Laundry List: How to Green Your Laundry Routine

Three simple steps to make your laundry routine greener.

By Jessica Kellner
July/August 2010
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Hanging your clothes to dry will cut energy costs and leave your laundry smelling like fresh air.
Photo By Andie Edwards
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Follow these three simple steps to make your laundry routine greener:

1. When buying a washing machine, look for a low water factor. The water factor is the number of gallons per cycle per cubic foot that a clothes washer uses. The lower the water factor, the more efficient the washer is.

2. Line dry. The average clothes dryer costs about 50 cents per load to run.

3. Choose natural or homemade detergent. Conventional detergents contain harsh bleaches and colorants and surfactants that are toxic to aquatic life. Plus, they are sold in bulky nonrecycled, nonreusable containers.

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  • MoonPi 7/22/2011 3:56:56 PM

    I have successfully used homemade laundry detergent in both of the HE washers I have owned. The detergent I make does not make suds, which I understand is the main problem for the HE washers. I use about 1/4 the amount I would use for a regular washer. Please note that some HE washers' warranties may be voided if you use anything other than an officially approved HE detergent, so please check to be sure for yours.

  • Sara 7/21/2011 7:25:12 PM

    Can these homemade detergents be used on the new HE washing machines?

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