From the best time of day to wash your laundry to the ideal temperature, here’s everything you need to know to reduce energy bills
The weekly chore of using the washing machine can quickly add up on your energy bills, especially as prices continue to rise. With many families seeking ways to cut laundry costs without sacrificing cleanliness, we’ve turned to the experts for advice.
This comes after Ofgem confirmed that the latest UK energy price cap, covering October 1 to December 31, is set at £1,755 annually for a typical household on a standard variable tariff paying by direct debit. To find the best money-saving tips, we spoke to four washing machine specialists about the most cost-effective time to do laundry – and they all agreed on the same optimal window for cutting costs.
When it comes to the cheapest time to use your washing machine, all the experts agreed: if your energy tariff allows it, overnight or early morning, roughly between 10pm and 7am, is the most affordable time to run your washing machine, reports the Daily Record.
Adam Norris, Senior Product Manager for Dishwashing and Laundry at Hotpoint, explained that many energy tariffs offer lower rates for off-peak washing.
He said: “In fact, energy specialists E.ON note a ‘sweet spot’ between 10pm and 8am for lower rates.
“If your tariff allows, wash early in the morning or late in the evening, it’s an easy way to cut costs.”
Matthew Ayres, Appliances Expert at RDO Kitchens and Appliances, also recommends avoiding daytime peaks: “If households are able to do so, they are advised to use the washing machine during off-peak times. During this period, the demand for electricity is lower; therefore, your electricity tariff may be lower, costing you less to complete a wash.
“For the best savings, it is advisable to confirm your off-peak hours with your electricity provider; generally, these hours run from 10pm to 7am.”
Stephen Day, Energy and Appliance Expert at iHeat, agrees that the overnight slot provides the most cost-effective rates for many homes: “If you’re on a variable-rate tariff like Economy 7 or Economy 10, the cheapest electricity rates tend to be overnight, usually between midnight and 7am, so running your washing machine during these off-peak hours can significantly reduce your energy bill.”
Times to avoid using a washing machine
If late-night or early-morning washing isn’t practical, the next best strategy is to sidestep peak-time energy usage.
For most homes, that means steering clear of late afternoon cycles, when electricity demand hits its highest level.
As Stephen (iHeat) warns: “Even if you’re on a standard fixed-rate tariff, it’s still smart to avoid peak hours, which tend to be between 4pm and 7pm.
“This is when demand on the grid is highest, prices are at their peak (if you’re on a smart or agile tariff), and electricity is usually generated by more carbon-intensive sources. Instead, you should aim for a mid-morning wash (between 10am and 12pm) or later in the evening (after 8pm).”
Washing machine temperatures to save energy
However, timing isn’t the only factor to consider. The experts also stressed that cooler temperatures can significantly reduce energy costs.
In simple terms, washing at 20-30°C is one of the easiest ways to cut down on energy bills. Adam from Hotpoint revealed that “running a cycle at 30°C instead of 40°C can save up to 40% of energy used per load”.
Matthew from RDO Kitchens said: “A lower temperature wash could use up to 59% less energy per wash, so setting your machine to 20°C or 30°C instead of the standard 40°C or higher could be more impactful than households realise.”
Stephen from iHeat pointed out that heating the water is the most energy-consuming part of a wash cycle: “Modern detergents are designed to work just as well at 30°C, and choosing a cooler wash can cut your energy use by up to 40% without sacrificing cleanliness for most everyday loads.”
Washing machine setting to save energy
Two specialists highlighted that eco programmes are designed to save energy, even though they take longer to complete. So while eco programmes may not be the fastest option, they’re among the most economical.
Adam from Hotpoint stated: “Eco-cycles may take longer, but can use up to 60% less energy. It’s a simple way to combine efficiency with great results.”
Matthew from RDO Kitchens concurred: “Most modern washing machines offer an economy wash setting designed to reduce water and energy consumption.”
He further noted: “One drawback, however, is the time it takes for the eco wash to finish. The average time of the eco wash could be between two and four hours, which may not be suitable for some households.”
The experts also highlighted that daily washing routines can impact your energy bills. Small changes – from full loads to clean filters – all contribute to reducing power usage.
Adam from Hotpoint advised: “Don’t run half loads… hold off until the drum is full but not overloaded.”
He added: “Air dry when possible. Tumble drying is convenient but uses significantly more energy.”
Matthew from RDO Kitchens pointed out that while spin speed might not directly affect the cost of running your washing machine, using higher spin speeds will help your clothes dry faster and reduce the time on your tumble dryer. “An appliance that can be extremely costly, moving into the autumn and winter months,” he added.
Meanwhile, Andrew Wright, the founder of Cookology and an appliance expert, highlights maintenance mistakes that waste money: “Overloading the drum, using too much detergent, and ignoring the filter all shorten the lifespan of your machine and make it work harder than necessary.”