With energy bills constantly on the rise, people up and down the country will be looking for ways to cut back on this, while still making use of their everyday comforts. One major culprit behind high energy costs is the washing machine, used almost daily in most homes.
With this in mind, the experts at Grant Store have shared a number of useful washing machine tips that should keep costs down. From using the machine at a certain time of day, to the one ‘golden rule’ you must follow when loading a washing machine, the experts argue that adopting these habits will significantly reduce your laundry-related costs.
Load the machine correctly
A Grant Store spokesperson warns: “Overloading your washing machine can make it less effective, because clothes won’t move enough to be properly cleaned. This means the machine works harder and longer, using more electricity.”
On the other hand, small loads are also quite inefficient, as they use almost the same amount of water and energy as a full load.
Here, the expert recommends using the laundry ‘golden rule’, leaving at least the width of one hand’s space at the top of the drum, as this allows enough room for clothes to move and spin freely, resulting in a better wash and lower energy use.
They add that you should always wait until you have a full load before running the washing machine as this will maximise the machine’s efficiency.
Use eco settings
Many modern washing machines have eco modes defined to reduce power and water consumption. While these cycles will usually take longer, the experts advise using them if you have the time.
Avoid peak hours
Another smart move is to run your washing machine during off-peak hours, which are usually between 10pm and 6am, as this is when electricity rates are lower.
“Taking advantage of cheaper night-time tariffs can deliver noticeable savings on your energy bills,” the spokesperson adds. “Just be sure to check with your supplier to confirm your off-peak times.”
Use the correct amount of detergent
You might think the more detergent you put in the machine, the cleaner your clothes will be, but that’s actually an incorrect assumption.
The expert says: “Using too much detergent causes extra rinse cycles to remove residue, which increases water and energy usage.
“Sticking to the recommended detergent dosage saves money on detergent and reduces your utility bills. Detergent pods are a good option for convenience and accuracy, as they contain the perfect amount for each load.”