 laundry laundry the average american family washes about 400 loads of laundry each year and doing laundry accounts for about 22 of the water used in a typical home some older model washers can use 4060 gallons of water per load while energy star qualified models typically use 1520  wash only full loads regardless of the type or age of your household s washer the number one thing you can do to conserve water while doing laundry is to run washers only when full following manufacturer s instructions on care and maintenance as well as spot treating instead of presoaking stained clothing can also ensure efficient water use purchasing a new washer when purchasing a new washer consider selecting an energy star approved clothes washer it will save your household water energy and money the state of oregon offers an energy tax credit for the purchase of some of these high efficiency washing machines which will also help reduce your payback period  indoor  