Beside heating and cooling, the most significant energy consumption in a household is attributed to heating water, closely followed by appliance usage. Typically, washers and dryers contribute to around 5 percent of a home’s yearly electricity consumption, as reported by Perch Energy.1 Your individual laundry practices can substantially impact your expenses, either leading to unnecessary spending or facilitating significant savings in electricity and water.
Thus, we consulted with experts to identify laundry habits that might be draining your finances. Continue reading to discover effective ways to economize on your laundry routines.
Avoid impulsive laundry sessions
If you despise seeing a pile of dirty clothes, the temptation to start a cycle whenever a few soiled items accumulate can be strong. However, as per David Steckel, a home expert at Thumbtack, there’s a risk of running your machine excessively. “Whenever possible, wait until you have a full load before starting a wash cycle, to avoid unnecessary rounds,” he advises. Spontaneous washing and drying not only waste electricity and water but can also lead to premature wear and tear of your appliances.
Travis Sewell, a field consultant and licensed plumber from Bluefrog Plumbing and Drain in Dallas, Texas, concurs that washing larger loads can lead to cost savings. “This approach not only decreases the frequency of washing but also optimizes the washing machine’s capacity, making it more efficient,” he emphasizes. According to Sewell, reducing the frequency of laundry activities enhances efficiency. “Moreover, washing larger loads allows for better utilization of the washing machine’s capacity,” Sewell adds.
Thomas Dougherty, VP of operations at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, highlights that, irrespective of the number of clothes, a washing machine typically consumes around 14-20 gallons of water per cycle. “To maximize your washing machine’s efficiency, aim to load it with as many clothes as possible, but avoid overfilling it,” he advises. Overfilling prevents the laundry from moving freely, impeding a thorough cleaning process. For smaller loads that can’t wait, consider using a portable washing machine.
Pay attention to your water settings
It might be habitual to choose the same settings for every laundry load, but this approach might lead to unnecessary expenses. “Always adjust the water level setting on the washing machine to match the appropriate load size,” Dougherty suggests. This simple practice can significantly reduce water usage and associated costs.
Choose the right wash cycle
Another method to save money is to ensure that you’re using the appropriate cycle for the laundry load you’re cleaning. “At times, a quick express rinse might suffice rather than a full cycle. So, whenever possible, adjust your settings accordingly to save a significant amount of water,” Steckel recommends. He advises against utilizing “bulky” or heavy-duty settings as they consume a substantial amount of water. “A load of towels can still be adequately washed without the need to increase the setting and use additional water,” he explains.
Nelly Martinez, Senior Brand Manager at Whirlpool, supports this advice and adds, “Some washing machines offer a ‘quick wash’ cycle that can effectively clean small, lightly-soiled loads in 15 to 40 minutes while consuming less water and energy compared to longer cycles.” However, Martinez explains that larger loads require more water to saturate the clothes for an efficient wash.
Use less detergent
Contrary to the common belief, using more detergent doesn’t always guarantee cleaner laundry. According to Martinez, reducing detergent usage can contribute to long-term cost savings. “By using less detergent, not only will you need to purchase it less frequently, but it can also prevent longer cycle times, higher water usage, and potential damage to clothing.” Some washing machines are equipped with a “Load and Go” dispenser that automatically dispenses the appropriate amount of detergent for each load, promoting more efficient use of detergent and water.
Launder during non-peak hours
Peak electricity consumption hours in certain regions may result in higher costs for energy usage. For instance, Alabama Power designates Monday to Friday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. as peak hours from June 1 to September 30. From November 1 to March 31, the peak hours are from Monday to Friday, between 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. “The simplest method to save money during laundry is to schedule washer and dryer usage during non-peak hours,” advises Steckel. “Consult your utility company for information on lower electricity usage times and consider doing laundry during these off-peak periods.
Use cold water
A common misconception regarding laundry is the belief that hot water is always necessary. “Using cold water for laundry can be a simple yet effective method to cut costs,” Sewell points out. The use of hot water consumes more energy. “Opting for cold water significantly reduces energy consumption, leading to a decrease in your overall utility expenses,” Sewell emphasizes. Additionally, if you’re not prepared to switch entirely to cold-water cycles, Steckel suggests a cost-saving approach. “Consider choosing a cold rinse when doing laundry,” he suggests. “Though seemingly small, it can make a substantial difference in the long run.”
Avoid excessive laundry
While it’s essential to wash dirty clothes, Martinez suggests that understanding the appropriate frequency of washing can lead to more efficient use of laundry appliances. “Certain items such as jeans, sweaters, jackets, and sleepwear can be worn multiple times before needing to be laundered,” she notes. “Furthermore, if your dryer features a steam cycle option, you can refresh clothing quickly without washing an entire load.
Turn off supply hoses
To prevent potential leaks and subsequent expenses, Dougherty suggests taking precautions once you’ve completed using the washing machine by turning off the supply hoses. “Consider upgrading to auto shut-off connector hoses, which can detect excess water and automatically turn off,” he adds. This not only prevents minor leaks but can also prevent significant flooding in your laundry room or basement.
Air dry laundry
Reintroducing the practice of air drying laundry is recommended by Sewell as an effective means to cut down on laundry costs by reducing energy consumption. Additionally, air drying can benefit the quality of your clothing. “Fabrics might shrink or get damaged in the dryer, but air drying naturally helps preserve them, whether you hang clothes outside or use a drying rack,” Sewell notes. Martinez further supports this suggestion, saying, “If time and space allow, or if you have a smaller laundry load, consider air-drying clothes rather than using the dryer.
Perform regular maintenance
While washing clothes and bedding, don’t overlook the maintenance of your cleaning appliances. “Cleaning the lint filter before each load is crucial for efficient dryer performance,” advises Sewell. “A clogged lint filter can cause the dryer to operate less effectively, resulting in higher energy usage and prolonged drying times.” For optimal efficiency, it’s recommended to clean the lint filter before every cycle.
Moreover, it’s essential to regularly clean your washing machine. “Using washer cleaning tablets is effective in cleaning the machine,” notes Steckel. “This process eliminates mildew odors and eliminates built-up grime, reducing the necessity for multiple wash cycles.” Additionally, leaving the washing machine door ajar post-cycle aids in drying it out. Steckel recommends this practice to extend the lifespan of your gaskets and prevent mildew and unpleasant odors.