Tip 2.
The clothes dryer is one of the most energy hungry home appliances. To improve the energy efficiency of your dryer, frequently clean out the lint trap, and once or twice a year, unplug the dryer, remove the front lower panel, and vacuum out the cavity beneath the lint trap. It is amazing how much lint escapes from that trap into the dryer cavity. Not only does this lint buildup cause your dryer to need longer to dry clothes, it has also been known to cause fires. 

Tip 3.
Wash in cold water whenever possible. You do not need to wash with hot water unless you are trying to sterilize your laundry. Always set your rinse on the cold water setting. This saves the energy necessary to heat the water. Washing in cold water can save the typical family over $120 a year!

Tip 4.
Plain white vinegar is a good substitute for fabric softener. Environmentally safe and nonalergenic, just add ½ to ¾ cup as you would a liquid softener.

Tip 5.
If you use softener sheets, a half sheet works as well as a whole one. Keep an empty tissue box near your dryer for used softener sheets; use these for dusting furniture.

Tip 6.
Using ½ to ¾ the recommended amount of laundry detergent will get clothes just as clean and leave less soap buildup.

Tip 8.
When washing dark clothes for the first time use cold water and put 1 tablespoon of salt in the water. The salt helps set the color. To brighten dark clothes after they have been washed several times, repeat the procedure.