Doing laundry can be an expensive and seemingly never-ending chore.

You may wash, dry, and fold load after load only to turn around and find the hamper full once more. But before you decide to throw in the towel, consider these tips that can cut this chore’s cost and time in a snap.

Avoid hot water

Make it a habit of washing your fabrics on a cold cycle; most laundry detergents work well in cool temperatures, and using warmer water can use significantly more energy, costing you more per load. However, it may be best to stick to hot water when you need to effectively kill germs, such as when you or a family member is recovering from an illness.

Keep your socks together

With how easily socks can get separated in your hamper or lost in your machines, matching them during folding can quickly turn into a game of Where’s Waldo? Save yourself some trouble by tossing them into a mesh bag before laundering them, ensuring that they’ll stay together.

Reduce drying time

You’d be amazed by how much adding a few wool drying balls, which absorb moisture and improve airflow, can shorten how long your clothes take to dry. These laundry aids can also remove static cling and wrinkles and soften your laundry.

Skip a step

There are many tools you can acquire that allow you to avoid annoying, time-consuming tasks. For instance, consider using separate laundry baskets for lights and darks so you won’t have to sort your clothes before washing. And don’t bother folding items like socks and underwear—instead, invest in inexpensive drawer dividers to keep them organized.

While you might not ever be able to fully escape laundry day, you can make it easier with these strategies—and get back some much-needed time in your day.