Energy Efficient Washers and Dryers

Energy efficient washers and dryers don't have to be fresh from the appliance store. If you aren't ready to buy new, there are steps you can take for an energy efficient washer and dryer set.

Energy Efficient Washers

Cold
When possible, wash in cold water. An estimated 80% of energy used in washing machines is to heat the water.

Fully Loaded
Wait until enough laundry piles up for a full load. Newer machines, especially Energy Star washers, have automated water settings that will adjust to the load size.

Pre-Soak
For heavily stained clothing, soak in soapy water before adding to the machine.

Rinse in Cold
Rinse in cold water. For most garments, this works just as well as rinsing in hot water.

Switch Detergents
Some detergents produce too many suds and make the machine work overtime. Switch to an eco-friendly laundry detergent or see one of our homemade laundry soap recipes to make your own.

Take the Smell Test
Check to see if clothes really need washing. I'm not suggesting you sniff your under-roos to make sure they are dirty; wash those. I'm talking about that sweater you threw on to grab takeout. Briefly worn clothes don't have to be tossed in the dirty clothes pile just because someone in the house wanted an outfit change.

Turn Down the Heat
When you do wash in hot water, it doesn't have to be scorching to get the laundry clean. For the most energy efficient hot water heater, turn it down to 120 degrees. This will save energy and money when you do laundry.

Energy Efficient Dryers

Back to Back Loads
Dry several loads of laundry in a row. The machine will have to warm up only once before it reaches drying temperature.

Clean the Filter
I'll admit, I rarely clean the link filter. I honestly never think about it. Lucky for me, it's my husband's pet peeve, so he cleans it often. If he didn't, our machine would be working overtime to dry clothes.

Don't Overload
Putting too many items in the dryer lengthens drying times and wastes energy. A standard size load should be dry in 45 minutes or less.

Keep the Vent Clean
Keep the vent on the outside of the house clean. Make sure excess lint and cobwebs aren't blocking air flow.

Line Dry
The most energy efficient dryer is the clothes line or an indoor drying rack. Not only does it save energy to line dry, it also gives your clothes a longer life.

Use the Permanent Press Cycle
Your clothes continue to be dried the last few minutes, but with cool air only.