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Doing laundry takes up a lot of time and money. Laundry makes up approximately 15 to 40 percent of the average four-person household's total water consumption, which costs hundreds of dollars every year. Prior to 2010, there were limited standards on water use, so a single wash cycle could take as much as 40 gallons of water.
Newer laundry models only take around 5 gallons per load, but if you have a large family or need to wash your clothing frequently, this can still add up. Aside from costing a lot of money, doing laundry is also harmful to the environment.
Many detergents contain harmful chemicals that wind up in the ocean and destroy marine life along with the microplastics that come off in the washer. Around 8 million metric tons of plastic enter our Earth's oceans each year, and we may be contributing to the pollution problem without even realizing it.
Taking care of the environment, and saving money, can be simple by taking up some of these eco-friendly laundry habits.
Wash on Cold
Unless your laundry is really dirty, you can easily wash on cold or lukewarm to help cut back. If you want to commit to the cold water wash, soak any soiled garments in water for a few hours with a few tablespoons of baking soda; this will loosen up any dirt and grime, making it easier to remove stains and any bacteria.
Only Wash When Necessary
Many people run their washer and dryer for clothes that don't really need to be washed. Outerwear and jeans, for example, can be washed once a week without any problem. Reducing your wash frequency will also help preserve the integrity of the fabric, making them look their best, in addition to lasting longer, too.
Use Less Detergent for Softer Clothes
If you avoid air-drying your clothing because they’ll end up scratchy and rough, use less detergent. Overuse of these products can create a residue that wears down the fabric, leaving it rougher when it dries on the line. Add a cup of white vinegar to your next load (before the final rinse), then hang it up on an indoor clothesline (or one outdoors) to save heat and cut back on energy consumption.
How Energy-Efficient is Your Home?
There are many ways that you can reduce your home's energy consumption, and most of it starts with well-maintained plumbing and HVAC.
At Mitch Wright Plumbing, Heating & Air, we are here for all of your plumbing and heating/cooling needs, which is why we offer 24/7 emergency services. For more information on the services we provide, visit us on the web or give us a call at (901) 795-9044.