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Energy saving laundry tips

Are you worried about how much your washing machine is costing you? If so, you’re not alone as many people are looking for ways to be more energy efficient while keeping their laundry clean and fresh. What’s more, nearly three-quarters of us don’t fully understand the symbols on clothing laundry labels and this could be adding unnecessary energy use and costs to our laundry routines.

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To help households reduce their energy use when doing the washing, we’ve compiled a few simple changes and hacks that could help you save money and energy over time, up to £165 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust. And you can see any savings you make with a smart meter and in-home display.

To help bring these helpful home hacks to life, we've teamed up with fashion guru Susannah Constantine, who explains how these handy energy-efficient hacks can help lighten your laundry load.

  1. Use a colder setting

    Did you know that heating water for laundry is a big portion of your energy consumption? Switching to a colder setting can save energy and still do a great job. Modern detergents are designed to work effectively in cold water and this makes sure that your washing is still sparkling clean on a 20 or 30-degree cycle.

  2. Optimise load size

    Summer is the season for laundry with many of us doing more laundry loads on average when it’s warmer. But it’s important to maximise your washing machine’s capacity as this can help you lower your energy usage. Running full loads will not only save you time and water but also reduces the number of cycles in the long run. When you do have smaller loads, consider adjusting the water level or using an eco-setting on your washing machine to save energy and water.

  3. Air dry or use a clothesline

    When the sun's out, harness its drying power if you can. A tumble dryer can often be the biggest energy consumer when it comes to laundry, so hang your clothes on a clothesline or drying rack outside to air dry them, or pop your drying rack near an open window in your home. This is energy-free and can also help your clothes last longer. The sun's UV rays can even act as a natural disinfectant and freshener. When British summertime isn’t playing ball, a dehumidifier can help. Put it next to your drying rack and the moisture will get filtered out of the air quicker.

  4. Understand your clothes labels

    Most of us don’t understand clothing labels, but did you know you can save energy by getting to know them better? Those tricky laundry symbols offer temperature guidelines and recommended water levels. They advise you on what the right amount of detergent is to reduce pollution and extend the lifespan of your clothes by providing useful instructions. The labels also recommend how to properly dispose of certain materials to lower waste.

Laundry instruction symbols can be confusing at first glance, so we've developed a guide to help crack the code and finally make sense of those symbols. Download our new easy-to-use laundry label guide to better understand your laundry labels.

Super Smart Laundry Guide

  1. Getting a smart meter

    By incorporating these energy-saving laundry tips into your routine, you'll not only help reduce your own energy consumption but also enjoy the financial benefits that come with it.

    You could save £165 a year by doing fuller loads, colder washes, and adopting more efficient drying habits.

    And if you want to make these changes more visible, you can also request your smart meter below. With a smart meter’s display, you'll be able to see in near-real time just how these changes affect your energy bills.

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