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11 Tips to Save Energy When Doing Laundry

by Thomas Kanze

If you’re looking for ways to save energy and money, then the laundry room is a great place to start. I’m sure we all love doing laundry but it can also be an expensive process if done incorrectly. The good news is that there are many simple things we can do to make this chore as efficient as possible. In this blog post, I am going to share with you six tips on how you can do your laundry more efficiently and save some money!

1. Use a washing machine with an Energy Star rating to increase efficiency

A washing machine with an Energy Star rating is better because it uses less water, detergent, and energy. The good news is that the number of manufacturers who are making these types of washing machines has increased in recent years. These new models can be found in both traditional retail stores and online retailers like Amazon.

2. Wash full loads of laundry to save time and energy

When you do a full load of laundry it will take less time to wash, no matter what type or brand washing machine you have. It is also going to use fewer gallons of water and energy since the clothes are being washed all at once instead of in multiple loads. Do your part by making sure that everyone in the household does their part and washes a full load.

3. Wash your clothes in cold water to save money and energy

If you can avoid using hot water, then do so. This will save energy and money since cold water requires less time and effort to wash your clothes properly. It is also recommended that if possible, use a detergent specifically made for cold-water washing as it cleans just as well at low temperatures compared to standard warm or hot water soap suds.

4. Use a low-water setting on your washer if you have one 

If you have a newer model washing machine with a low-water setting, then use it when possible to save energy. The reason is that these types of machines are designed to use much less water so they will take far less time and effort. You can expect to see savings in both electricity costs as well as lower utility bills since your washer will not use as much water.

This tip is especially useful if you have a well or older home that has limited hot water supply.

5. Be sure to use the correct amount of soap for each load of laundry

The first thing you will want to do is use a high-efficiency detergent that can be used in cold water. If your clothes are greasy or dirty, then make sure that the amount of soap you add matches up with how soiled they really are. You may need more than usual but there’s no point using extra soap if your clothes are only lightly soiled.

The last thing you want to do is not use enough soap since it will not remove dirt or stains effectively. If this happens, then it may require multiple washes to get the job done right which can be time-consuming and expensive compared to using just a little bit of extra detergent from the start.

6. Sort colors from whites, so the machine only needs to spin one time 

If you can sort your colored clothes from the whites, then it will only require one spin cycle. This is because each washing machine has instructions on how much detergent to add depending on what types of loads you are doing. For example, if you have a large load with both colors and whites mixed together, they may recommend using more soap. If you sort your clothes and do just the whites, then it will require less soap since there is a lower chance of having colors mixed in.

7. Line dry clothes in the sun to save on drying costs

The sun is free, and when your clothes are out in it for a few hours they will naturally dry without needing to be put through the spin cycle which uses up energy. If you do not have access to outside lines or open space in your home, then place these items on drying racks inside instead if possible.

8. Set your dryer on low heat to save on drying time and energy

If you have a newer model dryer, then it may be capable of using low heat settings. If this is the case, then try to use them whenever possible since they will save energy and your clothes will take less time to get fully dry in most cases. The low heat setting also helps prevent shrinking or damage that can be caused by high temperatures for certain fabrics, so it’s always best to check your care labels before putting items inside if you are worried about this happening.

You should avoid using higher heat settings since they will use more energy while taking longer to dry your clothes. This can be a waste of time, especially if you are trying to get multiple items done at once in the dryer which is better suited for lower heat levels instead.

9. Clean out lint filters after every load 

By regularly cleaning out the lint filter, you can ensure more efficient airflow while also allowing it to last longer. This will help prevent damage from being caused by overheating or a fire that may be started due to clogged filters since they do not allow air into the dryer properly which is necessary for optimal function and safety measures. This is also better for the dryer itself since it will not have to exert more energy than necessary while trying to do its job.

Just like with filters in your home, you should be cleaning out this part of your machine on a regular basis if possible. If there is an accumulation of lint that can’t easily be removed by hand then use a vacuum cleaner to suck it out instead. An accumulation of lint can also decrease airflow which will lower the effectiveness of your machine, so make sure this area is kept as clear as possible at all times for optimal results and safety measures.

This step only takes a few minutes each time you do laundry but can help save energy in a big way. Make it part of your regular laundry routine and you should see a difference in how much energy is required to dry each load. As long as the filters are clear, then this step will not add any additional time to your drying process either.

10. Put a towel in the dryer with wet clothes to help absorb moisture and save energy

If you have a few items that are still wet from the last wash, then try placing a towel inside to help absorb moisture. This will also help get your clothes dry faster since it is adding another layer of material for air to circulate around which helps with evaporation and drying time in general.

11. Don’t overload washers or dryers for more efficient energy use

If your clothes are all jumbled together in a big pile, then there won’t be much room for air to circulate. This can lead to damp or partially dried items which will take more time and energy to dry completely inside the machine. Overloading also puts undue pressure on the washer/dryer parts since they have less space to work with overall. This can lead to early burnout or damage which will cost you money in the long run, so it’s best not to overload at all for optimal energy efficiency and machine longevity.


FAQs

When is the best time to do laundry to save energy?

It is best to do laundry in the morning or evening when electricity rates are lower than they would be during peak periods. You can also save energy by unplugging your machine each time after use and only plugging it in when you need it which will reduce standby power loss.

How much water does a washing machine use?

An ENERGY STAR certified washer uses 14 gallons of water each cycle, whereas a regular washing machine consumes 20 gallons.

How much energy does it take to do laundry?

The average washing machine consumes 350 to 500 watts of power each use. If you wash two loads of clothing every week, that’s 36,400 to 52,000 watts each year. A family of four may need to wash 5 or more loads of laundry each week, resulting in washer energy consumption of up to 130,000 watts or more per year.


Conclusion

By following these six tips, you can save energy when doing laundry. This will help lower your overall utility bill each month and also extend the life of your machine since it won’t have to work as hard in general. Try to incorporate all of these into your normal laundry routine and you should see an improvement in how much energy is used.

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