As the winter chill settles in, households all over the country are gearing up for a season of cosy sweaters, warm blankets, and unfortunately, higher energy bills.

However, there's good news for those looking to cut costs on their laundry this winter.

Energia, have teamed up with a home expert, Laura de Barra AKA “The Gaff Goddess” and queen of “She-IY” to provide expert advice on how to save money this Winter.

Read more: Cheapest times to use washing machine and tumble dryer this summer

Laura teamed up with Energia to review four different laundry products to see if they saved money or ended up having hidden costs. The four products were; dryer balls, fabric softener, scent boosters and dryer sheets.

Of the four products, only one actually saved you money - dryer balls.

The journey towards a budget-friendly laundry routine starts with identifying the products that have hidden costs and can end up costing you big in the long run.

Laura warns against falling for buying unnecessary products that can add up over time. In particular, she identifies three items that aren't worth the money.

First on the list is fabric softener. While it claims to maintain softness, Laura reveals: “That it can clog up fibres, leading to lingering odours and a potential build-up of bacteria.”

The second culprit is scent boosters, with Laura saying: "Despite promising long-lasting freshness, can actually coat fibres, making them less absorbent, which isn’t ideal for things like gym gear or towels. There's also a risk that they leave oils in your machine, meaning it won’t perform as effectively.”

Finally, Laura urges consumers to reconsider dryer sheets. Despite their softening claims, these sheets often contain chemicals that can leave clothes sticky and tough to clean, which can also leave your dryer affected and lead to long-term issues.

Laura revealed that the number one money saver is dryer balls, Laura said: “These little guys speed up drying time in the machine, without adding any extra residues, oils or chemicals” The result? Faster, more efficient drying cycles and a substantial reduction in energy consumption, translating to significant savings on your utility bills.

In light of Laura’s comments, Irish households are encouraged to embrace a smarter, more economical approach to laundry this winter. By investing in dryer balls, you will not only save money in the short term but also contribute to the longevity of their clothes and appliances. As the winter season unfolds, make the conscious choice to look at the laundry products you use, it could save you money in time for Christmas!

Energia are creating a full series of helpful guides on how you can save money this Winter with their ‘Winter Ready’ campaign. You can find out more here.

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