Households looking to cut energy costs could save around £13 a year by washing clothes at 30°C instead of 40°C, according to experts at Uswitch.com.
With energy bills still significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels, the comparison site analysed the potential savings. A typical washing machine using 0.71kW per cycle, run three times a week, costs about £33.38 annually. Switching to a 30°C wash reduces electricity use by 40%, cutting the cost by roughly £13.
The Ofgem price cap fell to £2,074 a year for a typical household from July 1, down from £2,500 under the Energy Price Guarantee. However, this remains far above the £1,042 cap in October 2020.
Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch, said: “Running a cooler cycle means the washing machine is using less energy, and so can help households save money on their bills. Ideally, you should wash your clothes on the shortest cycle that's practical for your needs.” He added that cooler washes also cause less damage to clothes, helping them last longer.
However, experts note that hotter washes may still be necessary for heavily soiled items.
