Learn to make laundry chores easier with tips from
Rethink your laundry detergent
Method Laundry Detergent with Smartclean Technology(TM) is ultra concentrated, meaning your clothes get clean using less detergent. This innovative, new detergent works with both standard and high-efficiency washers and helps keep your home clean and green, by offering a 35 percent lower carbon footprint, a 40 percent reduction in packaging plastic and 33 percent less energy and oil for production than conventional detergents. The formula itself is biodegradable, and the bottle is made from 50 percent post-consumer recycled plastic. Method Laundry Detergent is compatible with both standard and HE washing machines.
"We're excited to introduce a new way to do laundry, without the heavy,
messy jugs and hard-to-read measuring caps," said
Don't "overdose"
Don't overdose your machine with laundry detergent. Filling a laundry cap above the recommended line for a load of laundry can actually make clothes dirtier and washing machines less efficient. Overdosing creates excess suds in the machine, leaving a residue on clothes that attracts more dirt and causes extra rinse cycles for your machine. The extra detergent also causes you to buy nearly twice the amount of detergent you need, putting a huge dent in your wallet.
Overdosing can also trap odor-causing residues inside the washer. Avoid
the potential for pungent smells by "washing" your machine every 30 days
using a product such as Affresh
Perform regular maintenance
Like checking your car's tires for wear, be sure to check your washer
hoses periodically for bulges or bare spots. Replacing hoses every five
years may save your machine from a damaging leak. By remembering to
clean the dryer lint trap after each load, which maintains proper
ventilation and heating, you can save
"Consumers don't think twice about conducting regular vehicle
maintenance like changing the oil and checking the tires' air pressure,"
said
Embrace ENERGY STAR(R) appliances
Realize the benefits of a high-efficiency washer.
In 11 years, that's enough money to buy laundry detergent for four years
or a new clothes dryer. For both dependability and efficiency, consider
the Maytag(R) Bravos(R) appliances that use up to 67 percent less energy and
70 percent less water as compared to pre-2004 conventional top-loaders,
according to
Also, be sure to set water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to achieve
the most energy-efficient temperature. For each degree you reduce the
water temperature, you can save between 3 to 5 percent in energy costs,
according the
Pay attention to your washer and dryer's features
Don't ignore your washer and dryer's features. Each load is different, so be sure to choose the right setting for each load to achieve maximum results. Adjust the washing machine according to the soil level and size of the load to save time and money. For increased water efficiency, front-loading machines have sensors that regulate the amount of water based on load size. To save time, use a shorter cycle for lightly soiled laundry.
Organize your space
Take the boredom out of laundry chores by transforming your space into a clean and serene retreat. Adding cabinets, shelves or countertops can improve functionality and using simple organizers in obscure ways, such as hanging an over-the-door shoe rack for drying clothes, can make the most out of small spaces. Spruce up the walls by selecting a paint color that reflects your personality and inspires tranquility, such as a relaxing yellow or aqua. For more home laundry organization tips, visit lowescreativeideas.com.
For more ways to keep your home healthy and clean, visit lowes.com/healthyhome.
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With fiscal year 2008 sales of
Source: Lowe's Companies , Inc.