When it comes to using your washing machine, it can be easy to simply throw your clothes in, add a cup of detergent and press the start button. But did you know that this nonchalance towards your laundry can actually cost you a fortune in the long run?

Washing machines can be costly appliances to run if you’re not sure how to use them optimally. That’s why we’re here to let you in on a few top tips to using your washer in a more efficient way, helping you cut down on your energy usage and save a bunch of dough!

Take the Settings for a Spin

While it may seem convenient to just put all your laundry through the same cycle, this is actually far from efficient. Different items of clothing have different speed and temperature requirements for an effective wash, and most washing machines will provide the cycle options for this. By familiarising yourself with your washing machine’s settings, you can save energy by not running longer or hotter cycles than you need to. To learn more about your washing machine’s settings, watch our video below and we’ll get you up to scratch!

Lighten the Load

Overfilling your washing machine with too much laundry can also be a pesky contributor to high energy bills. If your washing machine is trying to wash more than it can handle in one go, the weight of the excess laundry will make it need to work harder and take longer to spin and heat up. However, you should also make sure you aren’t running cycles with too small amounts of laundry either, as this will result in more frequent washing and higher energy usage as a result. Ultimately, it’s about balance. Different washing machines are built to handle different quantities, but as a rule of thumb, you should aim to fill your washing machine up by about three quarters for the best results.

Don’t Forget the Filters

Washing machines, like many cleaning appliances, have filters that catch potentially harmful debris to keep the appliance running smoothly and safely. This includes coins, hair clips and the like, preventing them from damaging your washing machine and causing problems such as fire hazards. However, if you aren’t regularly cleaning your filter, your washer will need to work hard to function, thus racking up your energy bills. The solution to this is simple; give your filter a quick clean and empty once a month, and you’ll already be a step closer to saving money on your washing. Oh, and make sure you don’t forget to replace your filter if it ever gets damaged too!

Ditch the Detergent

Okay, so you don’t actually need to do away with detergent to save money on your washing machine itself. However, there are less costly and more eco-friendly alternatives available that are worth knowing about. For example, washing machine laundry eggs are a more sustainable substitution for chemical detergents, and they can last for around 70 washes. That’s twice as much as some detergents, and they’re refillable and reusable too! Of course, there are plenty of chemical-free laundry products out there to choose from, but finding the right options can help you save a little money and be more environmentally friendly while you do it.

Soak Heavier Stains

If you’re washing items that are particularly dirty, soaking them beforehand can help you save money on your washing machine usage. Some heavily soiled or stained items may take multiple washes to clean, but pre-soaking them can help to get them spotless in a single wash, reducing the need for additional cycles. That’s right! A simple pre-soak can cut the amount of energy you use on dirtier items in half!

Keep it Clean

And last, but certainly not least, you should make sure you keep your washing machine clean. Like most appliances, your washing machine inevitably gets dirty, grimy and starts to smell worse over time. Limescale and detergent build-up on the element and other parts of the machine not only make it run less efficiently, but can also cause parts to fail faster. This means that your washing machine will not only have to work harder to clean your laundry, thus being less efficient, but also that you’ll have to carry out costly repairs and part replacements more regularly. But you’re in luck! Running a cycle with some washing machine cleaner and descaler is a quick and easy way to get your appliance sparkling clean, as well as prevent it from pushing up your energy bills and maintenance costs.

And there you have it! All you need to know about using your washing machine in a more cost-effective and energy-efficient manner. While you’re here, why not save even more money on your laundry by learning how to use your tumble dryer more efficiently too? You’ll be rolling in saved cash in no time!

Tags: Energy Saving, Energy Saving Tips, Washing Machine, Washing Machine Advice