Energy bills are set to rise again from 1 October 2026, when the Energy Price Cap increases by 3.6% from £1,663 to £1,723 for a typical household. With winter approaching, families are being urged to find ways to keep costs down.
Simple measures include reducing heating, avoiding tumble dryers, and taking cooler showers. However, Adam Norris, senior product manager for dishwashing and laundry at Hotpoint, suggests that tweaking your laundry routine could help households save money without "compromising on cleanliness".
Wash at cooler temperatures
Norris recommends washing at lower temperatures. "Running a cycle at 30°C instead of 40°C can save lots of energy used per load," he said. "Thanks to modern detergents designed for lower temperatures, you can achieve excellent cleaning results without the extra cost or energy."
Check the back of your detergent packaging to see at which temperature it works best. Some detergents can clean effectively at as low as 20°C.
Avoid half loads and use eco settings
It may be tempting to run a small load, but waiting until the drum is full—without overstuffing—ensures each cycle maximises water and energy use. Eco settings on washing machines and dishwashers take longer but use considerably less energy, making them a simple way to cut bills.
Air dry and time your washes
Norris advised: "Whenever you can, dry clothes outside or on an outdoor airer. If you're drying clothes inside, just make sure the area is well-ventilated." If using a dryer, he suggests investing in a heat pump dryer and spinning clothes at a higher speed first to remove excess moisture.
Timing also matters. Many tariffs offer reduced rates during off-peak hours, typically early morning or late evening. Norris added: "Laundry is something we all do, but it doesn't have to cost the earth to do it. By making a few simple changes, families can save money while helping the environment."
