I hate this!

**Jaded** · 06-11-2007, 10:13 AM

This is one very unfrugal thing I'm forced to do, and I need suggestions on how to possibly save on this.

I have to wear uniforms to work, and unfortunately, we are only allowed two uniforms. I get pretty grimy and sweaty with what I'm doing now, plus I get makeup on the collar of the shirts, so washing them every other day is a must. The bad thing is, I don't have that many clothes, so I can't run a full load when I do wash them. I use the small load, and only run for 9 minutes, but I just hate using the water and electricity! I admit, I'm a dryer junkie, and a lot of times, I have worked late the night before, so washing at night and hanging up to dry isn't an option. Besides, I hate ironing.

Other than line drying the clothes, or washing by hand (use more water rinsing than it's worth) what can I do to save money on this every other day washing?

**Missy** · 06-11-2007, 10:27 AM

there's absolutely no way to find more uniforms...under the radar? perhaps they wouldn't know it if you had more?

Hmmm, That's a toughie. I haven't any ideas that you haven't mentioned. Maybe someone else here has some ideas.

**Mom23boys** · 06-11-2007, 01:12 PM

Have you tried one of the Tide to Go pens. I carry one in my purse and use it for stains. As for the sweating problem, maybe you could wear an extra tshirt under your uniform that would help with the sweating.

**cheappearls** · 06-11-2007, 01:19 PM

Why are you only allowed 2 uniforms? That seems a bit ridiculous.

**Dancing Lotus** · 06-11-2007, 01:58 PM

I agree two isnt enough.

Maybe you could buy another one. I think wearing a t-shirt and get a Tide to go is the best I can come up with. Other then that I guess you just have to wash it.

**Leahmom** · 06-11-2007, 02:04 PM

Hi,
My idea is hum.. perhaps not wearing makeup on your neck or perhaps a non-staining type...
And yes a t-shirt. but also in the 60's women used to wear underarm pads to avoid staining their dresses. Maybe you could look them up and purchase cheaply. Also if you starch your shirts. you can flick off most dirt. I mean the boiling starch and soaking the shirt hanging it up and yes the dreaded iron but it does work nicely.

**claimsgirl66** · 06-11-2007, 09:59 PM

I know the idea of handwashing at night is not your first choice, but....could you toss the soiled clothes into a basin/bucket of sudsy water to soak overnite when you get home late before you go to bed. Then in the morning put them on "spin" in the washer for a minute to get out water, hang during day to dry a bit, then toss in dryer as needed when you get home or in the morning the next day when you are getting ready...repeat with the other uniform...just a thought.

**Jaded** · 06-11-2007, 11:41 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions. I just can't stand to iron really wrinkly clothes....I know that sounds spoiled, but I used to have to iron all the line dried clothes for YEARS, since I was a child practically (13), and I just hate it!

I don't really see where hand washing would save water. It would save electricity, but not water, since I wash them on small load, and that uses very little water.

The t-shirt thing is out, because the uniform has a shirt and vest, and is hot enough already. The makeup is a must, because of age spots on my neck. If I make up my face and not my neck, it just looks weird!

Anyway, I'll work it out somehow...probably just keep doing what I'm doing, but oh well...can't be frugall all the time.

**bumplett** · 06-12-2007, 12:31 AM

I'm really curious - what do you do that will only allow two uniforms?

**jlaporte** · 06-12-2007, 09:45 AM

btw. maybe it is just me...but that tide pen does not work it smells nasty and leaves more of a mark on clothes than the stain. when i had to use uniforms for work we would wait til someone quite or left and then got the uniforms as long as the person was not gross.

**SSGWilkesWife** · 06-12-2007, 10:02 AM

What about getting with co-workers and take turns washing uniforms. This will give you a full load plus keep you from washing every day. Is there anyone you can trust and can you change at work?

**i.m.cheap** · 06-12-2007, 10:10 AM

I would approach your employer about buying another uniform. When I worked at a place that furnished uniforms, part-time employees were issued two uniforms, and full-time employees got three.

**Mamaw** · 06-12-2007, 10:13 AM

I would ask the company if I could buy 2 more uniforms myself. If they only "give" you 2 at no cost, buying 2 more yourself might pay for itself in laundry costs plus your time. It would of course, depend on the cost of the uniforms and how long you will work for the same company. If you buy them, remember to save the receipt for your taxes

**lunarstar9** · 06-12-2007, 11:31 AM

I would wear my stinky uniforms until they give me an extra one!

**Jaded** · 06-12-2007, 01:36 PM

Originally Posted by lunarstar9

I would wear my stinky uniforms until they give me an extra one!

LOL! Well, we CAN buy extra uniforms, but they are sort of pricey, and I'm looking for another job, so I don't want that expense. I'm going to try to go onto Craigslist and see if I can find anyone who used to work there that has uniforms I can get or buy from them. I've decided to try the line drying method, modified. I'm going to hang them up and do like I do my bras...hang them up on the ceiling fan light arms on hangers and let the air dry them. Since I always have the fans on, it makes sense.

I'm going to try to do that with a lot of my wash from now on, depending on how "wrinkly" the uniforms turn out. I'm thinking...four hooks in the ceiling and a removable clothesline in the extra room to hang them down below the ceiling fan, and VOILA! Line dried clothes at no cost!

Of course, now I'll have to keep those ceiling fan blades REALLY clean! LOL A side benefit, I guess.