Saving water is as simple as planning ahead for laundry day, adjusting your washing machine for the right water settings, and using an efficient washing machine.

Efficient water use starts at home. A previous article published by WaterWideWeb on 11 March 2011 discussed the Courtesy Flush Challenge. Readers were challenged to flush responsibly, and upgrade their toilets and other bathroom fixtures to save as much H20 as possible.

Fortunately, saving water doesn’t stop at the flush of a toilet. Washing laundry is a major use of water that some Americans can take for granted. So, how can clothes still get squeaky clean by using less water?

A dirty habit that some individuals or families may suffer from is poor planning before laundry day. Don’t wait until every clothing item that you own is completely soiled before popping it in the wash.

Bigger loads use more water to complete cycles while the clothes are washing. Several small loads will use less water and energy, while ensuring that everything will come out fresh and clean.

Large loads will take up large amounts of water to get clothes clean but loads of only 3 or 4 items wastes water as well.

Plan ahead. Make sure that every load that you’re putting into the washing machine is just right to wash. Effective planning is the key to efficiency.

After making sure that your wash is large enough but not so much that the machine will overflow, be careful that what you’re throwing into the wash really needs to be cleaned.

Of course, there are some clothing items that may be soiled from spilled coffee, a case of the clumsies, or a good old fashioned office food fight.

But if there isn’t a big embarrassing stain on your white shirt that you wore just once, hang it up and the next day it will be just like new. If ain’t dirty, don’t launder it!

Being a good steward of water resources doesn’t require international policies and air tight water bands. A series of small decisions to use water smarter can make the world of difference when it comes to saving natural resources. Wash the right way, and make sure all your clothes come out smelling fresh and clean.

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