Considering the increase in population and facing water and energy shortages in the world, the importance of saving water and energy consumption is felt more than before. All of us should be able to play a role in this and reduce the consumption of non-renewable energy as much as possible. With this, we will be able to save our lovely planet.
Using the tricks below, you can save on your washing machine`s water and electricity consumption to both extend its lifespan through proper use and reduce your electricity bill.
1. Wash with cold water
Nowadays, most washing machines come with a warm-water option. This option, however, drives up energy consumption. Switching back to cold-water washing can significantly lower energy use. However, this trick comes with a catch; using warm water results in cleaner results, so if you decide to go with cold water, you have to use specially-developed laundry detergents.
2. Minimize your laundry loads
Set aside your dirty laundry until you have enough for a full load per your machine`s capacity. Washing too few pieces of clothing at a time drives up energy use, however, keep in mind not to overload the machine either. The fewer loads you have to do, the more you save on your bills.
Remember that regardless of how many pieces of clothing you`ve thrown in, your washing machine is going to use almost the same amount of energy every time. It is then wise to fill the machine to the brim before going for a spin.
3. Experiment with various washing options
New washing machines come with a wide range of options that allow the user to choose the best possible washing method for their clothes` fabric. This doesn`t seem to be catching on, however, and most people only use standard washing regardless of their laundry type.
Read the manual and choose the best washing option to help with lighter bills as well as cleaner clothes.
4. Use quick wash
If you find yourself in a laundry emergency and need to have your clothes washed quickly, use the quick wash option on your machine (if it is supported, that is). Less washing time (as little as 30 minutes) can help reduce energy use.
5. Use a stain remover for tough-to-clean stains
For heavily-soiled laundry, soak clothes in water for half an hour and use stain remover to help with the cleaning process before putting them in the washing machine. Aside from producing clean results, this reduces washing cycles, which reduces energy consumption.
6. Use proper detergents
Ahigh-foam detergent forces the machine to go the extra mile during the rinsing stage to soak up all the extra foam and naturally, uses more energy. This is something you should look out for while shopping for detergents; buy low-foam detergents with high cleaning power.
7. Buy energy-efficient washing machines
If you have an old washing machine on your hands and want to change it for a new one, make sure to get an ENERGY STAR-certified machine to save on energy.