| One of the worst energy consumers in your house is | | | | Perhaps you could put the diapers on an indoor rack |
| the dryer. In fact 58 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity | | | | until they are almost dry and then use the dryer (on |
| are used in clothes dryers annually. But if you are | | | | hottest setting) to finish drying and to sanitize the |
| washing cloth diapers at home it is a given that you | | | | diapers. This would help you save 75% of the energy |
| must also dry them right? Well, in the summer months | | | | you would use otherwise. |
| it may be an obvious choice to rely on "solar" power | | | | Other Diaper Laundering, Energy Saving Tips: |
| and hang your diapers (and other clothing) on the line | | | | Clothes the door to your laundry room in the summer |
| outside. | | | | to keep the heat from entering the rest of the house. |
| But what about those cloudy, rainy, or snowy days | | | | In the winter, do the opposite and keep the door open. |
| when hanging diapers outside is not practical? The | | | | Don't overload the dryer. Overloading doesn't allow |
| answer may be an indoor clothes drying rack. These | | | | ample space for the clothes to tumble and they will |
| are very similar to outdoor racks but they are | | | | take longer to dry. |
| designed specifically for indoor use. Often times they | | | | Purchase a front-load washer. Front-loading washers |
| are placed in a garage, laundry room or bathroom and | | | | leave less water in your clothes than top-load washers |
| while some can be attached permanently to your | | | | meaning your dryer doesn't have to work as hard. |
| home many portable options are available. You might | | | | Clear lint from the lint tray before you use the dryer |
| even take a more frugal leap and make one yourself. | | | | each time. Proper air flow will cut down the drying time, |
| Mother Earth News magazine has directions online for | | | | as well as wear and tear on the dryer and your |
| making one here. | | | | clothes. |