How to Reduce Laundry Costs and Save On Energy Bills

With energy prices going up, it is important to do laundry in a more efficient way. This helps lower your electricity bill. A regular washing machine uses around 1.2 kWh to 2.5 kWh for each wash. How much it uses depends on the wash cycle, the water temperature, and the efficiency of the appliance. Right now, in the UK, the electricity price is 29.56p per kWh (Ofgem, 2024). This means a single wash could cost between 35p and 74p. This price does not include the cost of detergent and the dryer.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, washing clothes at 30°C instead of 40°C can lower energy consumption by 38%. If you use a cold wash at 20°C, you can reduce your running costs by 62%. Small changes in how you wash, dry, and use detergent can help lower utility bills. You can do this without losing cleanliness.

1. Wash at Lower Temperatures to Save Energy

Using higher temperatures (60°C+) uses a lot more energy. For most everyday garments, washing in cold water or at 30°C gives the best results.

Key Tips:

• For most washes, 30°C is the best choice. It helps save energyand cleans well.
• Use hot water (60°C+) only when needed. Save it for heavily soiled clothes, bedding, or underwear.
• A cold wash (20°C) is ideal for delicate items and helps save energy.

Use the Cheapest Time to Run Your Washing Machine

For families using time-of-use energy tariffs, washing your clothes at night or during off-peak hours can save you a lot of money. Many energy suppliers in the UK offer plans like Economy 7 and Economy 10. These plans have lower electricity rates at certain times of the day.

Best Time to Wash Clothes:

• Late evening (after 11 pm) or early morning (before 7 am)on an Economy 7 tariff—this can halve electricity costs for each wash cycle.
• If on an Economy 10 tariff, aim for midday or late evening washes to take advantage of cheaper rates.
• Avoid Peak Hours:Running your washing machine or dryer between 4 pm – 8 pm is often the most expensive time of day due to high energy demand.

Additional Tips to Maximise Savings :

• Use a timer function– Many new washing machines let you set a delayed start. This helps you run cycles during the cheapest time slots.
• Batch laundry loads– Instead of washing small loads often, wait until you have a full drum. This practice cuts down on energy consumption.
• Check your energy tariff– Some companies change off-peak hours each season. So, check with your supplier for the latest electricity rates.

Tip: If you use a tumble dryer, set it to start right after the washing machine finishes its high spin speed cycle. This can help cut down on drying time and save you money on electricity costs.

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3. Choose the Right Wash Cycle for Energy Efficiency

Not all wash cycles are the same. Some use less water, run at lower temperatures, and take less time. This can help lower your electricity costs. When you understand the differences in wash cycles, you can pick the best energy-savingoption for your laundry.

Which Cycle Saves the Most Energy?

• Eco Mode is the best choice for most washes. It uses less water and lower temperatures. This helps to reduce energy consumption. Even though it takes longer to finish, it can lower energy costs by up to 35% for each load (Energy Saving Trust).
• Use the Quick Cycle for clothes that are only a bit dirty – It uses less water and gets done quickly, However, it might not remove hard stains.
• Don’t use heavy-duty cycles unless you really have to – These cycles use a lot of energy and run at higher temperatures. They’re only needed for deep stains or very dirty garments, like towels and work clothes.

Tip: If your washing machine has an auto-load sensor, it can change the water amount and cycle time based on the load size. This helps improve energy efficiency. Always wash full loads instead of several smaller ones. This way, you can save water and lower your electricity bills.

4. Reduce Detergent and Water Usage

Using too much detergent can cause extra foam. This can make the washing machine use more water to rinse everything clean.

• Late evening (after 11 pm) or early morning (before 7 am)on an Economy 7 tariff—this can halve electricity costs for each wash cycle.
• If on an Economy 10 tariff, aim for midday or late evening washes to take advantage of cheaper rates.
• Avoid Peak Hours:Running your washing machine or dryer between 4 pm – 8 pm is often the most expensive time of day due to high energy demand.

Tip: Always use the right amount of detergent. This depends on the type of clothes, the stains, and the washing cycle.

5. Maximise Drying Efficiency

A tumble dryer uses a lot of energy. It costs about £1.50 for each load, according to the Energy Saving Trust.

Best Energy-Saving Tip: Turn up the spin speed of your washing machine. This helps to get rid of more water in your clothes before you start drying them.

FAQs About Reducing Laundry Costs in the UK