Saving money on your water bill is one of the best practices to ensure you’re not wasting cash. It can also be very helpful if you’re trying to build your financial future. While it does look like petty cash to save each month, the savings can definitely add up over time!
If you’re curious on how to conserve water and lower your bill, try these practical and easy tips.
Taking Shorter Showers
Are you into long showers or hot baths? If you answered yes, this most probably makes your water bill much more expensive. The good news is you can switch to a short shower without noticing much of a difference.
Start with a timer to know how long you spend in the shower. It can serve as your benchmark for improvement.
Try to rearrange your shower ritual from what you usually do. You can shampoo and condition your hair at once for a single rinse. When sitting under the hot water, wash your body with your hands instead of just standing there. Aim to spend at most five minutes in the shower.
Cold Cycle on Washing Machine
Firstly, warm water needs to be heated, which requires energy. Around 75% of the energy required to do laundry goes into heating the water. This is one of the reasons why using cold water in your washing machine saves you more money.
Secondly, cold water is not harsh on clothes, making them last longer. Using cold water retains colors, size, and shape. Heat breaks down dyes in clothes, and it can cause shrinkage. The same can be said for line drying clothes instead of putting them in a hot drier.
Don’t Leave Water Running While Washing Dishes
Pre-rinsing your dishes is one of the best ways to conserve water. Put a couple of centimeters of hot water in a basin, then scrub off any remaining foods with a dish brush.
Use enough suds to clean your dishes (too much suds means more water for rinsing). When washing up, rinse the small and cleanest stuff first. When you’re done, you can pour the used water onto your plants.
Also, when brushing your teeth or shaving, turn off the water if you don’t gargle or wash your face yet. Running water during these activities seems harmless, but it can wreak havoc on your water bill. Always turn the tap off when you’re not using it.
You can also wash fruits and vegetables in a filled container instead of under running water.
Always Fill Up Dishwasher
When you’re using the dishwasher or laundry washer, only wash full loads before putting it through its cycle. A partial load uses an equal amount of water and energy. So, make sure to fill up your laundry or dishwasher for a much more efficient process.
Want more money-saving tips? Or general advice when it comes to saving your hard-earned cash? Read more over on the Cigno Loans blog!