SAVE MORE WATER

Water prices are going to increase by 30 per cent from July 1, so it’s a good idea to become even more judicious in how you use H2O. Here, experts from cleaning service provider Helpling suggest practical ways to reduce usage while getting your household chores done.

Jun 2017

DO LAUNDRY LESS OFTEN

Washing your clothes is the second biggest use of water in most homes. Rather than running many small loads of laundry, stockpile your dirty linen and run a larger, fuller load instead. Additionally, it is also recommended that you choose an energy-efficient washing machine that will save you litres of water and electricity for each load.

LIMIT SOAP AND WATER WHILE WASHING DISHES

Dish washing is a common household chore that requires the use of a huge amount of water. If you’re using too much soap, your dishes end up very foamy and you’ll need even more water to wash away the suds. Follow the instructions on the dish washing liquid’s label to find the perfect balance of soap to water ratio. Additionally, clean your dishes with the water in your sink instead of letting the water run the entire time you’re washing. Simply fill a sink with warm, soapy water and turn off the tap. If your water starts to get dirty and greasy, let half of it drain and add fresh water.

STEAM YOUR VEGETABLES WHILE COOKING RICE

If you have a rice cooker with a steamer insert that fits inside of it, you can cook rice and steam vegetables at the same time. Cook the rice as per usual and place the vegetable-filled steamer insert above it. The steam rises from the cooking rice and steams the greens. Just note that it takes longer to cook rice than it does to steam vegetables, so remember to remove your veggies once they’re done. You will not only save water and time, but will have one less pot or pan to wash afterwards!

RE-USE OLD WATER

You use water in your iron to press your shirts and pants. But what happens to the water once the ironing is done? Pour the old or stale water from the iron into a spray bottle and keep it beside your potted plants. They could really use a spritz or two everyday. Nice secondary effect: The plants will grow much better because stale water has more nutrients.

RE-USE COLD WATER

Most of us prefer taking hot showers, and will commonly leave the tap running while waiting for warm water to flow. Over time, you actually end up wasting a lot of water.

Combat this by placing a pail in the shower and collecting all the cold water. This water can be used for washing the toilet, watering plants or mopping the floor afterwards.

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