Molly Ayala
The washing machine is one of the most heavily used appliances in the home, contributing to nearly 10% of a typical household's energy bills. With rising energy costs and a growing need to reduce our climate impact, it's important to consider ways to save electricity when doing laundry. From choosing energy-efficient appliances to adopting simple habits like washing with cold water and waiting for a full load, there are several ways to reduce energy consumption and save money on your bills.
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What You'll Learn
Buy an energy-efficient machine
If you're in the market for a new washing machine, it's worth investing in an energy-efficient model. Older machines may be contributing to higher energy bills, so look for a washing machine with a good energy rating. The highest possible energy rating for washing machines is currently A+++, but from March 2021, European energy labels will switch back to a simple A-G format. You can also look for the ENERGY STAR® label—these washers use about 20% less energy than conventional models.
When choosing a new washing machine, it's important to consider the size of the machine and its annual energy consumption figure. Be sure to buy a machine that suits your needs—if you buy something too big, you might be wasting energy.
To maximise the efficiency of your new machine, always use the Eco feature if it has one. You can also save energy by using the coolest possible setting for your wash—most detergents are extremely effective at temperatures of 30°C and under, and cooler washes use less energy as less energy is required to heat the water. Only wash heavily soiled items at higher temperatures.
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Wash with cold water
One of the most effective ways to save electricity when using a washing machine is to wash your clothes with cold water.
Switching from warm water to cold water can reduce a load's energy use by more than half. Modern laundry detergents are extremely effective at temperatures of 30°C and below, so you can still achieve a brilliant clean without using warm water. In fact, the European Union's Ecodesign initiative has made a 20°C option compulsory on new washing machine models since 2013.
Washing at lower temperatures not only saves energy but also preserves your clothes, making them last longer. It also helps to prevent bacteria and odour build-up in your machine.
When washing with cold water, it is recommended to use a detergent specifically designed for cold water to ensure your clothes come out clean.
By combining cold-water washing with other energy-saving practices, such as waiting for a full load and choosing energy-efficient machines, you can further reduce your energy consumption and save money on your utility bills.
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Wash full loads
Waiting to wash full loads of clothes is a simple way to save electricity and money. A washing machine uses the same amount of energy regardless of the size of the load, so it is more efficient to wait until you have a full load before starting a wash. This avoids unnecessary heating and water waste.
If you are running low on socks or need an emergency wash, you can always select the quick wash mode. However, it is best to avoid washing half loads whenever possible. If it is unavoidable, use the half load programme if your machine has one.
You can also reduce the number of washes by wearing clothes multiple times before washing them. For example, you could wear pyjamas for several nights in a row or re-wear items of clothing that have been worn for a short time and are not visibly dirty.
Another way to reduce the number of washes is to treat stains as they occur. Rub stains with household soap to avoid repeat washes for heavily ingrained stains. Soaking heavily soiled items before washing can also reduce wash time.
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Use a quick wash cycle
Using a quick wash cycle is a great way to save electricity when doing your laundry. Quick wash cycles use less water, and the water is heated to a lower temperature, which saves energy. This cycle is also gentler on your clothes, helping them stay in good condition for longer.
When you need to wash your clothes, it can be tempting to throw on a full wash, regardless of the number of items. However, by waiting until you have a full load, you can avoid unnecessary heating and water waste. If you are in a hurry or are running low on essential items like socks, a quick wash is a great option.
Quick wash cycles are also beneficial for your machine's maintenance. Running a hot wash occasionally will remove bacteria and prevent odour build-up, but using cooler temperatures for most washes will save energy and money. Most laundry detergents are highly effective at temperatures of 30°C and under, and cooler washes are gentler on your clothes.
If you have heavily soiled items, you can soak them before washing to reduce the overall wash time. By rubbing stains with household soap, you can avoid repeat washes for stubborn marks. For particularly dirty clothes, stains, or underwear, you can still opt for a warmer temperature cycle.
By combining quick wash cycles with other energy-saving practices, such as choosing energy-efficient appliances and maintaining them well, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and lower your electricity bills.
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Regularly maintain your machine
Regular maintenance of your washing machine is essential for keeping your energy usage low. Firstly, it is important to run a hot wash occasionally, even if you typically wash your clothes on low-temperature cycles. This will remove bacteria and prevent odour build-up in your machine.
Secondly, it is recommended to regularly clean the lint filter in your machine. If you use dryer sheets, remember to scrub the filter once a month with a toothbrush to remove excess build-up.
Thirdly, it is important to ensure your washing machine is operating at its maximum efficiency. This can be done by choosing the Eco feature when washing clothes, which maximises the machine's efficiency. Additionally, always wait until you have a full load before doing a wash to avoid unnecessary heating and water waste. If you are running out of clothes, you can always pick the quick wash mode in an emergency.
Finally, if your machine is an older model, it may be contributing to higher energy bills. Older models may not have the same energy-saving features as newer machines, so it may be worth investing in a new, more energy-efficient model.
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Frequently asked questions
When choosing a washing machine, look for the energy rating label. The higher the rating, the more energy-efficient the machine. From March 2021, European energy labels switched back to a simple A-G format, with A being the most energy-efficient.
Wash your clothes on the shortest cycle, or quick wash, to use less water heated at a lower temperature. Wash with cold water as it can cut a load's energy use by more than half. Only wash at higher temperatures if your clothes are heavily soiled.
Only run your dryer when it is fully loaded. Make use of the "cool down" cycle if your dryer has this option. Use lower heat settings to dry clothing and use dryer balls to keep clothes separated for faster drying.
