Wash laundry in warm or cold water, rinse in cold water

Why

According to EnergyStar® 90% of the energy used in doing the wash is used to heat the water. So, go cold! You’ll save money on your water-heating bill. And your clothes will come out better rinsed and less wrinkled.

How

Wash your clothes in cold or warm water and rinse them in cold. If you have to use hot water, set the water level as low as you can to reduce how much hot water is used. Many new energy efficient washing machines use only cold for rinsing.

Natural Resources Canada has additional advice for reducing how much energy and water is wasted while doing laundry. Pair an energy efficient washer with energy efficient behaviour to maximize your savings.