The energy price cap rises today (July 1), increasing by 13% and adding an average of £221 per year to UK household energy bills. With washing machines consuming significant power, laundry expert Deyan Dimitrov, CEO of Laundryheap, offers seven tips to reduce costs through savvy laundry habits.
Run Machines at Night for Cheapest Rates
“The most expensive time to wash or dry clothes is between 4pm and 7pm due to higher demand,” says Dimitrov. “Energy prices are lowest between 10pm and 5am, so using your machine’s time delay setting to run cycles overnight can greatly reduce electricity costs.” For daytime drying, he suggests switching loads while the dryer is still warm to conserve heat and shorten drying time.
Lower Temperatures Slash Energy Use
“A 30°C cycle can cut your washing machine’s energy use in half compared to a 40-60°C cycle,” Dimitrov explains. Reserve hot washes for bedding, towels, and sportswear, which harbour more bacteria. Use the eco setting if available, and opt for cooler dryer cycles to reduce overall energy consumption, even if drying takes longer.
Optimise Load Size and Machine Maintenance
Fill your machine with a suitable load: you should be able to touch the top of the basin after loading. Overpacking reduces efficiency. Untangle items to prevent small pieces from getting stuck. Clean your washing machine every three months with white vinegar and baking soda, or a limescale remover, to maintain performance. For dryers, clean the lint filter after each cycle for maximum efficiency.
Switch Detergents and Use Dryer Balls
For cooler washes, use bio capsules or detergents with enzymes that activate at lower temperatures. Non-bio detergents are better for sensitive skin. Add wool or rubber dryer balls to separate clothes and increase airflow, reducing drying time. Wool balls can absorb moisture, further cutting energy use.
Air Dry When Possible
“Your tumble dryer uses the most energy of any standard household appliance,” Dimitrov notes. “Drying clothes on a rack in front of a radiator or outdoors in sunny, breezy weather is much more energy efficient.”
