How I save money on laundry...

Just like your family, we do a lot of laundry in this house.  Below are things I do to save a little money:

• Wash as much as possible in cold and never use the hot wash
• Use Free and Clear inexpensive laundry detergent and washing soda as a boost
• Use a combination of vinegar, water, and 3 drops of essential oil as a fabric softener (I promise your clothes won't smell like vinegar)
• Put 3 drops of essential oil on a small piece of cotton and use as a dryer sheet
• Dry the clothes in the dryer for 5-10 minutes and hang dry. 

I have about 20 feet of clothesline (two 10 foot lengths) in the basement and two cheap drying racks and am able to dry about 2 loads of laundry per day.  Putting them in the dryer for a few minutes keeps the clothes from drying stiff.  The clothes should be removed from the dryer while still very damp.