Doing laundry becomes necessary for any household. Unfortunately, the chore becomes financially and environmentally wasteful (e.g. water and energy expenditures).

Appliance manufacturers make more energy efficient machines which meet the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Energy Star standards. However, not everyone owns the most up to date washer or dryer. Yet, options exist to lessen the environmental impact and aid the household budget:

• Recycle clothes:
• Encourage everyone in the household to wear some clothing (pants/shirts) more than once.

• Use less detergent or search for products with more environmentally friendly ingredients:
• Options are available for detergents that are concentrated and work in cold water.
• Research/try green detergents - Seventh Generation comes to mind.
• Check online for one of many homemade laundry detergent recipes.
• Use vinegar in a Downey ball as a washer fabric softener.
  • Note: Vinegar’s acidity helps balance the pH of the detergent and gets most soap residue out of the clothes.
• In the dryer, replace the chemical covered dryer fabric sheet with dryer balls (rubber balls with soft nubs).

• When it is an option, use cold water for washing.

• Maximize each laundry load by either filling the washer with clothes or adjusting the water level accordingly.

• Line dry if available as an option, you can then:
  • Only use the dryer to quickly 'fluff' certain items (e.g. shirts/pants) to get rid of stiffness. But note: Line drying bonus - clothes will last longer!

Clean Ones® – For Clean Hands on Dirty Jobs®

Clean Ones Corp. 122 SW 3rd Ave., Portland, OR 97204; 800-FOR-GLVS