• If your clothes washer is more than 10 years old, replace it with a newer, more energy and water efficient model. Only buy ENERGY STAR labled washing machines. Horizontal-axis or front loading machines are more efficient than top loading machines. Check out ENERGY STAR's Clothes Washer Buying Guide to find the washer that is right for you.
• Always use HE (High Efficiency) detergent. Front-loading clothes washers are designed to use High Efficiency detergent. Using regular detergent creates too much suds, which will affect the machine’s washing and rinsing performance. Over time, it can lead to odors and mechanical problems.
• Clothes washers use about the same amount of energy regardless of the size of the load, so run full loads whenever possible.
• Wash in cold water. Water heating consumes about 90% of the energy it takes to operate a clothes washer. Unless you’re dealing with oily stains, washing in cold water will generally do a good job of cleaning. Switching your temperature setting from hot to warm can cut energy use in half. Using the cold cycle reduces energy use even more.
• Use a drying rack or hang clothes outside.Where and when possible, air-drying clothes instead of using a dryer not only saves energy, but also helps them last longer.
• Avoid the sanitary cycle. This super hot cycle, available on some models, increases energy use significantly. Only use it when absolutely necessary.
• Activate the high spin speed option. If your clothes washer has spin options, choose a high spin speed or the extended spin option to reduce the amount of remaining moisture in your clothes after washing. This decreases the amount of time it takes to dry your clothes.
• Leave the door open after use.Front-loading washers use airtight seals to prevent water from leaking while the machine is in use. When the machine is not in use, this seal can trap moisture in the machine and lead to mold. Leave the door ajar for an hour or two after use to allow moisture to evaporate. Make sure children do not climb into the machine while the door is open.
• Rinse the washer every month. Some manufacturers recommend rinsing the washer each month by running a normal cycle with 1 cup of bleach to help reduce the risk of mold or mildew buildup. Consult the product owner’s manual before attempting.

• Always use the high spin cycle on your clothes washer to spin out as much water as possible before drying. This will make drying go quicker whether you air dry or use a dryer. 
• Use a drying rack or hang clothes outside. Where and when possible, air-drying clothes instead of using a dryer not only saves energy, but also helps them last longer. The heat and friction from drying clothes in an electric or gas dryer can cut their lifespan in half. Save energy and appliance costs, while making your clothes last longer and smell better, by line-drying garments outside whenever possible.
• Use the moisture sensor option. Many new clothes dryers come designed with a moisture sensor, which automatically shuts off the machine when clothes are dry. Not only will this save energy, but it will also save wear and tear on your clothes caused by over-drying.
• Clean the lint filter. Cleaning the filter after every load will improve air circulation and increase the efficiency of the dryer. It’s also an important safety measure to avoid fires.
• Scrub the lint filter regularly if you use dryer sheets. Dryer sheets can leave a film on the filter that reduces air flow and, over time, can affect the performance of the motor. Use a toothbrush to scrub it clean once a month.
• ENERGY STAR clothes dryer models are available.

Tips via ENERGY STAR

Alternatives to dryer sheets:

Vinegar- lightly dampen a wash cloth with apple cider vinegar and throw it in the dryer with your clothes. The vinegar prevents static cling and make your clothes softer. 

Wool dryer balls- Wool balls are becoming widely available and are a great, reusable alternative to dryer sheets. They help fluff. soften and reduce static from laundry as it dries, and essential oils can be added to the balls to make your laundry smell lovely.

Aluminum foil- a ball of aluminum foil thrown into your laundry will soften it and reduce static, and can be used over and over again.

• Use laundry detergents that are made from natural and biodegradable ingredients. Look for detergents that are plant based, like corn, palm kernel, or coconut oil. Always read the ingredient labels. Products that appear to be natural due to their "green packaging" or disclaimers on the product may not actually be non-toxic. Avoid anything that contains butyl cellosolve (dangerous toxic chemical), petroleum, triclosan, phosphates and allergy inducing scents.
• Always use HE (High Efficiency) detergent. Front-loading clothes washers are designed to use High Efficiency detergent. Using regular detergent creates too much suds, which will affect the machine’s washing and rinsing performance. Over time, it can lead to odors and mechanical problems.
• Avoid chlorine bleach (a.k.a. sodium hypochlorite). Not only can chlorine form with organic materials in our clothes to form carcinogens like dioxins, but chlorine bleach can also combine with organic materials in the soil and water when it is released into the environment to form dangerous toxins. Instead of chlorine bleach use hydrogen peroxide-based bleaches (oxygen bleaches) or sodium percarbonate. Both of which are gentler on fabrics and are benign alternatives.
• A natural alternative to stain removers is simply a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar, or you can try one of the two recipes here, which use all natural products you already have in your home.

• Check with your retailer when you buy the new appliance, because they may be able to take your old appliance and dispose of it properly.
• If your washer or dryer is still in good working condition, you can donate your washer or dryer to a local donation center.
• If your appliances are not working, you should recycle them at Recycle Utah in their mixed metal bin.