Star Cents

'Money laundering' the efficient way

TO 'THROW OUT the baby with the bathwater' is a common saying that addresses the tendency to dispense with the good while tossing out something that is best done without.

However, although it may not be as dramatic, drastic or obvious as sending the infant flying while dispensing with the dirty water, it is very easy to waste money doing the laundry, sending unseen cash flowing down the drainpipe.

And there is no recycling of the lost savings.

'Money laundering' has come to be a dirty term but, gains from illicit activities aside, there is the good side to the combination of washing and money, as it relates to doing laundry the efficient, cost-effective way.

It starts before the actual washing process, with the decision of how the washing should be done, by hand or by machine. A lot depends, obviously, on the size of the household, as it is impractical (if not impossible) to do it all by hand, while a single person does not need to trot out and buy a washing machine.

There is also the option of using a laundromat, which again applies mostly to persons who have low washing needs as well as those who live in apartments where sometimes it is simply impractical to wash by hand on a regular basis.

WASHING PROCESS

Once the best option for the washing process has been decided on, the focus is on the washing process itself. Here moderation is the order of the day, with an eye on having the clothes being clean, naturally. So the choice of soap, as well as where to buy it (as well as other items such as bleach and fabric softener) is important. Supermarkets may have the laundry supplies all nicely packaged and very attractive, but specialist stores have the same items in 'non-brand name' packaging. For a lower price, naturally.

If a washing machine is being used, do not forget to use the measuring cup and stick to the recommended soap/laundry load ratios. More soap does not necessarily mean cleaner clothes, but it will certainly result in extra rinsing.

Also, do not forget that water costs, so do not leave the tap running when not in use.

And one more thing. Do not actually launder money; search the pockets before scrubbing away.

• Say your piece!
  If you've got an opinion, share it with the world on our Message Boards
•