Around the country, more laundromats are going green by installing water and energy efficient appliances. But no matter what's happening at your local laundromat, you can go green and save money by following these eight tips.
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1. Wash Full Loads
2. Use a Front Load Machine
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3. Use Cold Water
Obviously, by using cold water you leave a smaller carbon footprint than using energy to heat water. Select a detergent that is formulated for cold water - liquid usually works better than powder. Cold water will also help prevent fading and help your clothing look new longer.
Use hot water judiciously for disinfecting and bacteria-laden clothing and linens.
4. Use a Green Detergent
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5. Use Vinegar and Baking Soda
White distilled vinegar and baking soda are two of the most earth-friendly and effective laundry products around. Vinegar reduces odor, softens clothes and eliminates the need for fabric softener and brightens and whitens laundry. Baking soda reduces odor and boosts the performance of detergents and bleach.
6. Find a Warm Dryer
If you are going to dry your clothing at the laundry mat, find a warm dryer. The residual heat will allow your clothing to dry faster and use less energy than heating up a cold dryer. Plus, you'll save money by using less drying time.
7. Clean the Dryer Lint Trap
Always check the dryer lint trap before you begin drying a load of clothes. Cleaning out the lint will save energy and your clothing will dry faster saving you an extra quarter.8. Use the Sun
One of the best ways to green your laundry mat experience is to take your clothing home wet and hang it on a clothesline to dry. If you don't have a clothesline, use an indoor drying rack.
When I lived in an apartment, I installed an indoor clothesline in my guest bedroom and used it as my dryer...except when I had company!
