by CE Wynn

Created on: February 12, 2009   Last Updated: February 16, 2009

We should all be looking at ways of becoming greener around the home. Doing the laundry can be very green, and can save you some money to boot.

Here are a few pointers to get you started:

1. Getting the Best from Your Machine

This doesn't cost you anything, accept some time to reassess how you do your laundry. Fill your machine to capacity where possible rather then doing lots of small loads. This might mean leaving the laundry until the weekend, rather then a nightly chore, saving you lots of energy and water because your doing less loads.

What wash cycle do you use? Do you have an Eco cycle, that may not run for as long, but washes just as effectively as the normal wash. Give it a try and see, there is no harm, and you might get your washing done in the half the time.

Where possible, always try and use cold water rather then hot. There is a considerable amount of energy associated with heating water, so where possible avoid using it unless absolutely necessary.

2. Cleaning Detergents

Believe it or not most laundry detergents are quite harsh, made of synthetic petrochemicals that are not really any good for the environment let along for you and your cloths. Try going for a plant base detergent which are gentler on your cloths, and are particularly good for those that might suffer with allergies.

Bleaches have a huge impact on the environment, and really are not needed. We all have stains to deal with, so rather then adding bleach to the wash, try soaking your cloths for a long period of time before putting though the usual wash cycle. If you have a really tuff stain, try applying half a cup of water, with 4 tablespoons of backing soda directly to the stain.

Thinking about what you put into you laundry tube also opens up the world of using grey water. Grey water, is the water already used in the household such as that used in the laundry, and often looks grey in color, hence the name. If you keep to organic and green laundry products, you can start using this water on your garden. Thus saving your clean water, and re using the water that would have otherwise gone down the sewer.

3. Top Loaders vs. Front Loaders

Initially, top loaders are less expensive, however if your looking at purchasing a new washing machine, it is worthwhile looking at a front loader as well. Its been found for sometime, that top loaders consume significantly more energy and water then front loader. In addition, front loaders wash, and rinse more effectively due to its tumble action, as well as saving lots of room in whats often a small space to start.

There you have it, a green approach to doing the laundry. Now, why don't you start looking at other areas to start up an eco challenge and become more green, you will be surprised by what you can do.

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