With the Energy Price Cap set to rise by 3.6% to £1,723 annually for a typical household on October 1, 2026, households are looking for ways to keep bills down. According to an expert, simple changes to laundry routines can help save money without "compromising on cleanliness".
Lower temperatures and full loads
Adam Norris, senior product manager for dishwashing and laundry at Hotpoint, suggests washing at lower temperatures and using eco settings. He said: "Running a cycle at 30°C instead of 40°C can save lots of energy used per load. Thanks to modern detergents designed for lower temperatures, you can achieve excellent cleaning results without the extra cost or energy."
Checking the reverse of detergent packaging can show the best temperature, with some detergents effective at 20°C. Norris also advises waiting until the drum is full, though not overfilled, to make the most of water and energy usage per cycle.
Eco settings and drying
Eco settings take longer but consume considerably less energy, making them a straightforward way to cut bills. The same applies to dishwashers. When drying, Norris recommends air-drying outside or on an outdoor airer, ensuring indoor areas are well-ventilated. If a dryer is necessary, he suggests investing in a heat pump dryer and spinning clothes at a higher speed first to remove excess moisture.
Timing washes
Timing also matters, as many tariffs offer reduced rates for off-peak washing, 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."
