Getting the most from your washer and dryer

Tips for the washer:

Fill it up.
Clothes washers use about the same amount of energy regardless of load size, so run full loads whenever possible.

Wash in cold water.
Water heating consumes about 90 percent of the energy it takes to operate a clothes washer. Switching your temperature setting from hot to warm can cut energy use in half. Using the cold cycle reduces energy use even more.

Always use high-efficiency (HE) detergent if you have a front-loading machine.Regular detergent creates too many suds, which will affect a high-efficiency machine’s washing and rinsing performance. Over time, it can lead to odors and mechanical problems.

Activate the high-speed option
If your clothes washer has spin options, choose a high spin speed or the extended spin option to reduce moisture in clothes after washing, decreasing drying time.

Avoid the sanitary cycle
Use the superhot cycle, available on some models, only when absolutely necessary.

Leave the door open after use.
Airtight seals prevent water from leaking while the machine is in use. When a front-loading machine is not in use, this seal can trap moisture in the machines and lead to mold. Leave the door ajar for an hour or two after use to evaporate moisture. Make sure children do not climb in.

Rinse the washer every month.
Run a normal cycle with 1 cup of vinegar every month to reduce the risk of mold or mildew buildup.

Tips for the dryer:

Use the moisture sensor option.
Many new clothes dryers have a moisture sensor that shuts off the machine when clothes are dry, saving energy and clothing wear and tear.

Clean the lint filter.
Clean the filter after every load to improve air circulation and increase the dryer’s efficiency.

Scrub the lint filter regularly if you use dryer sheets
Dryer sheets can leave a film on the filter that reduces air flow and, over time, can affect the motor’s performance. If you must use dryer sheets, scrub the filter clean with a toothbrush once a month.

Use a drying rack or hang clothes outside.
Air-drying saves energy and helps clothes last longer.