Use less detergent
The companies who make laundry detergent want you to use lots, so you’ll have to buy more. So rather than following the guidelines on packaging, try experimenting with the amount you use. Depending on what you are washing, as little as 1 tablespoon per full load can be just as effective.
Wash in cold water
Ninety per cent of the energy used washing laundry is for heating water. As well as increasing your energy bill, washing in hot water is harsher on your clothes, and can make colours run.
Use the sun to dry your clothes!
The energy from the sun is free and sunlight is great for drying (obviously) as well as killing bacteria and dust mites.
Only wash when you have a full load
It takes the same amount of energy to wash a half load as it does a full load.
Wash your clothes less often
You don’t have to wash everything after just one wear. If you want to freshen them up a bit, put the item on a hanger and hang it on your washing line outside for that fresh ‘just washed’ feeling. Your clothes will also last longer with less washing and drying.
Tumble drying
- If you do use a dryer, try hanging out your clothes first and then ‘finish them off’ in the dryer to make sure they get completely dry.
- Put a dry towel in with the load for faster drying.
- If the dryer is too full, it will take longer for the clothes to dry (and they will be more wrinkled – meaning more ironing).
- On the other hand, if you only dry a few items on their own, it’s a waste of energy.
- Throw your next load into the tumble dryer while it’s still warm. This will mean you’re using the residual heat inside the dryer for the next cycle.
- Clean the lint filter regularly and your dryer will be more efficient.
- If you use lower heat settings in the dryer, you will use less energy and be less likely to over-dry your clothes.
- Different items retain different amounts of water. So, it is best to dry heavy items such as towels and blankets separately, for faster drying.
