With energy prices still a concern for many households, energy experts are advising Brits to reconsider when they do their laundry this summer to avoid unnecessary costs.
According to energy specialists at Grant Store, simply adjusting the time of day you use your washing machine could help shave pounds off your electricity bills – particularly during the warmer months when demand patterns change.
“Many energy suppliers operate time-of-use (TOU) pricing, meaning the cost of electricity can vary throughout the day,” said an expert from Grant Store. “By avoiding peak hours and shifting high-usage appliances like washing machines to off-peak periods, you can cut down your bills with no loss in performance.”
Why timing matters for your laundry
Most households tend to do their laundry during weekday evenings, typically between 4pm and 7pm, when people return home from work. However, this is often when electricity demand is at its highest, which could result in paying more – particularly for those on tariffs with variable pricing.
“Peak hours usually coincide with when households are most active – cooking dinner, watching TV, and using appliances. This drives up demand and can lead to higher charges per unit,” the expert explained. “Avoiding these peak windows can make a big difference, especially in summer.”
Best time to wash clothes in summer
During the warmer months, experts recommend running the washing machine early in the morning, ideally before 9am.
“Summer mornings are typically cooler and see the lowest electricity demand, meaning you’re likely to benefit from cheaper unit rates if you run appliances at that time,” Grant Store’s expert said. “By contrast, as the temperature rises throughout the day, so does demand – particularly from fans and cooling systems – which may push prices up.”
This advice applies especially to households on time-of-use or smart meter tariffs, but even for those on standard variable plans, reducing grid pressure can lead to long-term cost savings and support wider energy efficiency goals.
In contrast, winter routines flip the pattern. The morning becomes a high-demand period due to central heating systems kicking in. That means the most cost-effective time for laundry during colder months is usually after 8pm, when energy use begins to taper off.
More ways to save on laundry costs
Use cold wash settings
“Heating water accounts for about 90% of the energy used during a wash,” explained the expert. “Switching from hot to warm can cut that in half – and using a cold wash saves even more.”
Modern detergents are designed to work effectively at low temperatures, so cold washing is safe for most everyday clothing and will extend the life of fabrics while keeping bills down.
Dry clothes outdoors
If weather permits, avoid using your tumble dryer altogether.
“Take advantage of summer weather and dry clothes outside. It’s free, and you’ll reduce both your electricity usage and wear on your dryer,” Grant Store advised.
Limit loads
It’s also worth spacing out your laundry.
“Doing multiple small loads during the day can push you into peak-rate periods. Instead, aim for one or two full loads during low-demand hours.”
Efficient washing not only reduces energy use but also extends the lifespan of your appliances by preventing overuse.
Check your tariff
Not all households are on TOU plans, but many smart meters now make this option available.
“It’s worth reviewing your tariff or speaking to your energy provider,” said Grant Store. “If you’re on a plan where the time of day affects pricing, timing your high-energy tasks properly could lead to substantial savings over the year.”