We use Seventh Generation laundry detergent in our washer and noticed that the box suggested saving energy by using cold water for washing all clothes. US Dept of Energy calculates that 90% of energy used in washing clothes goes toward heating the water. Save up to $60 a year by using cold water.

The Seventh Generation FAQ’s do state that amount of sudsing is affected by temperature though.  You might have to use warm water for those pesky stains like those from oil. So check your laundry detergent’s label to see if it is compatible with mostly cold water washing.

Make sure you do full loads of laundry. Use the Moisture-sensing option if available. Save 5% or around $60 on your electric bill by conserving.

Amazon has discounts and free shipping on Seventh Generation products. Seventh generation has started to sell concentrated liquid detergent in a new cardboard bottle that is fully recyclable, including the inner plastic pouch.

Saving energy in the Dryer

Save energy in your dryer by using the sensor dry option if your dryer has one.  Also try avoid using fluffy towels as they take longer to dry.  Waffle towels are thinner and will save you money. Be sure to clean out the lint trap after each load.  Using clothes line to dry clothes helps even more.

If your Clothes Washer was made before 1994, a new high efficiency one will use about half the energy. Energy Rebates are available with a new washer or dryer.

Be sure to read our article: Ways to Save Energy, Money on your Energy Bill

Clorox Green Works has a money back guarantee on their Green Works Natural Laundry Detergent.  $3 off greenworks coupon. The products show a Sierra Club logo that was paid for.

Green Works openly list their ingredients unlike most Clorox products:

Water, plant-based cleaning agents (methyl ester sulfonate, alkyl polyglucoside, cocodimethyl amine oxide), glycerine, water softener (sodium citrate), plant-derived soap (oleic acid), enzyme stabilizer (boric acid), natural enzymes, alkalinity builder (sodium hydroxide), fragrance with essential oils, salt, calcium chloride, biodegradable preservative, blue & yellow colorant. Contains no phosphate or bleach.

Their MSDS (Material Safety Document Sheet) document shows several hazardous ingredients and petroleum-derived ingredients.  Clorox Green Works products are not perfect, but a step in the green, eco friendly direction.  Clorox has wide distribution so they will allow more mainstream customers to access greener cleaning products. We prefer the slightly more green Method ultra concentrated or Seventh Generation products ourselves as they do not  have petroleum derived products. What exactly is a natural cleaning product?

Don’t forget to wash your clothes in cold water.