The energy efficient laundry room

An energy-efficient laundry does not waste water; it recycles as much as possible. It has an energy-efficient washing machine, and the dryer is used only as a last resort. The hot water comes from the solar heater, cold water from a rainwater tank, and the gray, or waste, water produced is run into a holding tank that supplies the toilet tanks in the house.

How energy-efficient is your washing machine?
If you analyze the environmental impact of a washing machine over its lifetime, you will see that the main areas of impact occur during the operating stage, in detergent manufacture and use, energy use, and water consumption.

Front-loading units tend to have a lighter environmental impact because they use less water, detergent, and energy for each wash. If you compare front and top loaders of a similar capacity, you’ll find that front loaders use half the energy, 40 percent less water, and 30 percent less detergent. The spin cycle also tends to be more efficient so clothes dry faster.

Consumer associations recommend dual-connection front loaders as the best choice for the environment. A dual connection enables you to use hot water from your chosen heater rather than water that has been heated by your washing machine.

Programming your wash
Washing machines are now very sophisticated. Many models have computerized controls, enabling you to program each load in specific ways. If you organize each washing load to make the most of this facility on your machine, you will save energy, and therefore money, each time you wash. For example, wash heavily soiled garments together in one load.

Take these factors into consideration each time you sort out your washing.

Temperature
The hotter the water, the greater its cleansing power, but you need to balance the temperature setting of your machine against the needs of each fabric type: only cotton and linen stand very hot temperatures, while silk may shrink and wool may felt. Hot water may result in a whiter wash, but it also uses more energy. To save energy, only use hot water for heavily soiled items. Alternatively, soak soiled items separately in a bowl of hot water before washing in a cooler load.

Wash time
Wash lightly soiled items and delicate fabrics, such as wool, for a shorter time. Dirty gardening gear, for example, may need longer.

Agitation strength
Regular agitation during the wash cycle may be too tough on lingerie or washable wool.

Load size
It is more energy-efficient to wash with the fullest load suitable for the fabric type. However, be careful not to overload the washing machine or the items will not move freely, making soil removal inefficient. Repeated overloading will also shorten the life of the machine itself. Use the half-load setting when washing small bundles of similar items; if you wash a small amount on the full load setting, you’ll waste a lot of water.

Spin cycle
For delicate fabrics, set the machine to a slower spin cycle and a shorter spinning time.

LINT TRAP
To prevent lint from blocking your drains, fit the end of the water outlet with a piece of pantyhose and clean it regularly.

Laundry tips
Water
Mainly cold-water washing reduces both heating costs and energy consumption.

Soaking
Presoaking of heavily soiled or stained garments minimizes the need for hot water and harsh chemicals.

Washing machine
Full loads or half-load settings waste less water and detergent. Fast spin reduces drying time.

Detergent
Using concentrates reduces the amount of chemicals released into the environment; the correct dosage cuts out waste. Non-biological powder can be used if a household member has sensitive skin.

Clothesline
Clothes are dried on a line outside whenever possible.

Stain-removal kit
Using a range of stain removers keeps clothes looking good and cuts down on dry-cleaning costs.

Image courtesy of Dvira Ink.

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