Simple hacks to reduce energy costs when using your washing machine

...By Solomon Thomas for TDPel Media.

As energy bills rise due to the end of additional winter support from the government, many of us are looking for simple ways to cut costs when using household appliances.

In this article, we’ll explore five easy hacks to reduce energy costs when using your washing machine, suggested by Vivien Fodor, Laundry Category Manager at Indesit.

1. Keep it cold… and use lemons Cold water washes place less strain on your energy resources, which saves you money. However, if you’re concerned that a cold wash won’t remove stubborn stains, try dabbing the garment with lemon juice and baking soda before loading it into the machine.
2. Avoid peak energy hours The most expensive time to run your washing machine is usually between 4 pm and 7 pm, depending on your tariff. Some tariffs charge more at peak hours, or offer discounts for reducing energy use during busy periods. You can save money by using the start delay function to program your washing machine to run outside of peak energy times.
3. Size matters When purchasing a new washing machine, consider the drum-size/capacity. Machines with larger drum-sizes use more energy than their smaller counterparts. A 5KG capacity is better for individuals, whereas a machine with a 10KG capacity is ideal for larger families. If you have a large capacity machine, run fewer wash cycles to save energy and water. Always wait until you have a full load before running a cycle.
4. Limescale remover is your friend Keeping your washing machine clean will prolong its life and save you the cost of repairs. Add limescale remover to a hot wash every three months to destroy any limescale build-up. Although hot washes are more expensive, this one-off cycle could save you money in the long run by maintaining your existing machine.
5. Load the machine properly It may be tempting to overload your washing machine to reduce the total number of cycles, but an overfilled machine won’t wash your clothes properly. As a general rule, you should be able to touch the top of the drum when the machine is filled with your hand placed vertically above your laundry. This will ensure that you get the most out of every wash without the need to repeat the chore.

Conclusion:

By following these simple hacks, you can save energy and money when using your washing machine.

With small adjustments to your laundry routine, you can make a big difference to your energy bills, and also help to reduce your carbon footprint.

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