Simple Laundry Hacks Can Save Over £100 on Household Energy Bills
British households are being encouraged to rethink their laundry routines to achieve significant savings on their energy and water bills. According to experts from AO.com, a combination of minor adjustments to washing temperatures, detergent usage, and drying methods can lead to substantial financial benefits without compromising on cleanliness or convenience.
Lower the Temperature for Immediate Savings
One of the most effective changes is reducing the wash temperature. Switching from 40°C to 30°C for everyday laundry loads can save up to £20 per year. Modern detergents are specifically formulated to clean effectively at cooler settings, making this a simple yet impactful adjustment. Many people habitually wash at 40°C, but experts emphasize that 30°C is usually sufficient for most items. Since heating water consumes a considerable amount of energy, lowering the temperature is a straightforward way to cut running costs without altering wash frequency or results.
Be Selective with Tumble Dryer Usage
Skipping just one tumble dryer cycle per week can reduce annual energy expenditure by approximately £30. This can be achieved by air-drying lighter items, giving wet washing an extra spin cycle, or only using the dryer for items that truly require it. With the average tumble dryer costing around 60p per cycle, avoiding 52 cycles over a year adds up to noticeable savings. This approach allows households to still rely on the dryer when necessary while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.
Ditch Non-Essential Extras
Avoiding fabric conditioners and disposable dryer sheets can save households up to £20 annually. Experts note that fabric conditioner is not essential for most laundry, and cheaper, eco-friendly alternatives are available. For instance, a small amount of white vinegar in the detergent drawer or using wool dryer balls can help reduce stiffness in clothes without the ongoing cost of commercial products, which typically add 5–10p per wash.
Optimize Detergent Use
Many people use excessive amounts of detergent, leading to residue buildup and waste. Using the correct dose can save £20 per year and protect your washing machine from damage. Most machines have a detergent marker in the drawer to indicate the appropriate level, and consulting the machine's manual can provide specific guidance for different load sizes. This simple step ensures efficient cleaning while reducing product waste.
Consider Long-Term Investments
In the longer term, when replacing your washing machine, consider models with automatic dosing functions. These machines use sensors to dispense the exact amount of detergent needed for each load, eliminating guesswork and preventing product waste. This investment can further enhance savings and efficiency over time.
Reduce Wash Frequency
Wearing items like jumpers or jeans more than once before washing and only running the machine with full loads can save an additional £15 annually. Experts remind households that not every garment needs washing after a single wear, and this practice reduces both energy and water usage.
Small Changes Lead to Big Impact
While individual adjustments may offer modest gains, combining these consistent habits results in substantial long-term savings for the average UK family. Gwil Snook, a laundry expert at AO.com, explained: "People often assume saving money on laundry means making big sacrifices, but that’s rarely the case. It's usually the small things done consistently – turning the temperature down, being more selective with drying, using the right amount of detergent – that really add up over a year. When you stack a few sensible changes together, the savings can be much bigger than people expect."
By adopting these efficient laundry habits, households can collectively save over £100 annually, contributing to both financial relief and environmental sustainability. These practical tips demonstrate that minor changes in daily routines can lead to significant benefits without compromising on quality or convenience.
