If you are interested in upgrading your laundry room by purchasing a new washer and dryer, there are newer models available that are more energy efficient and will save you money over the course of their usage. However, there are some extra things you can start doing even today in order to save money and energy in the long run, plus reduce the amount of wear and tear on your clothes. Some of these things won’t even cost you anything. To help you be energy-efficient in the laundry room, here are some things you can do:
1. Use Cold Water
If you use warm water to wash your clothes instead of hot water, you can cut the amount of energy needed to do the load in half. Using cold water will save even more. Detergents designed for use with cold water can be of assistance in ensuring that items are thoroughly cleaned, and high-efficiency detergents, denoted by the symbol “he,” should be used whenever the manufacturer specifies so.
2. Wash Full Loads
It’s better to wait a couple of days to gather enough clothes to wash together instead of using half-loads. Your washer will use about the same levels of power no matter the size of the load, so use that to fill it up as much as possible. But of course, never over your washing machine’s limit.
3. Air-Dry Your Clothes When Possible
To begin with, line drying your clothes on a wall clothes line saves energy! You presumably already use the best detergent to wash your garments, so you want your drying process to be just as environmentally friendly. The clothes dryer is the second most energy-consuming appliance in many households, right after the refrigerator.
That is why a wall-mounted washing line allows for simple and efficient laundry drying. Find a foldable clothesline in the size that best suits your space and laundry needs. Among the other benefits of air drying, UV rays from the sun can be used to disinfect water and damp laundry. It even helps to remove lingering stains when hung to dry on a clothesline. More so if your detergent also contains a brightener, as the best laundry pods do.
4. Fill the Dryer with the Right Amount
If you are in a rush and can’t dedicate the amount of time needed to air-dry your clothes, use the dryer, however, pay attention to the amount. If the dryer is too full, the clothes will take longer to dry. Loads that are too small can also take longer to dry, and you pay more per item when you use the dryer to dry just a few items.
Additionally, remember to protect your clothes by never drying bras, sportswear, or swimwear in the dryer. Spandex and other elastic materials are excellent, but they don’t do so well in the dryer. High temperatures can degrade the fabric, causing it to break down and ruin the shape of your clothes.
5. Use Dryer Balls
Dryer balls made of wool or rubber will help separate your clothes and circulate more air through them, reducing drying time. They can also reduce static electricity, which eliminates the need for dryer sheets. The wool balls are reported to absorb moisture, reducing drying time even more.
Additionally, if you use dryer sheets, use a toothbrush to scrub the filter once a month to remove film buildup, which can reduce air circulation. Reusability is one of the reasons dryer balls are so eco-friendly. They can withstand up to 1,000 washes, or nearly 10 years if you do laundry twice every week. On the other hand, dryer sheets are a single-use product.
6. Pay Attention to the Care Instructions
Laundry methods differ depending on the material. Wool, for example, should be washed only when absolutely necessary, using a wool detergent on a gentle cycle or by hand. It is critical to properly care for delicate fabrics like cashmere and silk, which are especially susceptible to damage from harsh chemicals and heat. Pay close attention to the label instructions, which will tell you the maximum recommended temperature for washing an item.
7. Store Clothes Properly
Correct hanging on the foldable clothesline and appropriate storage can significantly extend the lifespan of your clothing. All clothes should be stored in a cool, dry place to avoid damage from dampness, sunlight, and heat. Make sure your clothes are clean before storing them, as dirt and surface debris can attract clothes moths, which can ruin them.
To keep clothes moths at bay, store your knitwear with lavender or mothballs. It is critical not to overcrowd your wardrobe because clothes require breathing space; this will also prevent wrinkling and colour loss from clothes rubbing together.
8. Select Energy-Efficient Appliances
Making laundry day more environmentally friendly starts with choosing energy-efficient washers and dryers for your clothes. All you need to do is a bit of research, and talk to your retailer. Your machine will use, on average, 25% less electricity and 33% less water if you purchase an energy-saving certified clothes washer, which is not only good for your pocket but for the environment too.
