Summer is here, which means your laundry room is one busy place. We've already mentioned some summer tips around the home, and adding in a little cash savings along the way. Here's a few tips that are focused on your laundry room - and hopefully will help your energy bill!
Other than the kitchen, the laundry room is probably one of the busiest rooms of the house. People are always going in and out, and no matter how much you do laundry - there's always more to do. If your washer and dryer aren't performing at their best, it's likely to show up on your energy bill.
Tips to Conserve Energy: Washing Machine
- When possible, wash clothes in cold water. This saves energy needed to heat the water up.
- Wash full loads of laundry. No matter how full or light your load, the machine uses pretty much the same amount of energy.
- Use the high speed spin cycle. This will help take out more moisture from your clothes, which will result in less drying time in the dryer (or on the clothes line!).
- If you have a top loading washing machine, convert to a front-loading one (if you can). Front loading washing machines use about 70% less water.
Tips to Conserve Energy: Dryer
- Keep the lint filter clean. This helps maximize air circulation and energy efficiency. It can also help prevent a potential fire.
- Dry full loads and use the moisture sensor setting. This saves energy, but can also help protect your clothes from heat damage.
- Make sure to keep the outside exhaust clean to prevent dryer fires and reduce drying time. Keep the dryer at least four inches away from the wall to prevent kinks or tears from forming in the exhaust vent.
Got Stains?
The earlier you catch a stain, the better. If you're on the go, pre-treat the area with something like those Tide Pens. If you don't have a stain pen on hand, try to keep the stain wet to keep it from setting (like an ice cube from your drink). Then wash the item as soon you get home.
After washing the item, check your wet laundry before drying it to make sure the stain is gone. The heat from drying will often make the stain permanent. If the stain is still visible, pre-treat the area and wash again.
Stubborn stains like grass stains should be soaked for at least 30 minutes in cool water, with a laundry product containing enzymes. Don't use hot water as it will make the stain more difficult to remove. If you've got a mud stain, brush to remove any loose soil, then soak it in a solution of 1 quart warm water, 1 teaspoon liquid dish detergent, and 1 tablespoon white vinegar for 15 minutes. Rinse it with water, then let it stand for a few minutes. If the stain lingers, sponge it with rubbing alcohol and rinse it with clean cool water. You can also soak it as mentioned above if the stain persists.
Got plumbing questions? Call your local Mr. Rooter plumber of the Greater Syracuse, NY area. We're here to help with all your plumbing and septic needs.
