<h1>Laundry</h1>
<p>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.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Some older clothes washers can use 40-60 gallons of water per load; while <a href="http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&amp;pgw_code=CW">Energy Star</a> qualified clothes washers typically use 15-20 gallons of water per load.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Wash only full loads</h2>
<p><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/images/indoor_washer.jpg" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; float: left" />Regardless of the type or age of your household&#39;s clothes washer, the number one thing you can do to conserve water while doing laundry is to run washers only when full.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Following manufacturer&#39;s instructions on care and maintenance as well as spot treating instead of presoaking stained clothing can also ensure efficient water use.</p>
<h2>Purchasing a new washer</h2>
<p>When purchasing a new washer, consider selecting an <a href="http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&amp;pgw_code=CW">Energy Star</a>-approved clothes washer.&nbsp; It will save your household water, energy, and money.</p>
