12 Frugal Laundry Tips That Save Money and Clothes • Everyday Cheapskate

Laundry: it’s the chore that never ends. But what if tackling stains, stink, and laundry mishaps could actually be easier (and cheaper)? These frugal laundry tips are all about saving money while keeping your clothes looking fresh and lasting longer. From DIY scent boosters to genius stain removers hiding in your cupboard, here’s your go-to guide for laundry that comes out clean, soft, and budget-friendly every time.

Think about it: Americans spend, on average, about $123 a month on clothing. That’s nearly $1,500 a year just to keep ourselves dressed. If your laundry routine is shortening the lifespan of your clothes with stains, stink, or worn-out fabrics, you might as well be throwing money in the dryer vent. The good news? A few smart tweaks can stretch the life of what you already own, which means fewer shopping trips and more money in your pocket.

How to Remove Dried Latex Paint from Laundry

Few things sink your heart faster than spotting dried paint on your favorite shirt, jeans, or even the car upholstery. But don’t fret… it’s not a lost cause. Even if latex paint has been sitting for a while, you can still save the fabric, if you use the right product.

Here’s the trick: lacquer thinner. Not paint thinner. Not mineral spirits. It has to be lacquer thinner (you’ll find it in the paint aisle of most home improvement stores or online at Amazon).

Work in a well-ventilated space and protect your hands with gloves. Using a clean white cloth, so you don’t risk transferring dye, saturate the paint stain with the lacquer thinner. Let it soften for a few minutes, then rub and scrub until the paint starts to lift. For clothing, launder as usual. For upholstery or carpet, rinse thoroughly with clean water after scrubbing to remove any residue.

Tip: Always spot test first in an inconspicuous area to make sure the lacquer thinner won’t damage the fabric’s color or finish.

Klean Strip Lacquer Thinner 1 Gallon

The Best Way to Remove Acrylic Paint Stains

Acrylic paint is amazing for projects, until it ends up on your favorite shirt. Once it dries, it can feel like it’s fused to the fabric, but don’t give up yet. Here’s a method that gives you a fighting chance:

Grab a clean white cloth (this avoids any dye transfer) and soak it with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl). Now super saturate that stain. Don’t be shy, you want it really wet. Start scrubbing with the cloth, reapplying alcohol as needed. Little by little, the paint should begin to soften and lift away. Keep working at it until the stain disappears. Then, launder as usual.

Tip: Rubbing alcohol works here because it breaks down the polymers in acrylic paint, loosening its bond with fabric fibers. It won’t save every garment, but if the shirt is already headed for the rag pile, this method gives you the best shot at rescue.

Swan Isopropyl Alcohol, 99%, 16 oz

DIY Laundry Scent Booster for Fresh Clothes

One thing I used to love about store-bought laundry detergent was that lingering “fresh laundry” scent. When I switched to making my own detergent (cheaper, cleaner, and frankly better), I did miss that little luxury. Sure, I could toss in pricey scent beads like Downy Unstoppables, but I’d rather keep my money in my pocket and know exactly what’s touching my skin.

Here’s how to make your own laundry scent booster at home:

Ingredients

2 cups Epsom salt
20–30 drops of your favorite essential oil (try 15 drops lavender + 15 drops lemon for a crisp, clean combo)

Instructions

Pour the Epsom salt into a large bowl.
Add the essential oils and stir well so the scent is evenly distributed.
Let the mixture sit uncovered for about an hour to dry.
Transfer to a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, and label clearly.

To Use: Add about 1 tablespoon of your homemade scent booster directly into the washer before loading clothes or linens. Even if you already use homemade detergent and a vinegar rinse, this little extra step leaves laundry with a light, fresh fragrance that feels like a treat.

Extra Tip: Epsom salt not only holds the fragrance beautifully but can also help soften fabrics a bit. Bonus points for cozy sheets and towels.

Amazon Basics Epsom Salt Soak, Unscented...

Majestic Pure Essential Oil with Glass Dropper...

Save $3.00

Majestic Pure Essential Oil with Glass Dropper...

MORE: How to Make the Best Homemade Laundry Detergent—Liquid and Powdered

How to Fix Stinky Towels for Good

Few things are more frustrating than pulling “clean” towels out of the wash only to be hit with that sour, mildewy smell. On top of that, they’ve gone stiff and scratchy, and instead of soaking up water, they repel it. What’s going on? It’s not that your towels are hopeless. It’s that they’re loaded with leftover detergent, fabric softener, and bacteria that regular washing just hasn’t cleared away.

The fix takes two simple washes. Vinegar comes first: its acetic acid breaks down detergent and softener residue while dissolving mineral deposits. Then baking soda steps in: it’s alkaline, so it cuts grease, lifts dirt, and neutralizes odors. Used separately, they do their best work and your towels come out fresh, soft, and absorbent again.

Step 1: Vinegar Wash

Load towels loosely into the washer.
Set for the longest cycle and use the hottest water you can manage. 140°F is ideal. Boil a pot of water on the stove if your water heater won’t go that high.
Add 2 cups white vinegar and let the cycle run in full. Leave the towels in the washer when it’s done.

Step 2: Baking Soda Wash

Refill the washer with hot water.
Add 1 cup baking soda.
Run the full cycle.

Step 3: Dry Thoroughly

Whether you line-dry outdoors or toss them in the dryer, make sure the towels get completely dry. Any lingering dampness can restart the problem.

Sniff test: if they still smell funky, repeat the process until they come out truly fresh.

Extra Tip: Do this reset every so often, and skip fabric softener going forward. It’s one of the main culprits behind stiff, smelly towels. A simple vinegar rinse with your regular laundry routine will keep buildup from coming back.

Yellow Underarm Stains: Easy DIY Removal

Few things ruin a favorite white t-shirt faster than those dreaded yellow underarm stains. They don’t just appear overnight. It’s a slow build caused by the aluminum in most antiperspirants reacting with the salts in your sweat. Add in detergent that doesn’t fully rinse away, and over time the discoloration sets in. The good news? You can fight back with a simple, inexpensive mix from items you probably already have at home.

What You’ll Need:

Blue Dawn liquid dish soap
Fresh hydrogen peroxide (more on that below)
Baking soda
Old toothbrush or small bristle brush

Instructions:

In a small bowl, mix 1 part Dawn with 2 parts hydrogen peroxide.
Place a thick white towel under the stained area to protect your work surface.
Saturate the stains with the mixture.
Sprinkle baking soda generously over the area.
Use the toothbrush to scrub the stain, working the solution deep into the fabric.
Let it sit for at least an hour.
Launder as usual.

Pro Tip: Hydrogen peroxide loses its punch once exposed to light or air. An opened bottle only stays truly effective for about six months, even when stored in a dark cabinet. For this treatment to work, make sure yours is fresh.

Bonus Tip: To keep yellow stains from forming in the first place, wash shirts promptly after wearing, and consider switching to a deodorant (not antiperspirant) on days when you don’t need heavy-duty sweat protection.

MORE: How to Get Yellow-Stained Bed Pillows White Again

Removing Makeup Stains Without Stress

Few things make your heart sink faster than brushing foundation across a fresh white shirt while getting ready. Makeup stains aren’t permanent if you match the right solution to the type of product.

For oil-based foundation: Grab the Blue Dawn. Work a few drops directly into the stain with your fingers or a soft brush. Let it sit for at least an hour (longer if the stain is older), then launder as usual. Dawn cuts through grease better than just about anything.

For oil-free foundation: Reach for plain white shaving cream (the old-school foamy kind). Saturate the stain, gently work it in, and let it rest for about 15 minutes before tossing it in the wash. Shaving cream acts like a mild cleanser that breaks down pigments without damaging fabric.

Extra Tip: Always check the stain before drying. Heat can set any leftover residue for good. If there’s still a faint shadow, repeat the treatment before you tumble-dry.

Lestoil: The Secret Weapon for Stubborn Stains

Some products have been quietly sitting on store shelves for decades, waiting to be rediscovered. Lestoil is one of them. This heavy-duty cleaner has been made in the USA for years, but until I stumbled across it not long ago, I had no idea it was the stain-fighting powerhouse I’d been missing.

Here’s the scoop: Lestoil (pronounced less-toil—yes, really!) is designed to cut through oil and grease, but its talents don’t stop there. Used full-strength, it tackles stains most of us have written off as “permanent.” We’re talking ink, toner, motor oil, scuff marks, blood, lipstick, nail polish, grass, coffee, crayon, marker, even that sticky residue left behind from labels.

Lestoil has rescued clothes I’d already given up on and continues to save new mishaps before they can claim another favorite shirt. While it’s handy all over the house, I keep it in the laundry room within easy reach because it’s just that reliable.

Pro Tip: Always test it on an inconspicuous spot first, and wash treated clothing separately. Lestoil has a strong scent that lingers if you don’t give it a thorough wash.

Save $1.01

Lestoil Heavy Duty Multi-Purpose Cleaner, 48 Fl Oz

MORE: How to Get Grease Stains Out of Clothes: The Ultimate Guide with Lestoil

Grass Stains: DIY Removal Hack That Works

Few stains test your patience quite like grass, especially when it shows up on white pants, sneakers, or your kid’s baseball uniform. If you don’t have Lestoil on hand, here’s a simple mix that works wonders.

Mix 1 tablespoon Blue Dawn with 2 tablespoons fresh hydrogen peroxide.
Work the mixture directly into the stain using your fingers or a soft brush.
Put in some good old-fashioned elbow grease until you see the stain lifting.
Launder as usual, checking the spot before drying.

Tip: Always make sure your hydrogen peroxide is fresh. Once opened, it loses strength after about six months. If the stain lingers after the first wash, repeat the treatment before drying. Heat will only set it in deeper.

Ink Stains: Cheap and Effective Fixes

Whether it’s a rogue ballpoint pen or a stubborn permanent marker, ink stains can feel impossible to remove until you know the trick. Surprisingly, the cheapest hairspray you can grab from the store is often the most effective. Why? Most budget-friendly sprays contain acetone, the same ingredient that dissolves ink.

How to Use: Spray the stain generously, let it sit for a minute, then blot with a clean cloth. Repeat as needed until the ink lifts.

If you have a small bottle of pure acetone, it works even better, but use it carefully and sparingly.

Safety Tip: Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid open flames. Acetone is highly flammable. Test on an inconspicuous spot first to make sure the fabric isn’t damaged.

Laundry Alerts: Protect Clothes from Dryer Damage

Some laundry items need extra TLC, especially those that can’t survive the dryer. One simple trick: toss them in a zippered mesh lingerie bag before they hit the hamper. It’s an instant visual reminder that these pieces need special treatment, whether that’s line-drying or hand washing.

Mesh bags are inexpensive, reusable, and surprisingly versatile. They’re perfect for delicates, sweaters, or anything with embellishments, keeping your clothes safe while simplifying your laundry routine.

Save $5.00

Muchfun Durable Honeycomb Mesh Laundry Bags for Delicates (3 Medium)

Preventing Creases with a Simple Pool Noodle Hack

Drying racks are great for delicate items, but nothing ruins a fresh wash faster than a stubborn crease. Here’s a simple fix: take a pool noodle, slice it down one side lengthwise, and then trim it so it fits snugly over the drying rack’s rungs.

Slide it on, and voilà! Clothes dry without those annoying fold lines. It’s an inexpensive, reusable hack that turns a frustrating laundry moment into a stress-free solution.

Bonus Tip: This works especially well for shirts, blouses, and lightweight fabrics that you want crease-free and ready to wear.

Oodles of Noodles 6 Pack Black Foam Pool Noodles

Question: What’s your biggest laundry struggle? Stains, smell, or that pile that never gets folded? Share in the comments below.

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Please keep your comments positive, encouraging, helpful, brief,
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Last update on 2026-05-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Gail says:

January 25, 2026 at 6:21 am

Mary, how do I get the after shave fragrance out of my husband’s dress shirts? I have tried detergents that promise to remove all fragrances all to no avail. The scent is still there when they come out of the washer and also the dryer. You have always been my go to for any problems or on any numbers of problems, and your advice has always been spot on. You are such a genius. But I have never seen my problem with lingering scents. Please help.

Mary Hunt says:
January 25, 2026 at 1:46 pm

The absolute best odor eliminator is called Nok Out. https://amzn.to/4qFeJAu. I’ve used it for years and have never found anything better. And here’s a few articles I’ve written about it. https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/where-to-buy-nok-out-now/, https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/11-everyday-uses-for-nok-out-the-worlds-best-odor-eliminator/

Rose Howard says:

September 23, 2025 at 9:13 am

How to remove a stain on front of skirt and don,t know what the stain is? Not sure what to use can you please help ?it is a dress skirt.

Mary Hunt says:
September 24, 2025 at 10:41 am

Lestoil! 10 Things You’ll Be Happy to Know About Lestoil
Ann says:
September 26, 2025 at 6:13 pm

try hairspray.

Jennifer Frorath says:

September 15, 2025 at 9:25 pm

Hi, Any ideas for removing sun tan lotion stain from a white dress shirt?

Marilyn Hoffman says:

September 14, 2025 at 7:46 am

Hod do I get body oil stains out of bamboo sheets. I have tried everything

Eva says:

March 20, 2024 at 12:57 pm

ZOUT, is by far the BEST stain remover I have found. I used it 30 years ago, when my twin boys were still using formula. Nothing I had tried would remove those set in stains except that. The trick was to pre-treat the stains well and leave it for at least 3 days then launder as usual. Worked for explosive baby diarrhea stains as well. Now my daughter in law uses this for our new grandchild and still works like magic 30 years later!!

Loni says:

July 16, 2022 at 9:35 am

Also, Stain-X stain remover removes set-in stains, that won’t budge, like nobody’s business. It’s never failed me. I have a bottle in the laundry room for those stains that nothing else will touch.

MaryLou Kauffman says:

September 29, 2021 at 2:12 pm

Is there any way to get black mold stain out of clothing?
I love your column! Thank you for continuing to help us persevere and save in an economy that is not our friend.

Mary Hunt says:
September 30, 2021 at 4:50 am

It depends how old those stains are, and if they’ve been set permanently in the dryer. Lestoil is what I would use. And I have. I had to treat a pale yellow top several times, soaking the stains with Lestoil, allowing to sit for 48 hrs then laundering. Finally, after several attempts the stains disappeared. Read this post to learn more.

12 Laundry Hacks You’ll Wish You Knew Years Ago

How to Remove Dried Latex Paint from Laundry

The Best Way to Remove Acrylic Paint Stains