Water Wise Washing

Washing machines use anywhere between 100-200 litres of water per load. Use these tips to get the most out of the water you use:

• Use a "suds-saver" feature, if possible. This feature reuses the clean rinse water for washing the next load.
• Re-use towels that are still clean.
• Consider wearing clothes more than once before washing. Not washing after every wear means less loads of laundry and will help your clothes last longer.

Choose a High-Efficiency Washer

• If you are looking for a new model, buy a high-efficiency washing machine with ENERGY STAR^® Most Efficient product specifications. 
• These machines use up to 40% less water, 50% less energy to dry clothes as more moisture is spun out, less detergent, are gentle on clothes, and help preserve the environment through reduced water consumption, pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
• The Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) recommends a model with an Integrated Water Factor (IWF) of 3.2 or lower and an Integrated Modified Energy Factor (IMEF) of 2.76 or higher.

Water Wise Cleaning

• For regular household cleaning, fill up a pail or bucket rather than using continuously running water.
• Partially fill the sink or a container when cleaning the kitchen or rinsing cloths.
• Want to learn more about environmentally friendly home cleaning? Check out our Clean Green page for recipes and tips! 

• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Leak Detection

Resources

• Laundry Detergent Reduction
• Water Wise Bathrooms (PDF)
• Drain-friendly cleaning recipes (PDF)