Wash clothes cold and air dry

Impact

Washing clothes cold and air drying could save 123 kg CO2e per person per year 

Why this pledge is so important

• Washing clothes in cold water and air drying them can really cut down on energy use and lower your electricity bills. Clothes dryers are among the biggest energy consumers in Aussie homes, with a basic vented dryer costing between $95 and $667 a year, depending on usage. By using your dryer less and air drying instead, you can save a lot of money and reduce your carbon footprint. 
• Cold water washing works great for most laundry and saves a ton of energy. Heating water makes up about 90% of a washing machine’s energy use, so switching to cold water can make a big difference. 

5 reasons to wash clothes cold and air dry

1. Save money on your energy bills: Air drying clothes and washing in cold water can really cut down on your energy costs.
2. Reduce your carbon footprint: Using less energy means fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Make your clothes last longer: Cold water washing and air drying are gentler on fabrics, helping your clothes stay in great shape.
4. Promote energy efficiency: These small changes support wider efforts to save energy.
5. Help the planet: Simple tweaks in your daily routine can make a big difference for the environment.

5 easy laundry swaps

1. Wash in cold water: Set your washing machine to cold for most loads to save energy.
2. Air dry clothes: Skip the dryer and use a clothesline or drying rack instead.
3. Use energy-efficient detergents: Choose detergents that work well in cold water.
4. Maximise load size: Always run full loads to use water and energy efficiently.
5. Choose energy-efficient appliances: When you need a new washer or dryer, go for energy efficient models.

Sources:

• Canstar Blue
• Energy Rating, Australian Government