Households grappling with escalating energy bills might find some relief in their laundry routines, with experts offering tips to curb costs.
Les Roberts from Bionic said: “One way to cut down on costs when using a washing machine is to check the efficiency of your device. The energy rating should be printed on the energy label of your washing machine device and will be ranked from G-A with A being the most efficient model.
“The more efficient models cut the KwH used per cycle significantly, so running costs will be much lower. Generally speaking, older machines tend to be less energy efficient, so it might be worth upgrading if you’ve had your washer for more than 10 years.”
Furthermore, according to the expert, the timing of your laundry can impact your bills if you are on a time-of-use or off-peak tariff, suggesting that energy prices often dip during low-demand hours, typically between 10pm to 8am.
He added: “Costs can sometimes be 50% lower during these hours so it can definitely be worth doing your load overnight and taking advantage of these off-peak prices.”
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Additionally, David Palmer, LG’s senior product specialist for home appliances, offers his advice for energy-conscious laundering. He said: “Washing machines are more energy efficient when performing at lower temperatures for longer durations.
“The temperature you choose to wash your clothes at has an impact on your energy usage. If you choose to wash at 20 degrees or lower, you can minimise the amount of energy your washing machine consumes.”
Detergents are formulated to work in cool water
(Image: Getty)
He pointed out that modern detergents are now formulated to work efficiently in cooler water. According to Ariel detergent brand washing at lower temperatures such as 20 or 30 degrees not only helps retain colour but also reduces shrinkage, making it suitable for lightly soiled items like seasonal clothing in need of a refresh.
However, for heavily soiled textiles, towels, or bedding, higher temperature washes are essential to rid germs and combat mould, typically those above 40C or even 60C. For garments with minimal dirt, Ariel recommends a cooler wash, reports the Express.
Daniel also brought up a widespread error that lessens efficiency: “Overdosing with detergent can also affect your washing machine’s energy efficiency.”
He cautioned that too much detergent could cause extra strain on the machine, substandard cleaning outcomes, and may even spoil clothes, prompting replacements which cancel out potential savings. Deyan Dimitrov from Laundryheap addressed a popular “common misconception” that very dirty clothes or bedding need more detergent.
A laundry expert has cautioned against using too much detergent, suggesting it may do “more harm than good”, especially for bed linens. They pointed out: “Not only can too much detergent stain your sheets (especially if they’re white), but it can also wear down their fibres, eventually causing holes and tears.”
The expert recommended a simpler solution for crisp beddings: “half a cup of baking soda and vinegar to wash your bedsheets”.
Advocating for an “economic” laundry practice, they advised fully loading the washing machine rather than running multiple half loads, warning that overloading could lead to poorly cleaned clothes and problems with the detergent pod dissolving.