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Save energy when washing and cleaning

a mop for cleaning

Reduce the amount of power you use when cleaning.

One of the good resolutions for this year could be to save energy, be it for cost reasons or because you simply want to make your life more sustainable. We would like to give you a few tips and tricks to make household cleaning more energy-efficient in a relatively simple way.

If you look at the biggest energy guzzlers in the household, there are three devices that are responsible for using up a lot of energy.

Let's start with your washing machine. 

Of course, we could now start recommending the latest, efficient model of a washing machine and tumble dryer. In fact, it would be one of the most effective ways to save energy (unless you already have a new device). In the medium term, it might even be cheaper than continuing to work with an old device. We promised to provide some simple methods, so let's leave that for now.

The most important rule is: it is better to wash longer, but at a lower temperature. Turning the drum, spinning the laundry, pumping out the water ... none of these actions use a lot of energy. Heating the water, however, is the real power guzzler. The bottom line is that you can save up to 50% energy. Wash at 90°C only from time to time to clean the machine.

Make sure to load your washing machine properly. Both overloading and underloading will use additional water and electricity. The optimum load depends on the maximum amount permitted for the selected program. As a rule of thumb, you can remember that a full hand should fit into the drum. In the case of delicate laundry, the drum should only be half loaded.

Did you also know that you should spin at high speed if possible? A low moisture residue in your clothes means a low energy requirement for drying. The maximum possible spin speed, however, depends on the type of textile and should also be taken into account - ruining your clothes would again not be sustainable.

The next point sounds relatively banal and it is: dry your laundry in the fresh air and save the dryer completely. Even in colder temperatures in winter, wet clothes do not dry much more slowly than in summer. The secret is called sublimation (in short: the water freezes and evaporates without liquefying in between).

Last but not least, a tip that applies to both the washing machine and the dishwasher. Decalcify your devices regularly (as a rule, about every three months). A calcified device increases the power consumption considerably, as the water has to be heated through the deposits. As a sustainable and extremely effective descaling agent, we recommend pure citric acid - it should be food-grade for the dishwasher. (Kalkex)

That brings us to the next energy appliance: the dishwasher. One of our favourite home appliances. Anyone who, had to hand wash for a while will understand. The best part: washing with the dishwasher is not only more fun, it is also more energy-efficient than washing dishes by hand. Washing with the machine needs on average 50% less water and 28% less energy than washing by hand, according to a study by the University of Bonn. At least with modern, energy-efficient devices.

In order for this to apply, a few small things must be considered here. As with the washing machine, the dishwasher should be loaded properly. Eco programs should also be the first choice for the dishwasher. The rinse cycle sometimes takes considerably longer, but it saves a lot of water and electricity. Don't get annoyed about dishwasher detergent residue on dishes and glasses, we recommend a high-quality powder (in combination with a rinse aid and a special regeneration salt). Compared to multitabs, this is much more effective and can also be dosed individually - so it is again more sustainable.

An item with a lot of savings potential: the vacuum cleaner. There are great fibers that are specially designed to pick up dust and are used with conventional floor mops. They are not only energy- and time-saving, but also better suited for allergy sufferers, gentler on your valuable furniture. And if you pay attention to quality, not less effective.

Saving energy with household cleaning is very easy and possible without additional effort. Done correctly, you not only save money, but also your valuable time.

Translated from Ha-Ra Germany Oliver Boehres 

 
 
 

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