Clothes Washer Tips

Buy ENERGY STAR ® models If you are thinking about purchasing a new clothes washer, look for ENERGY STAR ® models. These are the most energy efficient models on the market and will save energy, save money, and help the environment.

• Front-loading washers are more energy-efficient. If you are thinking of replacing your washing machine, consider a horizontal axis, or front-loading unit. Recent research has shown that these machines can reduce energy use by over 50%, use significantly less water, require less detergent and shorter drying cycles, and reduce wear and tear on clothes. Several U.S. manufacturers now have front load models in the larger sizes preferred by Americans.
• Rinse with cold water. Most people in the appliance industry agree that cold water washes just as effectively as warm. By eliminating warm rinse cycles, the average consumer will save about $25 per year with electric hot water, or $10 with gas.
• Soak your clothes first. Soak cycles can allow for shorter wash times. For heavily soiled clothes, instead of a heavy wash cycle, try soaking and then using a shorter wash cycle.
• Use shorter washing cycles. Sort clothes by degree of dirtiness. Use shorter wash cycles for lightly soiled clothes.
• Adjust your load setting. Match the load setting to the size of the load. The load setting on your washer determines how much water is used. Smaller sized loads require less water.
• Eliminate small loads. Your clothes washer uses just about the same amount of energy regardless of how much clothing is being washed. Washing two small loads uses approximately twice as much energy as combining them into one full load. By combining loads together you reduce the number of loads you wash which in turn reduces your energy use.