[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text quote_border_color=”#126366″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” ul_font_size=”20px” ul_line_height=”1.7em” quote_font=”|300|||||||” quote_font_size=”22px” quote_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_line_height=”1.2em” header_5_line_height=”1.2em” header_6_line_height=”1.2em” global_colors_info=”{}”]With energy bills always seemingly on the rise, there has never been a better time to tighten the purse strings.<\/p>\n
It can seem like a herculean task to reduce the energy usage of your washing machine<\/a>. After all, even the most average of cycles is bound to need a lot of energy to lift stubborn dirt and stains from your favourite clothes<\/a>.<\/p>\n So how do you actually go about saving money when using your washing machine? Is it possible? Or will you have to resort to washing all of your clothes by hand?<\/p>\n Want to keep making use of your handy washing machine, while cutting down on your energy bills? Keep reading down below! We\u2019ve created this ultimate guide<\/a> to efficient washing machine usage to help you stay on top of your finances and your laundry!<\/p>\n It might sound mad to suggest upgrading your washing machine in an article about saving money. However, upgrading your washing machine to a more efficient model can help you save hundreds of pounds every year! <\/p>\n To find energy-efficient washing machines, you\u2019ll need to look out for the energy efficiency ranking label fixed to the side of the unit. You\u2019ll recognize it by its rainbow chart ordered from \u201cA\u201d to \u201cG\u201d. Washing machines labelled with \u201cA\u201d are far more energy efficient<\/a>, and use less energy to operate. Washing machines ranked closer to \u201cG\u201d will use more energy. Keep your eye out for \u201cA\u201d ranking washing machines. Especially if you want an appliance that will keep your clothes clean, without using excess electricity! <\/p>\n Modern washing machines have a hefty up-front cost. But it\u2019s more than worth making that initial investment when you consider how much you will save in the long run! A more efficient washing machine will use less electricity with each cycle. This keeps your bills down each month!<\/p>\n Upgrading to an energy-efficient washing machine is a cost-effective measure in the long run. Your lower energy bills will help you to make back the cost of the unit itself!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n It\u2019s worth taking your time to consider the many options on the market. Most modern washing machines come with extra features such as weight sensors. These can detect how much laundry is placed into the drum<\/a>, to only use the right amount of water. Or even eco-wash cycles that wash your clothes fully, all while using cooler water!<\/p>\n Much of the energy used by washing machines is dedicated to heating up the water for washing! A quick and easy way to save money when using your washing machine is to lower the temperature of the water. We\u2019d recommend setting it to around 30 degrees.<\/p>\n 30 degrees is enough to cut down on energy use by almost half, while still having plenty of warmth for efficient washing. Cooler washes are great for performing your more ordinary washing tasks, such as your weekly clothes wash. <\/p>\n However, it\u2019s important to keep in mind that cooler temperatures will be less effective at cleaning significantly soiled or germ-ridden laundry. If you need to clean more heavily used fabrics, such as sports kits, bed linens, or bath towels, it\u2019s best to wash them all together in one big load, at a higher temperature. You can still use hot water with your washing machine, but it\u2019s best reserved for the laundry that needs it! <\/p>\n When washing at cooler temperatures, we also recommend using bio laundry products where possible. Bio laundry products contain special enzymes that can activate even in cool water. These enzymes are responsible for breaking down dirt found on your laundry! However, if you are washing laundry for an individual with sensitive skin, it\u2019s recommended to avoid using bio laundry products.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text quote_border_color=”#126366″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” ul_font_size=”20px” ul_line_height=”1.7em” quote_font=”|300|||||||” quote_font_size=”22px” quote_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_line_height=”1.2em” header_5_line_height=”1.2em” header_6_line_height=”1.2em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Eco-wash settings are specifically programmed to use less water, at lower temperatures, throughout an entire cycle. True to their name, these settings are great for the environment and very friendly to your wallet. <\/p>\n When it comes to eco-wash modes, slow and steady truly wins the race. In order for your laundry to be cleaned fully, the machine will need to take its time, thanks to the lower-temperature water. <\/p>\n While you might not save time with an eco-wash, it is an incredibly efficient way to clean up massive laundry loads while using less energy.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve been on the hunt for cost-cutting washing machine tips, you\u2019ve likely heard rumours that it costs less to wash at certain times of the day! Luckily, there is actually some truth to these rumours! <\/p>\n If you\u2019re something of a night owl, often up into the later hours of the evening, then we\u2019d recommend setting your washing cycle off after 10 PM. We do not recommend setting your washing machine off and heading to bed. Lest you want to wake up to soggy and bacteria-infested laundry! However, washing at the later hours of the night can help you save a lot of money. <\/p>\n Between 4 PM to 7 PM, when people are clocking off from work and reclining in front of the TV<\/a>, electricity usage is at its peak. You should try to avoid performing a washing cycle between these times, as you’ll have to compete for power from the grid!<\/p>\n What\u2019s the point of performing multiple small laundry tasks throughout the week, when you can simply save it all up for one cycle at the weekend? Performing two smaller cycles will use more energy than a single larger cycle. As such, larger laundry loads make much better use of the water, and help to lower your energy usage!<\/p>\n A single larger load will use far less electricity than two smaller laundry loads. It\u2019s always best to build up a laundry load for washing, to make the most of every drop of warmer water and to save money!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n However, while it\u2019s always good to make the most of your washing machine drum capacity, it\u2019s important that you don\u2019t over-stuff. Over-stuffing your washing machine will not only lead to an inefficient wash but might also damage the drum! You\u2019ll know you\u2019ve over-stuffed your washing machine if you can barely fit your hand into the drum amongst your laundry. There should always be enough space for the laundry to tumble around in the drum as the cycle is running.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t worry if you have multiple larger laundry loads to take care of. It\u2019s always best to perform a few extra large cycles than hundreds of energy-consuming smaller cycles!<\/p>\n It\u2019s easy to assume that you don\u2019t need to regularly clean your washing machine. After all, it\u2019s constantly cycling around plenty of warm water and detergent! What could possibly lead the machine to become dirty? <\/p>\n However, it\u2019s strongly recommended to fully clean your washing machine at least once a month. Even though you may not see it with the naked eye, bacteria and mould can very easily build up within your washing machine. Especially within the drum, where it often remains moist and warm after a cycle.<\/p>\n Even small pockets of detergent and other cleaning products can build up on the surface of your drum. When these dry up, they can latch themselves onto your clothes as they\u2019re washed. This leaves them looking just as dirty as when you put them into the drum!<\/p>\n Luckily, cleaning your washing machine is easy. First, you\u2019ll want to start a basic washing cycle, with nothing inserted into the drum. Run the machine with a normal cycle, with water preferably over 60 degrees. This is hot enough to kill bacteria and germs. Into the dispenser drawer, pour just a small amount of bleach, which will eat away at pockets of grime and bacteria! <\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve run a basic cycle to wash the drum, all you need to do is wipe around the machine with a cloth and some warm soapy water. Wipe around in the drum, the dispenser drawer, and especially within the seal. Dirt and lint can easily gather in the door seal of your washing machine, so it\u2019s important to check all of its many crevices!<\/p>\n Cleaning your washing machine regularly will help keep it working at its best, and ensure you don\u2019t have to waste money on countless costly repairs![\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.reliant.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/LG-Washer.jpg” alt=”Washer” title_text=”Washer” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text quote_border_color=”#126366″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” ul_font_size=”20px” ul_line_height=”1.7em” quote_font=”|300|||||||” quote_font_size=”22px” quote_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_line_height=”1.2em” header_5_line_height=”1.2em” header_6_line_height=”1.2em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Washer dryers<\/a> combine the convenience of washing machines and tumble dryers into one device. However, if you have one of these appliances, and you\u2019re looking to save money, you should avoid using the tumble dryer<\/a> function as much as possible. <\/p>\n Tumble dryers are heavy energy consumers. These ravenous appliances consume the most energy out of any other household appliance, so it\u2019s best to only use them sparingly. Don\u2019t use the tumble dryer function for every single washing load, instead, reserve it for those times when you need quick access to a specific outfit! <\/p>\n If the weather\u2019s on your side, and the sun is shining, why not hang the laundry outside to dry in the air? The light breezes will also help to wick away odours that may have lingered after the cycle has finished! If it\u2019s a little chillier, why not use an indoor drying rack and place it in front of your radiator? <\/p>\nHow Can You Save Money When Using Your Washing Machine?<\/h2>\n
Upgrade To An Energy Efficient Washing Machine<\/h3>\n
Wash At A Lower Temperature<\/h3>\n
Use Eco-Wash Settings<\/h3>\n
Wash Later In The Evening<\/h3>\n
Wash Larger Loads Of Laundry<\/h3>\n
Clean Your Washing Machine Regularly<\/h3>\n
Air Dry Wherever Possible<\/h3>\n
Are Larger Washing Machines More Energy Efficient?<\/h2>\n