When the time comes to purchase a new washer, look into all the energy saving features available... Water level control, flexibility in cycles and wash time, availability of cold water rinses in all cycles. A little time spent becomming familiar with these features before you buy will result in energy and dollar savings.

Use the fastest spin cycle allowed according to the fabric being washed. More water is removed therefore reducing the drying time.

Use a cold water rinse. It is just as effective as a warm or even hot water rinse but much more enery efficient.

If the clothes are not heavily soiled use a warm or cold wash rather than hot. Many newer detergents have been formulated to work well in cold water washes.

If your clothes washer has a water level selector, always set it at the correct level. If your washer does not have a level selector, wait for a full load. A full load is more energy efficient than two partial loads.

Always use the correct wash cycle for the type of fabric being laundered. Use the "Permanent Press" setting for permanent press and man made fibres only. This setting uses considerably more water due to the cool down rinses required to minimize wrinkling; also the slower spin cycle leaves more water in the fabrics which means a longer drying time.