Save Money When You Use an Energy-Efficient Washing Machine CORRECTLY!
It’s great to have an energy-efficient washing machine (in the US it’s Energy Star rated, in Europe and many other countries it’s A+++). But although that’s a good start – it’s just a start.
For energy efficiency in the laundry, you need to use the energy-efficient machine correctly to make it truly worthwhile and save you money.
And yes, it can make a difference. The average US family washes 300 loads each year, so it all adds up!
First, I’ll look at what you can do to make your clothes washing more efficient.
Then there’s what to look for if you’re buying a new machine – including probably the most energy-efficient of them all!
Save Money by being Energy-Efficient
Here are my top tips –
Cold Water: Many clothes can be washed clean in cold water. A cold water wash will save you money, because most of the energy used by a washing machine goes to heating the water. Plus, you reduce your greenhouse emissions from laundry washing by up to 90%!
Green Tip: Dissolving powder detergent before you add it to the washer will improve its performance in cold water.
Eco setting: If you don’t want to do a cold wash, the next best thing is the Eco or Economy setting, which will wash at a lower temperature and use less water. It will also finish quicker.
Load Size: Wait until you have a full load before washing – unless your machine has an automatic water level function (load detection).
Group: try to group clothes by fabric weight and colour, and by how dirty they are.
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Plus, for loads of laundry tips and tricks, see this great round-up by Porch.com (including my tips too 🙂
Buying a New Energy-Efficient Washing Machine
One of the first decisions you need to make if you need a new machine is: Front Load or Top Load.
Which is better – front load or top load? Find out on the next page…..
Great advice as usual Clare. Most of us probably get used to using the one setting time after time rather than thinking about exactly what is being washed or how much.
So true! I only wash my bed sheets in hot water since my bed is almost always occupied! Cat all day, daughter napping, and then me, hubby and daughter at night!
LOL Cristina, that’s a busy bed! 🙂
Cozy and sometimes too warm! Wouldn’t have it any other way!
[…] You might also enjoy: Go green with your washing machine […]
A friend of mine went to visit his German grandmother when he was a boy. One morning he woke up to find, to his amazement, his grandma calmly stirring a pot of boiling water on the stove, containing his underwear.
I’m with the German grandmother: while I have no trouble washing most clothes in cold water, I must have the hot cycle for things like sheets and towels. (On the other hand, our dryer gets used only for the largest items that don’t drape well over our solar drying rack)
[…] You might also enjoy: Go green with your washing machine […]
[…] Which is better – front load or top load? Find out on the next page….. […]