IT’S a chore that no one enjoys doing – but did you know that your laundry could also be adding HUNDREDS of pounds to your energy bills?
Experts have revealed how five easy mistakes households commonly make can push up your costs.
It comes as millions of Brits face higher energy bills in days, with the typical dual-fuel bill rising by 4% on October 1 to £1,723 a year.
This is due to a rise in Ofgem’s energy price cap, which limits the maximum price per unit and daily standing charge households pay.
Here are five bad laundry habits you should stop doing to help bring down your bill – and your clothes will still be just as clean:
Running half loads
It’s tempting to toss a few items in the washing machine when you’re in a hurry, but experts warn that running a half load uses almost as much energy as a full one.
Adam Norris, senior product manager for dishwashing and laundry at Hotpoint, says: “Instead, hold off until the drum is full but not overloaded.
“This ensures every wash cycle makes the most of your water and energy usage.”
According to Smol’s laundry energy guide, running a washing machine can cost up to 45p per wash.
If you do five loads a week (the UK average) – including some half loads – that’s £117.
But if you stop doing half loads and cut this down to three times a week, for example, you could save up to £47 a year.
Check if your machine has an automated programme that detects load size and adjusts your energy usage.
Washing at high temperatures
Many of us wash our clothes at higher temperatures because we think this will leave them cleaner – but this isn’t always the case.
“Running a cycle at 30°C instead of 40°C can save up to 40% of energy used per load,” Adam says.
“Thanks to modern detergents designed for lower temperatures, you can achieve excellent cleaning results without the extra cost or energy.”
According to Which?, you can slash your washing machine costs by 38% just by making this one move.
You should also look for eco settings, which run your laundry at a lower temperature but for longer. These can use up to 60% less energy.
Tumble drying
It might be convenient, but tumble drying uses significantly more energy than letting clothes dry naturally.
Adam suggests: “Whenever you can, dry clothes outside or on an indoor airer.
“Just make sure the area is well-ventilated if you’re drying clothes inside.
“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.”
According to Which?, tumble dryers can cost as much as £167 a year on average to run.
If you were to cut your usage by half, you could save up to £83.50 a year.
Not timing your washes
Many energy providers offer tariffs with lower rates for off-peak washes.
“If your tariff allows, wash early in the morning or late in the evening, it’s an easy way to cut costs,” Adam says.
“It takes minimal effort but can help save money over the course of the year.”
For example, Eon Next says customers who use its Next Smart Saver tariff could save over £110 a year by moving all their washing to off-peak times (between 7pm and 2am).
Buying a new machine? Look closely at energy ratings
If you’re in the market for a new washing machine, make sure to inspect the energy rating closely, as this can save you money in the long run.
“Always look for higher ratings,” Adam notes. “For example, an A-rated appliance could save you significantly over its lifetime compared with a lower-rated model. It’s worth the investment.
“Just keep in mind that the rating is based on the most efficient programme.
“Depending on your needs, like tackling stains, you might choose other cycles that use more energy, so the label is a guide rather than a guarantee for every wash.”
Look for modern features that can save you money too, such as AutoDose (which detects the right amount of detergent) and inverter motors.