Green Washing Machines: What Do I Need To Know?

We all like to think about doing our part to make the environment more livable, and one of the first ways that we can do that is by taking a look at the things we do regularly and thinking about what kind of environmental impact they have.  Many people aren’t aware that  even the way that they wash their clothes can have an effect on the environment, but if you simply take a look around at what is available when you buy your next washing machine, you’ll be able to reduce your ecological footprint a little.  When you are considering what a green washing machine might be like, keep a few things in mind.

The first thing that you need to think about is whether you want a front loaded washing machine, or one that loads from the top.  While top loaders are slightly more common, you will find that there is a big difference in the way that these two types of washing machine will handle their water.  A front loader washing machine will only use 10 gallons of water to wash a load that would take a top loader a whopping 40 gallons to get clean.  When looking at water conversation, whether in a general sense or in your own area, it’s easy to see which is the right choice.

You will also find that you need to think about energy consumption.  For the most part, the energy that goes into the use of washing machine will come through the heating of the water.  The more water that is used, the more energy is needed to heat it up, so not only do front loaders use less water, they will use less energy as well.  Similarly, you will find that even washing with cold water still gets clothes clean unless the dirt has been seriously caked on.  You’ll find that when you are considering good ways to save energy, keeping the cycles cold can go a long way.

While thinking about the environment, you should also remember that you need to make your clothes last.  The more cloth that you are able to reuse and and keep reusing, the less resources you will be taken up and when you are thinking of what will save your clothes, you will find that front loaded washing machines once again come out the winner.  You’ll find that front loaded machines will tumble your clothing through the water, unlike top loaders, which will pull them.  You’ll find that your clothes will last a great deal longer if they are not being abused in this way, and that in addition, you will find that your clothes come out more dry due to the faster spin speeds as well, giving them shorter dry times.

When you are considering your next washing machine purchase, take a look at the washing machines that are available to you and make sure that you think about what you are buying and how it will benefit you and the environment.