Laundry
- Use lower temperature settings on your washing machine, preferably the cold water cycle, and only use cold for rinses. The temperature of the rinse water does not affect cleaning.~Load the washing machine to capacity. Washing one large load will take less energy than washing two loads on a low or medium setting. When you don't have a full load, match the water level to the size of the load.
- Don't over-dry clothes that you are going to iron. Take clothes out of the dryer while they are still slightly damp to reduce the need for ironing - another big energy user. Over-drying can cause shrinkage, generates static electricity, and shortens fabric life. If you have room, you can also "hang your clothes out" to dry.
- Clean the dryer filter after each use. A clogged filter will restrict airflow and reduce dryer performance.
- Dry full loads when possible, but be careful not to overfill the dryer, because air needs to circulate around the clothes.