UK households are being urged to run their washing machines at night to cut energy bills, as the energy price cap is set to rise by a further 4% on October 1, 2026. Laundry expert Deyan Dimitrov, CEO of Laundryheap, recommends using the '10pm rule'—running appliances between 10pm and 5am when electricity prices are lowest. His advice aligns with guidance from energy suppliers Octopus and E.ON.
Off-peak hours and the 10pm rule
Dimitrov warns that the costliest time to wash or dry clothes is between 4pm and 7pm. "Try to avoid using your machines during these hours, if possible," he said. He suggests using the washing machine's time-delay setting to programme cycles to start in the early hours of the morning, which could make a considerable dent in electricity costs.
Octopus states in its 'off-peak hours' blog post: "Laundry after 10pm: Run your washer and dryer during off-peak hours. Most machines have a delay-start option - set it and forget it." E.ON's blog post titled "When is the cheapest time to use your washing machine?" advises: "Run your washing machine during off-peak hours (7pm to 2am) or super off-peak hours (2am to 5am) when electricity costs drop by more than half. Stay clear of the expensive 4pm to 7pm weekday rush hour when grid demand and energy prices are at their highest."
Colder cycles and detergent tips
Dimitrov recommends opting for colder cycles, claiming "the colder the cycle, the better." A 30-degree cycle can halve energy consumption compared to 40-60 degree cycles. He advises saving hot washes for bedding, towels, and sportswear, and using the eco setting if available. For tumble dryers, he suggests switching loads while the dryer is still warm to conserve heat.
For those washing at cooler temperatures, Dimitrov recommends bio capsules or bio laundry detergent, as they contain enzymes activated at lower temperatures. He notes that non-bio detergents are better for sensitive skin.
Maintenance and efficient loading
To keep washing machines in top condition, Dimitrov recommends cleaning every three months with white vinegar and baking soda, and regularly cleaning the dryer's lint filter after each cycle. He advises filling machines with suitable loads—not overpacked—and untangling laundry to ensure proper washing and drying.
Adding wool or rubber dryer balls can reduce drying time, and air-drying on a rack or outside is more energy-efficient than using a tumble dryer. "Your tumble dryer uses the most energy out of all standard household cleaning appliances, so, if possible, drying your clothes on a drying rack in front of a radiator would be much more energy efficient," he said.
