These tips can help you reduce waste on your laundry day.
Avoid Doing Laundry Spontaneously
If you hate seeing dirty clothes, you might start a load every time a few dirty pieces pile up. However, according to David Stickle, a home expert at Thumbtack, there’s a risk in running the machine frequently. “Whenever possible, always wait until you have a full load to wash so you don’t repeat cycles,” he says. Random washing and drying waste electricity and water, but that’s not all. Over time, appliances can wear out prematurely as well.
Pay Attention to Water Settings
You might choose the same settings for every load of laundry, but this practice can cost you more money. “You should always adjust the water level setting on your washing machine to match the appropriate load size,” says Thomas Doherty, vice president of operations at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. He states that this simple daily habit can reduce water usage and costs.
Choose the Right Wash Cycle
Another way to save money is to ensure you are using the right cycle for the load you are cleaning. “Sometimes all you need is a quick wash instead of a full cycle, so when possible, adjust the settings accordingly and you’ll save a lot of water,” Stickle says. He recommends avoiding “heavy-duty” or “bulk” settings, as they use a lot of water. “A load of towels can get a good wash without needing to crank up the setting and use extra water,” he explains.
Use Less Detergent
Using more detergent doesn’t necessarily mean getting cleaner laundry. In fact, Martinez says that using less detergent can help save money in the long run. “You won’t be buying detergent as frequently, but using a large amount of detergent can lead to longer cycle times with more water use – and even damage to clothes.” Some washing machines have a “load and go” dispenser that automatically distributes the right amount of detergent for each load, helping you use detergent and water more efficiently.
Do Laundry During Off-Peak Times
During peak times (when electricity consumption is higher) you may pay more for electricity in some states and with certain utility companies. “The easiest way to save money while doing laundry is to run the washer and dryer during off-peak times,” Stickle suggests. “Ask your utility company when electricity usage is lower, then look into doing laundry during those off-peak time frames.”
Use Cold Water
One myth that can make you spend more on laundry: the belief that hot water must be used all the time. “Washing clothes in cold water can be a simple and effective way to save money while doing laundry,” Sewell says. This is because hot water uses more energy. “By choosing to use cold water instead, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and thus lower your utility bill,” Sewell adds.
Don’t Overwash Clothes
Washing dirty clothes is, of course, important, but Martinez says knowing how often to wash items can help you use laundry appliances more efficiently. “For example, jeans, jackets, and pajamas can be worn several times before needing to be washed,” she tells us. “Also, if you have a dryer with a steam cycle option, you can skip a load of laundry and quickly refresh clothes using that function instead.”
Turn Off Water Supply Hoses
A leaking washing machine can cause financial damage. So, after you finish using the washer, Doherty recommends turning off the water supply hoses to avoid leaks. “You can also consider upgrading to hoses with automatic shut-off features that can detect excess water and shut off automatically.” In addition to those little leaks, he says this feature can also be helpful in preventing actual floods in your laundry room or basement.
Drying
Air Drying Clothes
Once upon a time, air drying clothes was a part of life – and Sewell recommends reviving this practice as a way to save money on laundry by reducing energy consumption. There’s another benefit to air drying washed items as well: it can help keep your clothes in good condition. “Fabrics can shrink or get damaged in the dryer, but air drying helps maintain the condition of clothing, whether you hang them outside or on a drying rack,” says Sewell.
Perform Regular Maintenance
After you finish cleaning your clothes and bedding, don’t forget to pay attention to your cleaning appliances. “Cleaning the lint filter before every load is essential for dryer efficiency,” says Sewell. “A dirty lint filter can reduce dryer efficiency, leading to increased energy use and drying time.” For best results, he recommends cleaning the lint filter before every load.
The washing machine should also be cleaned regularly. “There are washing machine cleaning tablets that can be used to clean the unit,” says Stickle. “This will remove any mildew odors and help eliminate dirt residue that builds up and makes you want to wash multiple times.” Additionally, leave the washing machine door ajar after cycles to help it dry. Stickle says this will extend the lifespan of your parts and also helps prevent mold and odors.
Upgrading to a New Washing Machine
Depending on the type and age of your current laundry appliances, you might save money by replacing them. “New high-efficiency washers use about 25 percent less energy and 33 percent less water than standard washers,” says Martinez. She points out that front-loading high-efficiency washers are the most water-efficient option.
Also, Sarah Armstrong, the brand manager for new products at Maytag Brand, recommends buying Energy Star® certified appliances. “An Energy Star washer can reduce water usage by about 6 gallons per load, which can lead to savings of over 2,000 gallons of water every year,” says Armstrong. Additionally, she says these appliances extract more water during the final spin cycles, leaving clothes less wet and allowing dryers to use less heat.
Source: https://www.realsimple.com/how-to-save-money-on-laundry-7370519
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