A washing machine is the second largest water user in your home, with toilets being first.
- A traditional washing machine uses approximately 41 gallons per load.
- The best way to lower this usage is to buy a high efficiency washing machine.
- These machines use 35-50% less water and 50% less energy per load.
- No matter what kind of washing machine you have, here are some basic tips that can reduce water use for washing clothes:
- Operate the washer with full loads only – even if the machine has an adjustable load setting.
- A full load is the most efficient way to wash clothes.
- If your washer has a variable water volume setting, select the minimum amount required per load.
- Pre-treat stains to avoid rewashing.
- Use the shortest wash cycle for lightly soiled loads.
- When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
- While staying in a hotel or even at home, consider reusing your towels.
- Check your washing machine hoses regularly for cracks that could result in leaks.
- Choose new water saving appliances like washing machines that save up to 20 gallons per load.
