Bath and Laundry

Doing laundry is bad enough without having to worry about choosing the right detergent. So which is best? Or does it even matter?

By Jeremy Glass

The bathroom appliance that Europeans embrace and Americans pooh-pooh could be beneficial to our health and to the health of the planet.

By Jesslyn Shields

You should never, ever flush tissues. What else?

By Laurie L. Dove

It's not just loud and annoying — a fan is necessary to help stop mold and mildew in the bathroom. But you have to use it correctly.

By Nathan Chandler

Sales of bidets are up in the U.S. Could they finally make a splash in a country that's mostly resisted them?

By John Donovan

It's an absorbing topic: Where did toilet paper come from, how is it made and why did it take so long for people to start using it?

By Nathan Chandler

Open-front public toilet seats are U-shaped, while those in private residences are O-shaped. What gives?

By Chris Opfer

A new generation of portable bathrooms could transform human waste into a sought-after resource— and light the way for safer, more sanitary facilities.

By Laurie L. Dove

We all have the same bodily functions, but the way we handle them differs depending on the facilities you encounter around the world. What types of toilets might you see on your worldly travels?

By Susan Batten

Who knew that choosing a washer and dryer set could be such a difficult and involved decision? Keep reading to learn why the front-loading variety might be perfect for your family's laundering needs.

By Alia Hoyt

While the ease of washing clothes has gotten very high, so has the use of water and energy to get those clothes clean. How much water does washing one load of laundry use?

By Sara Elliott

Most of us hate to iron, but it's a necessary evil. Or is it? There may be a new dryer on the market that can eliminate this thankless chore all together.

By Sara Elliott

Front-load washers are all the rage right now, but high-efficiency top-load washers have five features that sill beat their shiny new counterparts.

By Sara Elliott

Waterless urinals still haven't quite broken through to the mainstream, but they can save users billions of gallons of water over standard models. Read on to find out how they work, and stay safe and sanitary.

By Matt Sailor

Waterless urinals are designed to work without H20. So exactly how much water do they save compared to standard models? You might be surprised to find out.

By Matt Sailor

The price tags on some of the newer high-efficiency washing machines might cause you to hesitate. But if you look at the costs of running a washer over the long haul, something that uses less energy becomes a bit more appealing.

By Laurie L. Dove

If you have a high-efficiency washing machine, you'll need high-efficiency detergent -- or else you might find a mountain of suds in your laundry room. Which brands are best?

By Alia Hoyt & Debra Ronca

Washer/dryer combinations are compact and convenient for small spaces, eliminating the need for two separate machines. But are they really as energy efficient as they seem?

By Echo Surina

Buying a new household appliance is usually a long-term investment, whether you're replacing an old unit or setting up home for the first time. Before you buy a clothes dryer, though, you need to understand the difference between the two types that are most commonly available: gas and electric.

By Cherise Threewitt

Your clothes dryer is one of the highest energy-consuming appliances in your home. But even with all the energy-saving appliances on the market today, do high-efficiency dryers exist?

By Carol White

Should you replace your washing machine or repair it? The answer would be obvious if it were something less price like a toaster. But we can help you reach a sound decision.

By Victoria Vogt

High-efficiency washing machines have become very popular recently. And they use their own special detergents. You may have wondered if they're safe for baby's clothes. Keep reading to find out what to look for and how to make your own detergent.

By Laurie L. Dove

There's been a revolution in washer design in recent years to make residential appliances more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. But how are manufacturers making the two work together?

By Sara Elliott

Whether you want to protect the environment or protect your clothes from wear and tear, high-efficiency washing machines are picking up momentum in the marketplace. Talk about going green: You'll even save some cash on your electric and water bills.

By Mark Boyer

If you haven't heard of low-water or high-efficiency washing machines yet, you will the next time you go shopping for a washer. They promise to use 40 percent less water and 90 percent less energy than conventional machines. But they cost more to purchase too. Should you get one? We'll weigh the pros and cons.

By Josh Briggs