(NAPSI)—Here’s a money-saving idea you may warm to: Use a cold-water wash cycle to keep winter wear and blankets clean while saving energy.

Cool Off to Save Big

High energy costs can result from washing clothes in warm and hot cycles. According to the Consortium for Energy Efficiency, cold-water cycles can use up 76 percent less water and 78 percent less energy while offering the same cleaning power.

Not only does cold-water washing keep your energy bill low, it can help minimize how much you need to spend on dry cleaning and new clothes. Knits made of wool and other natural materials that you may have dry cleaned in the past can be safely cleaned and cared for with cold water on a gentle cycle.

Keep Your Cool

Stain removal can be stressful, but there’s no reason for your temper or water temperature to rise in the face of difficult stains. Pre-treating and presoaking garments in warm water prior to washing can ensure your stains are removed regardless of the water temperature in your wash cycle.

All stains are not alike. Protein stains, such as blood set in hot water, can make cold water a good option for keeping laundry spotless.

Warm up at the Right Times

Cold-water washing might not be the best option for every laundry load. Heavily soiled or grease-stained loads need warm or hot water for a proper cleaning.

Machine Shop

Some washing machines feature a cold cycle designed to work specifically with cold-water detergents. The Maytag Bravos XL even has the Oxi Treat Stains option to ensure laundry is properly cleaned and cared for in cold water.

Banish Residue Buildup

As you use more cold-water cycles, keep an eye-and nose-on the inside of your washing machine for any residue that may build up. This residue, which can accumulate when too much detergent is used, is easily broken down with a once-a-month cleaning with a washer cleaner. Pop an affresh washer cleaner puck into your top-load or front-load washer and run on a hot cycle to dissolve odor-causing residue and leave your washer ready to handle your toughest laundry loads.

Learn More

For further money- and energy-saving washing advice, visit www.maytag.com and www.affresh.com or call (800) 344-1274.

 

On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate(NAPSI)