Status: 14.10.2023, 09:05 a.m.
By: Laura Knops
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If you follow a few tips in the household, you will protect the environment and your wallet. There are a few things to consider, especially when it comes to washing.
With each wash, you not only consume water and detergent, but also expensive electricity. However, if you want to be more environmentally friendly, you can make a difference with a few small changes, especially when it comes to washing. Find out here how you can avoid mistakes when washing and also easily save money.
Washing machine mistake 1: Washing half full and too often
If you only fill the washing machine halfway, you are wasting electricity and energy unnecessarily. © Anastasiya Amraeva/Imago
Your favourite shirt is in the laundry, but it's not enough for a full washing machine? If you only turn on the washing machine half full in this case, this can cost you dearly. After all, a half-filled machine consumes vast amounts of energy, water and detergent. In addition, not every piece of clothing has to be washed after wearing it once. It is often sufficient to air out T-shirts, sweaters and trousers briefly, as long as they are not full of stains.
You can find everything you need to know about household and gardening tips in the living newsletter of our partner Merkur.de.
2. Washing machine mistake: Choosing the wrong washing program
When operating the washing machine, consumers can be amazed. After all, modern washing machines often have a variety of different washing programs on offer. However, if you choose the wrong program, you will consume energy unnecessarily. In order to avoid guessing games, you should therefore follow the washing instructions in textiles as well as the instructions for use of the washing machine when choosing the washing program.
Consumers should also avoid temperatures that are too hot. For jeans, T-shirts or sweaters, a wash cycle at 30 degrees is usually sufficient to remove light dirt. Underwear, bed linen and towels, on the other hand, can be washed at 60 degrees.
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3. Washing machine mistake: Dosing detergent incorrectly
If you want to wash in a more environmentally friendly way, you should not only use an ecological detergent, but also use it sparingly. More washing powder does not ensure that the laundry is cleaner. When it comes to the choice of detergent, less is more. For example, each household only needs three different detergents – you can do without fabric softeners.
4. Washing Machine Mistake: Using Tumble Dryer
A tumble dryer is pure luxury. If you have the opportunity to dry your laundry outside in the summer, you should definitely do so. In winter, it is also a good idea to set up a drying rack in the apartment. The laundry takes a little longer to dry, but consumers can save a lot of electricity and energy.
5. Washing Machine Mistake: Using an Outdated Washing Machine
Old household appliances are among the biggest energy wasters in German households. However, modern washing machines do not only have an advantage over older models in terms of power consumption. They also score points when it comes to water and detergent consumption. If you are buying a new washing machine, you should choose a model with energy efficiency class A if possible.