Those who do clever to wash the laundry can save significantly money and at the same time protect the environment. It is often small changes to the habits that make a noticeable difference at the end of the year.
The “one-click-down” trick drastically lowers the costs
One of the most effective methods for saving energy is the so-called “one-click-down” trick: Simply adjust the washing temperature to a level than recommended on the care label. Instead of 60 degrees, it is washed at 40 degrees instead of 40 degrees with 30 degrees, as can be seen from Utopia.de’s contribution. The saving is remarkable: “When switching down from 60 to 40 degrees, electricity consumption drops by up to 45 percent,” explains Hamburg Consumer Center.
The reason is obvious: heating the water consumes the most energy when the washing process. Modern washing machines and detergents are now so powerful that textiles are cleaned even at lower temperatures. Slightly dirty outer clothing such as T-shirts, sweaters and pants are even suitable for laundry below 30 degrees.
Correct loading and program selection pay off
Ideally, the washing machine should be filled in such a way that a hand width between laundry and drum fits like Trigema.de recommends. An too full machine can consume as much energy and water as an optimally loaded – you then pay around 30 euros a year for free. Despite the longer term, the ECO program is a better choice: it consumes less electricity and water because it is heated less quickly and highly.
In most cases, the pre -wash can be dispensed with. This also consumes energy and water, although modern detergents also thoroughly clean without this pre -cleaning. In the case of heavily soiled textiles, it is often sufficient to have the affected areas soaked with lukewarm water and detergent in a bowl.
Detergent dosing and drying alternatives
Less is often more – this also applies to detergent dosing. Too much cleaning agent means that the machine inserts additional rinsing passages to remove remnants. As a result, water consumption increases unnecessarily. The dosing recommendation on the packaging should serve as a guideline, whereby the degree of pollution and local water hardness must be taken into account.
When drying, costs can also be saved: sun and wind take over the work of the power -eating tumble dryer free of charge. As reports HeiTung.de, the laundry with a high number of spin should be thrown in order to remove as much water as possible. This significantly shortens the drying time, whether in the air or in the dryer.
In the long term, benefit from conscious washing habits
The conscious handling of energy and water when washing the laundry pays off several times. The textiles are spared by lower temperatures, keep shape and color longer and have a higher lifespan. At the same time, energy -saving washing contributes to environmental protection and reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases. Regular cleaning of the washing machine prevents limescale deposits on the heating element and can even extend the life of the device. If you consistently follow these tips, you will notice the difference at the latest at the next electricity bill.
D. Maier / Redaktion Finanzen.net