The Ultimate Guide to Energy and Water-Efficient Laundry This Summer

During the summer, it’s no surprise that electricity and water consumption tend to spike due to the oppressive heat. To help ease the burden on your wallet, here are six tips from the Vietnam Electricity Corporation (EVN) to save on your utility bills when using your washing machine:

1 Fill Your Washing Machine with the Right Amount of Clothes

To ensure effective washing and protect your machine, pay attention to the load size. A small load may cause the machine to underperform, resulting in wasted resources and inadequately cleaned clothes.

Overloading your washing machine can lead to restricted movement of clothes, resulting in creased and tangled garments that aren’t properly cleaned. Excess clothing can also overwork the machine, causing loud noises and potential damage.

The right amount of clothes for each wash:

• Front-loading machines: Fill the drum to about 2/3 of its capacity.
• Top-loading machines: Do not exceed the maximum water level mark indicated on the tub.

Fill your washing machine with the right amount of clothes

2 Turn Off the Hot Water Setting

Washing machines that use hot water consume a significant amount of electricity to heat the water to the desired temperature. In contrast, cold water washing eliminates the need for heating, resulting in substantial energy savings.

Additionally, cold water washing is suitable for most fabrics, helping to preserve colors and fabric integrity while extending the lifespan of your clothes.

Turn off the hot water setting

3 Choose the Right Water Level for Your Load

Modern washing machines typically offer three water levels for each cycle. Selecting the appropriate water level for your load saves water and electricity.

For smaller loads, opt for a lower water level to expedite the washing process and conserve electricity.

Choose the right water level

4 Use Detergent Specifically Designed for Your Washing Machine

Choosing the right detergent is crucial for protecting your machine, achieving better cleaning results, and saving costs. Detergents formulated for washing machines tend to produce less foam and leave no residue on clothes, ensuring efficient machine operation and longevity.

Additionally, specialized detergents have optimized formulas to effectively remove stains, keeping your clothes bright and soft. Their quick-dissolving properties also contribute to water and electricity savings by reducing wash time.

To enhance fragrance and softness, consider using a fabric softener sparingly. Add it during the final rinse cycle, and you may even pause the machine for 10 minutes to allow clothes to absorb the softener fully.

Use detergent designed for your machine

5 Select the Right Spin Cycle for Your Clothes

Choosing the appropriate spin cycle is crucial for saving time and energy when doing laundry. For bulkier items like bedding, select the high-spin setting to extract as much water as possible, thereby reducing drying time and electricity consumption.

Choose the right spin cycle

6 Regularly Clean and Maintain Your Washing Machine

To optimize washing performance and maintain your family’s health, proper cleaning and placement of your washing machine are essential.

Wipe down the exterior regularly with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and grime. Clean the tub periodically with a specialized cleaning solution or natural ingredients like baking soda and white vinegar. Clear the lint filter after each load to prevent blockages. Inspect and clean the water inlet hose regularly to ensure clean water enters the machine.

Place your machine in a well-ventilated, dry area, away from direct sunlight. Ensure the surface is level and at least 10 cm from the wall for adequate airflow. Avoid proximity to heat sources, and keep the control panel dry. Do not place heavy objects on top, and unplug the machine when not in use.

Regular maintenance is key

These six tips from EVN will hopefully provide some relief from those daunting utility bills during the hot summer months!