Energy Star washers are a great way to
conserve energy and save yourself some money in the laundry room. Here are even more ways to cut back.
DON’T use too much detergent
You’re only helping Proctor & Gamble when you
pour in those heaping cups of laundry soap. The owners’ manual provides
instructions on the proper amount of soap to use. Using too much soap also can
shorten the life your clothing, which could get expensive.
DO keep venting dry and clear.
We recommend cleaning your dryer vent a few times a
year. Otherwise, it could get blocked
up, causing your dryer to take longer to do its job. And remember to clean your
lint filter after every use.
DO switch to cold-water washes
About 90 percent of the energy used for washing
clothes in an average washer is for heating the water. Need I say more? If you
have tough, oily stains, even switching your temperature setting from hot to
warm can cut a load’s energy use in half. Otherwise, you’d be surprised how
well cold water cycles clean these days.
DON’T over-dry your clothes
Instead, use a moisture sensor (if you have one) to
automatically stop the dryer once it’s finished. Note: Dry towels and heavier
cottons separate from lighter weight clothes to ensure proper drying when using
a sensor. If you don’t have a moisture sensor, use the cool-down cycle to
finish drying clothes using the residual heat.
DO put full loads in the washer and dryer.
Full loads of laundry mean fewer loads of laundry,
which mean less energy, water and money used, too. If you must wash a small
load, remember to set the water-level to match.
