How to Save Water in the Laundry
- 1). Wash full loads. Most people separate their clothes into "lights" and "darks," but this isn't always necessary. If you purchase a color-safe detergent that prevents colors from bleeding onto each other, you can throw almost everything in together. Another reason people separate clothes is for the water temperature difference; white clothes are typically washed in hot water, while dark clothes are washed in cold water. However white clothes will still get clean in cold water, and you save the energy required to heat the water. If you must wash separate groups of light and dark clothing, combine colors with your spouse, relatives, or roommates so you always have a full load.
- 2). Use the minimum amount of water needed for the load of clothes you have. Most older machines allow you to set the water level manually, although some newer models automatically set the water level based on internal sensors that monitor the amount of clothes in the washer.
- 3). Hand-wash delicates. Delicate clothes waste water because it's rare when you have enough to create a full load of laundry. Purchase a detergent for delicate clothes, and hand-wash your delicates in the bathroom sink.
- 4). Purchase a front loading, Energy Star rated machine. Energy Star rated machines utilize modern technology to reduce the amount of water and power required to wash your clothes. According to website The Daily Green, front loading Energy Star rated machines save up to 50 percent in power and water annually over traditional top-loading machines, which can save users up to $110 per year.
- 5). Don't wash sheets and towels so often. Instead of washing sheets and towels once per week, cut back to twice per month. To save additional water, wash sheets and towels together.
- 6). Purchase clothes and linens that can be washed with other items. Pay attention to labels that say "wash separately," or "wash with like colors." You will rarely get a full load of clothing with these types of materials, so washing them separately will waste water. Search for clothing labels that say "wash in cold water."
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