Wash clothes on a cold cycle

You might have heard that hot water washes best, but times change. New detergent technology uses enzymes that actually work better in cold water.

Cold water is gentler on your clothes, and can protect them from fading, shrinking or bleeding. Plus you save money from unnecessary water heating.

Hot water heating accounts for about 90 percent of the energy your machine uses to wash clothes — only 10 percent goes to electricity used by the washer motor.