Where a washing machine’s resources go
A washing machine uses water, electricity to turn the drum and pump, and, above all, energy to heat the water. Most of the habits that make a difference come down to doing fewer washes, heating less water, and using each wash well. The details vary between machines, so treat the suggestions below as general guidance and check your manual for specifics.
Load size
Washing machines generally use a similar amount of water and energy for each cycle whether the drum is nearly empty or well filled, although many modern machines adjust to the weight of the load. For that reason, running fuller loads typically means fewer cycles overall.
- Fill the drum sensibly. A common rule of thumb is leaving about a hand’s width of space at the top, so clothes can move freely. Crammed drums may not rinse or clean properly, which can lead to rewashing.
- Do not run tiny loads if you can wait. If you must wash a single item, a half-load or quick programme, if your machine has one, can help.
- Check the rated capacity. The stated capacity in kilograms usually applies to the cotton programme with dry laundry. Other programmes, such as delicates or synthetics, often have lower limits.
- Mix loads sensibly so a full drum does not force a hotter wash than some of the items need.
Programme choice
Programmes differ in temperature, time, water level and spin.
- Eco programmes are typically designed to use less energy by washing at lower temperatures for longer. They are often the programmes used to produce the figures on the energy label, so they tend to be the most efficient setting, though they can take several hours. That can surprise people who expect a shorter cycle to be better.
- Quick programmes use less time but are not always more efficient per kilogram, and are suited to small, lightly soiled loads.
- Hot or intensive programmes use more energy. Reserve them for cases that need them, such as the situations described in our guide to low temperature washing.
- Extra rinse uses more water, and is helpful mainly where skin is sensitive or where you notice detergent residue. Fragrance sensitivity and skin reactions to detergents are worth taking seriously, and a doctor or pharmacist can advise on persistent problems.
Spin speed is also worth a thought. A higher spin removes more water mechanically, which tends to shorten drying time, though it can be harder on some fabrics. Check care labels before choosing.
Detergent dose
Detergent packaging usually gives dosing guidance by load size and water hardness. Using more than recommended does not make clothes cleaner and can leave residue on fabric and in the machine, and may increase the need for rinsing. Measure the amount instead of pouring by eye, and switch to a lower dose for small or lightly soiled loads where the manufacturer allows it.
Fabric softener and other additives are optional. They add to chemical use and packaging, and can reduce the absorbency of towels over time.
Wash less, but not at the expense of hygiene
Many garments are washed after one wear when they are not really dirty. Airing them, spot cleaning marks and washing items such as jumpers, coats and jeans less often can reduce the number of cycles and may help them last longer. Some items, such as underwear, socks, sportswear, towels and bedding, do need regular washing. Judge it by how clothes look, smell and are used, not by a fixed rule.
Timing
The time of day you wash generally does not change how much energy the machine uses, but it can change the cost or carbon intensity if you have a time-of-use tariff, or if your area’s electricity grid is cleaner at certain times. That varies by place and supplier, and the benefit may be modest. Do not run a washing machine unattended overnight if your insurer or manufacturer advises against it; follow their guidance on safety.
Maintenance
A machine that is looked after cleans better and tends to last longer, which spares the footprint of making a replacement.
- Clean the detergent drawer and wipe the door seal regularly to prevent residue and smells.
- Clean the drain filter on the schedule the manual suggests. A blocked filter can cause poor draining and rinsing, and sometimes damage.
- Leave the door and drawer slightly open between washes so the drum can dry.
- Run an occasional hot maintenance wash or machine-cleaning cycle if the manufacturer recommends one.
- Descale as advised in hard water areas. Limescale buildup can reduce the efficiency of the heating element and shorten the machine’s life.
- Level the machine and avoid overloading to reduce vibration and wear.
If something goes wrong, a simple repair such as a new pump, door seal or filter can often be done with help from repair cafes or a technician, which is generally worth considering before buying a replacement. If a machine cannot be repaired, make sure it is disposed of through appropriate recycling.
Laundry beyond the machine
Water and energy are not the only impacts of washing. Synthetic clothes release fibres; our article on microfibre shedding describes this and what may help. Drying also tends to use more energy than washing, so air drying where you can often makes a bigger difference than any adjustment to the wash itself.
A short checklist
- Wait for a properly filled drum, but do not cram it.
- Use the eco or a lower-temperature programme for everyday loads.
- Measure detergent and avoid extras you do not need.
- Wash garments when they need it rather than automatically.
- Keep filters, seals and drawers clean, and descale if your water is hard.
These habits cost little, and the savings will depend on your machine, your household and your energy supply. Even so, together they are among the most practical ways to cut the water and energy used by laundry.