. Some are tall enough to store both the spool and the bobbin thread.Keeps things from getting tangled.
Karen
Smart
Ann seabolt
A pill bottle won't fit in my machine but I do watch how much I use. If most people would take the time to really look at the lines on the caps they would be surprised to see they are using far too much. I think a lot of people think they are supposed to use a full cap. I think the detergent and softener makers hope you will so they can sell more.
Katie
I totally agree, Ann. You don't need to use as much as the bottle says, and using the pill bottle serves as a reminder to me, and my kids who do their own laundry too. I'm sorry the pill bottle trick won't fit to leave in your washing machine, but you could still use it just to measure so you are using a smaller portion and keeping liquid drips from falling down the bottle when replacing the cap.
Sidney
This looks like a great idea, but I think I'm missing the point. The cap comes with a measurement mark and I always use less than it says. So what is the point of putting it in the pill bottle rather than directly into the drawer?
I don't mean to sound snarky, I just want to make sure I understand the concept.
Katie
I understand completely, Sidney. Your right, you can use the cap. I like to use the pill bottle because it's easier for me to see the line that I drew, making sure I use how much I want to, and not how much "they" tell me I should use. Plus, each time I leave it in the soap drawer of my washing machine the little container always gets washed so I don't have to worry about the lid getting all slimy and sticky. This is probably only a problem because I have kids who do their own laundry. When they put the lid back on they almost always drip liquid detergent all over the side of the bottle.
emmarie
I know what you're talking about with the slimy cap. My sister and I share our front loader. Her caps always have dried detergent in the bottom of them. And if I fill my cap, empty it and put it back on the bottle it makes the bottle gross or it drips onto the surface of my dryer or the inside of the cabinet where I store MY detergent. I've taken to just filling the cap and foregoing the tray all together. I just throw the filled cap into the washer with my clothes. I'm trying to teach my nieces to do their own laundry and be responsible for their own clothes, since they don't appreciate when I or their mother do their laundry (ie, clothes not put away or clean clothes all over their room). I like the pill bottle method, even if we just throw that into the washer. It'll keep them from using too much. Thanks.
Katie
You are welcome, Emmarie! I am so glad I could help with the slimy cap issue. Thanks for stopping by and leaving such a great comment!
Peggy
I used to just put the soapy measuring cup into the washer with my clothes. No more messy cup. Good use for pill bottles. Keep one at your sewing machine for broken needles and bent pins.
LaRea
I use the cap that comes with the detergent and then place it in the washer. It gets the remainder of the detergent and comes out clean