Energy Saving Tips for Washing Machines & Dryers

Laundry is no one’s favorite chore, from washing, drying to folding, It’s no easy job. You would always want to do it the fast and easy way.

Although a washing machine and a dryer is appropriate but does it cause a sense of stress or euphoria?

There are ways to save money and energy in the laundry room, reduce the wear and tear of your clothes- and some of them won’t cost you a single penny.

Energy saving tips for Washers:

• Purchase the right size

Buy the right size for your family’s needs. Front load washing machines are more efficient than top loaders. The front load can accommodate more clothes per load as they do not have a central agitator taking up space but top loading models do.

• Use the right settings

Sort clothes according to fabric, color and heavily soiled. Different types of clothes require different wash cycles. Delicate clothes do not take as long as the others. Pre-soak soiled garments to lessen wash cycle.

• Wash with cold water

Use cold water to cut a load’s energy use in half. To ensure items get cleaned using the right amount of detergent and fabric softener.

• Maximize the operation of your washing machine

Wash at full loads with the right wash cycle. The same amount of energy is being used no matter the size of the load. Remember, full load and not overload.

• Spin clothes properly

When using a spinner, make sure that the water is drained from the cylinder and clothes are squeezed to effectively spin-dry clothes. It’s best to set the machine to the maximum spin cycle to eliminate water before drying which will help in cutting the drying time in half and reducing the toll on the fabric due to dryer the high heat of the dryer.

Energy saving tips for Dryers:

• Air dry when you can

Hang laundry outside on sunny days or on a drying rack or place the clothes in a warm and dry place if it’s cloudy. Line drying your clothes is one of the best ways to save on your energy bills.

• Remove excess water

Remove excess water or spin dry before tumble drying or line drying clothes.

• Dry right-sized loads for your machine

Categorize clothing in terms of density,Loads that are too full will take longer for the clothes to dry. Do not overload as it might block airflow.

• Use lower heat settings in the dryer

By setting the dryer to a lower heat setting, you will use lesser energy and avoid shrinking or stretching of fabric.

•  Use a cool-down cycle if your dryer has one

Use the cool setting, if your dryer comes with one.

• Use dryer balls

Wool or rubber dryer balls absorb some moisture that will help separate your clothes and get more air through them, hereby drying time.

• Use the moisture detect sensor

Nowadays, dryers are fitted with a moisture detecting capability where the dryer automatically switches off to avoid over drying of clothes.

PRO TIP:

• Clean washer and dryer regularly.

By cleaning the lint filter before every load maintains the efficiency of the machine. Always towel dry the door seal (gasket) to avoid mould and odor in front load washing machines, dry the door seal (or gasket) with a towel after each load. If you use dryer sheets, scrub the filter once a month with a toothbrush to remove film buildup that can reduce air circulation.

• Use washer and dryer during off-peak hours.

Do your laundry late at night/ early morning or during off-peak hours, mostly unsociable hours. Rates are lowest during these hours. These vary depending on your location and provider.

For more tips on how to save energy in your home, Visit Econnex.