With such a surge in water bills, energy prices and the price for petrol, in the UK this year. More people will be looking for ways to save on their energy bills, especially over the cold winter months. However, there are some things you can do to keep your energy bills to a minimum and help you save money.
Household items such as washing machines use up a huge amount of power and energy, so it’s well worth looking at any changes you could make to your laundry routine. You might just find these small changes make a big difference to your overall energy bill.
Does It Need To Be Washed?
When you go to do a load of washing, or put clothes in the laundry basket. Ask yourself, does this really need to be washed right now? Give the item in question a smell. Generally speaking, if an item of clothing hasn’t been covered in sweat, or dirt, and it doesn’t smell, it probably doesn’t need to be cleaned.
Apart from underwear, and sweaty gym clothes, most items clothing don’t need to be washed as often as they are these days. A pair on jeans for example, could easily go a few days before needing to be put in the wash.
Use Your Machines At Night
Did you know, the most expensive time to use our washing machine or tumble dryer is between 4pm and 7pm. This is when most people will tend to do their washing so water and energy is at a premium as it’s in higher demand. Try avoiding these times and see if it makes a difference to your energy bill over a period of time.
You want to try and use your machines when no one else will be. If they aren’t in an area of your home where they’ll keep people awake, try running them overnight. Between 9pm and 4am are the best times as this is when energy prices are generally at their lowest. You can do this by using the delay settings your machines. Another plus to doing it overnight is that they will be ready for you in the morning. Either to move overrun to your tumble dryer, or to take out and wear/put away
Another great way to save a bit of money when it comes to your tumble dryer is to switch loads while the dryer is still warm from the previous load. By doing this, you’ll be reusing some of the residual heat already inside the dryer for your next load. Shortening the drying time, as the machine won’t have to work so hard to heat up and dry your clothes.
The Colder, The Better
The cooler the temperature you can wash your clothes at, the less money you’ll spend per wash. For example, a 30 degree wash can cut your machine’s energy usage, compared to someone who washes their clothes at 40 degrees. Of course there are some items that need to be washed at a higher temperature – such as bedding and towels. So try to do these all in one go if you can, and all overnight of course!
Many of the newer machines have an eco setting on them. If yours has this option, you should be using it as this will also help you to save money.
Don’t Over Fill Your Machines
Yes, it is more efficient to do one large load of laundry rather than lots of smaller ones. However, an overfilled washing machine is not! It’s likely to not wash your clothes properly, and could make the machine run slower if it’s struggling with the load. This is also the same with an overfilled tumble dryer.
A good way to ensure your machine runs efficiently is to leave a small gap at the top of the drum. If you can’t fit your hand in above your clothing, the machine is way overfilled and some items need to be removed.
Maintain Your Machines
Did you know that running your washing machine in poor condition can cost you a lot of money over time. Things like lint, hair, limescale build up can cause your machine to run in a much less cost effective way. Wasting your energy and your money!
You should be cleaning your washing machine at least every 2 months, but once a month is best. You can do this by running it on a hot wash with either detergent in the drum, or pour in some white wine vinegar.
Dryer Balls
Of course, using your tumble dryer should be a last resort. However, if you do need to use it, try adding wool or rubber dryer balls to your dryer. This will help separate your clothes in the drum, making them easier and quicker to dry. Therefore saving you money on having to run the dryer for long periods of time.
Use The Air Around You
This might be easier said than done in the cold winter months. However, if you have the heating on, or your fire perhaps. Move your damp, freshly washed clothes so they hang next to the radiator or your fire. Make the most of any energy you are using to work more efficiently.
Your tumble dryer will likely use the most amount of energy out of all your appliances so only use it when absolutely necessary. Alternatively, you happen to have a warmer day when the sun is out, and the wind is blowing, hang them out in the garden. The wind will really help to blow them dry – and save you money!
Also, you shouldn’t be drying your clothes completely in the dryer. By doing this you’ll end up making your clothes feel coarse and hard. Instead, try drying them so they are partly dry, then hang them to air dry for the last part. You should find that by doing this your clothes feel softer, and nicer to wear.
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