We’ve heard the standard advice of using low flow toilets, not watering during the heat of the day, and using a bucket to wash the car. Here are some easy ways to reduce your water consumption in the laundry room.
Get new appliances. An average top-loading washer uses 40 gallons for a full load; a super capacity machine can use up to 57 gallons. Front loading washers use about half as much water and are the easiest way to reduce your household water use. Unfortunately, the new machines can be pricey and don’t always fit in small laundry rooms.
Don’t overfill the washer. Clothes need room to move during the cycle, so don’t pack the clothes in too tightly. This will eliminate the need to rewash soiled items.
Soak clothes. Heavily soiled items don’t necessarily need to be washed twice. Let the washer fill, add soap, and let it agitate for a minute or so. Then, turn the cycle off, and let the full washer soak for a few hours. Simply pull the knob to restart, and let the load finish as usual. You’ll find your clothes are cleaner the first time through!
Hand wash delicate items. A sinkful or dishpan of water uses much less water than the delicate cycle on your machine. Lingerie is hand-washed easily in the shower and hung to dry.
Wash fewer clothes. Just because a garment touched your body, doesn’t mean it needs to be fully laundered! If you dress in layers or wear undershirts, consider hanging the outermost garment to air out. Home dry-cleaning kits, such as Dryel, can freshen up clothes using no water at all.
Saving water will help the environment and your pocketbook. Start doing something today, and make a difference!
