Of the total household water use, the washing machine constitutes about 14 percent.

When using an automatic washing machine (32 to 59-gallons are required per cycle), wash only a full load.

If your machine has several load settings, use the one for light loads whenever you can. Use cold water as often as possible to save energy and to conserve the hot water for uses which cold water cannot serve. (This is also better for clothing made of today's synthetic fabrics.)