How to best use a clothes dryer
If you use your dryer for laundry, do these two things to cut down on energy costs. First, clean the lint filter after each use; a dirty filter will force the dryer to work harder, and it’s also a fire hazard. Second, dry heavier items like blankets, towels and jeans separately from lighter items that dry more quickly; most dryers have a moisture sensor setting that can default if there is still one wet item inside the dryer. Hang heavier items when they are still slightly damp coming out of the dryer; they’ll dry more quickly, and air-drying helps keeps items like towels and jeans looking better over time.
FABRIC REFRESHER
When you don’t have the time to toss a pair of jeans in the washing machine or take sweaters and jackets to the dry cleaner, you can freshen them up with a DIY fabric refresher. All you need is a little baking soda, 2 cups of water and a few drops of essential oil mixed in a spray bottle. The baking soda helps naturally deodorize, and the oil leaves a faint, refreshing scent. You can also pour straight vodka into a spray bottle and spritz; it’ll kill any odor-causing bacteria on the spot.
PLANTS AND LIGHT
Houseplants must have enough sunlight to thrive. But how can you tell if they are getting too much or too little light? The answer is simple: Let the plants tell you. If the plant is leaning toward sunlight, stops producing flowers or has leaves that curl upward, it is in need of more light. If you see brown spots, yellowing leaves or the leaves look scorched, it’s time to move the plant away from the direct light source.
WATER FOR LAUNDRY
An average household of four people uses about 12,000 gallons of water every year doing laundry. Cutting down on your washing machine’s water usage can help with water conservation and save you money. One of the easiest switches to make is to avoid the permanent-press cycle, which uses about 5 gallons of
water during the extra rinse. And if you can’t wait to run a full load of laundry in order to maximize water usage, simply adjust the water levels to match the smaller load of laundry. These simple steps can save hundreds of gallons of water every year.
TOILET FLAPPER
A dual-flush toilet is a great way to save water at home because it lets you decide if you need a full or partial flush. But if you have a perfectly fine single-flush toilet, how do you save water? You can convert your toilet into a water-conserving one simply by switching out the toilet flapper. For less than $10, you can add an adjustable flapper that lets you shorten the chain. This means a conventional toilet that uses 5 to 7 gallons of water becomes a water-efficient one that uses just 2.5 gallons. This pays for itself in no time.
GARBAGE DISPOSAL
An in-sink garbage disposal may seem like a convenience, but the reality is it’s an environmental waste and can cause damage to your home. Many communities have banned garbage disposals because the solid waste they create can overtax water-treatment facilities. Some studies have shown that sending food waste into our water supply is three times more harmful than sending it to the landfill. And for homeowners with on-site septic systems, this food waste can cause serious damage to the system. The solution? Skip it, compost and send noncompostable waste to the landfill.
LAWN TOOLS
When purchasing lawn maintenance tools like lawnmowers and leaf blowers, your options aren’t limited to gas-powered or corded electric ones. New electric versions boast zero emissions and are cordless, too. These lithium ion battery-powered products feature rechargeable batteries that hold a charge long enough to take care of an average-size lawn. Just plug the tool in to charge it up so it’s ready the next time you need to tidy up your yard. And don’t forget: The rechargeable battery can be replaced and recycled, too.