With the new energy price cap coming into effect today, households could see annual bills reach £1,755. Obvious ways to reduce bills include limiting heating usage, not using tumble dryers and having cooler showers. However, according to an expert, a few simple changes to your laundry routine can help households save money without “compromising on cleanliness”.
Adam Norris, senior product manager for dishwashing and laundry at Hotpoint, has recommended various tips and tricks. These include washing at lower temperatures and using an eco setting where possible.
Wash at lower temperatures
The expert said: “Running a cycle at 30°C instead of 40°C can save up to 0% of energy used per load.
“Thanks to modern detergents designed for lower temperatures, you can achieve excellent cleaning results without the extra cost or energy.”
You can check the back of laundry detergents to see what temperature they perform best at.
Don’t run half loads
It can be tempting to just toss a few items in the washing machine in a bid to keep on top of your laundry basket.
However, it’s best to hold off until the drum is full, but not overloaded. The expert said this ensures every wash cycle makes the most of your water and energy usage.
Use eco settings
Whilst they may take longer, eco settings use up to “60% less energy”. This means it’s a simple way to reduce bills with great results.
Air dry when possible
The expert said: “Whenever you can, dry clothes outside or on an outdoor airer. If you’re drying clothes inside, just make sure the area is well-ventilated.
“If you need to use a dryer, invest in a heat pump dryer and spin clothes on a higher speed first to remove excess moisture.”
Time your washes
Even the time you run your laundry can make a difference, as many tariffs provide lower rates for off-peak washes.
The cheapest time tends to be early in the morning or late in the evening, and it’s a simple way to cut costs.
British Gas is even offering half-price electricity on Sundays between 10am and 4pm if you’re a British Gas customer and have joined PeakSave.
Adam added: “Laundry is something we all do, but it doesn’t have to cost the earth to do it. By making a few simple changes, families can save money while helping the environment.”
