Laundry

The average American family washes about 300 loads of laundry each year, and doing laundry accounts for about 22% of the water used in a typical home.

Some older clothes washers can use 40-60 gallons of water per load; while Energy Star qualified clothes washers typically use 15-20 gallons of water per load.

Wash only full loads

Regardless of the type or age of your household’s clothes washer, the number one thing you can do to conserve water while doing laundry is to run washers only when full.

Following manufacturer’s instructions on care and maintenance as well as spot treating instead of presoaking stained clothing can also ensure efficient water use.

Purchasing a new washer

When purchasing a new washer, consider selecting an Energy Star-labeled clothes washerand be sure to check with your energy and water providers to see if they have washing machine rebate program for their customers. Since its start 20 years ago, Energy Star has made great strides in bringing more energy and water efficient washers to consumers. In fact, today’s Energy Star certified clothes washer uses about 70% less energy and 75% less water than a standard washer used 20 years ago!

And, choosing to purchase an Energy Star certified clothes washer today over a standard washer will ensure that your household uses about 20% less energy and 35% less water when doing laundry.

Since the average American family washes about 300 loads of laundry each year, and doing laundry accounts for about 22% of the water used in a typical home, those savings can add up quickly.