October 2006
In the laundry
WASHING MACHINE
CLOTHES DRYER
- Remove grit from the screens where the hoses attach to the water supplies.
- Don't overload the washer beyond its manufacturer-recommended capacity.
- Install the washer on a level and well-supported subfloor to prevent vibration and banging.
- When possible, wash laundry in warm or cold water and rinse in cold.
- Washing one large load generally requires less energy than washing two small loads.
- Heed instructions for detergent use; too much makes the washer work harder and uses more energy.
- Before washing heavily soiled clothes, presoak to avoid the temptation to wash twice.
CLOTHES DRYER
- Clean lint filter after each use to keep air flowing freely.
- Each year, clean the entire exhaust duct to keep it from clogging--a fire hazard.
- If drying consecutive loads, remove clothes from one load (before folding), clear the filter, and start the next load while
the dryer is still hot. This trims the energy needed to reheat the dryer.
- Check the exhaust vent often, especially if you find the dryer isn't sufficiently heating up or is taking longer than usual
to dry.
- Separate lightweight fabrics from heavier ones that need more drying time.
- Generally, for appliances that don't run constantly, as do your refrigerator and heating/cooling system, check with your electrical-power supplier about what you are charged for various levels of the day. For instance, rates might be lower at night. Then adjust, when possible, the use of your dishwasher and washer/dryer to that time of day.
