Save the environment—and your wallet—with a few easy changes to your laundry routine. Wash clothes in cold or warm water instead of hot. According to the California Energy Commission, 85-90% of the energy used by washing machines goes to heat

Bleach: Lemon juice is an all-natural bleaching agent. Pour lemon juice on stains (test for colorfastness in a hidden spot first) and hang in the sun to dry, then machine wash as usual. For an allover white brightener, replace the

Odor eliminator: Adding ½ cup baking soda to the rinse cycle will neutralize odors and leave your laundry smelling fresh without fragrance. Brightener: To give your regular liquid laundry detergent a stain-fighting boost, add ½ cup baking soda to your

Bleeding: adding ½ cup salt to your regular wash cycle can help prevent colors from running or bleeding. Yellowing: For white cotton or linen items, a one hour soak in boiling water with one tablespoon salt and ¼ cup baking

Fabric softener: adding ½ cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle will soften clothes. For pillows and blankets, add two cups to the rinse cycle to keep them fluffy. Lint and pet hair prevention: adding ½ cup white vinegar to