Along with the oven, the washing machine is one of the most energy-consuming household appliances. It must be said that with an average of 12 cents of water and 13 cents of electricity per cycle for a standard washing machine with a power of 1000 kWh, it can quickly weigh heavily on our energy bill. In total, it alone ultimately represents on average 6% of the electricity consumption of our household appliances, hence the importance of taking measures to make some savings with your washing machine. Fortunately, very simple reflexes to put in place for each wash will allow you to have a lower bill. From adjustments to filling to maintenance, here are all the little measures to put in place from the next cycle.
Let us remember in passing that when changing appliances, it is advisable to choose a class A+++ washing machine if possible. It will allow you to make 30% energy savings compared to a simple class A device, which already consumes less energy.
1) Proper filling of the washing machine: THE reflex to save money
To save money, it is essential to fill your washing machine correctly. This allows to make every cycle profitable by washing as many dirty clothes as possible and therefore avoid having to wash multiple times. This will in turn optimize the proper functioning and electrical consumption of this large household appliance. However, we don’t want to overload the drum! To be sure, try reaching between the pile of clothes and the top of the drum. If it passes, this means that the filling is at three-quarters of the maximum capacity of the appliance, which is more than enough to optimize washing, avoid motor breakdowns and leave enough space for laundry to be thoroughly cleaned without however, it ends up too creased or worn.
2) Make the right settings on the washing machine for more savings
Unless you are dealing with sheets and towels, it is best to limit excessively hot cleaning as much as possible. During daily washing, a cycle at 60°C instead of 30°C induces consumption of 80% of electricity just to heat water. Going to 30°C will lead to less wear on the laundry while allowing you to save money in the long term without losing washing efficiency. There are also economic cycles which, as their name suggests, allow real savings. Furthermore, to avoid wasting energy, also consider reduce drying and spinning time of your machine and favor drying in the open air rather than in the tumble dryer.
3) Go easy on laundry detergent and fabric softener
Whether homemade or store bought, the products are very effective without needing to use too much. Excessive quantities can lead to higher electricity consumption, as the device requires more time to rinse the laundry properly. Furthermore, in addition to being polluting and harmful to the planet, industrial products are very irritating to the skin in large quantities and can quickly clog the washing machine. However, a dirty appliance will tend to smell bad, clean poorly and make the laundry smelly after washing… forcing you to reclean it! Finally, if you overdose on the products, they don’t last very long, which means you’ll have to buy more quickly. Given their cost, it is better to avoid.
4) Take advantage of off-peak hours
If you have the “Off-peak Hours” option, take advantage of it! It allows you to save money by using your devices at specific times (often between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.), where electricity is the cheapest.
5) Clean and descale your washing machine to save money
Like most appliances, the washing machine can become less efficient and more energy-consuming if it is poorly maintained, scaled or clogged. Installing a water softener can therefore be a great advantage if the water is very hard in your area. If you do not install one, you will need to remove the limescale and wash it empty every month at 90°C with white vinegar to avoid scaling. This will ensure its proper functioning in the long term. Replacing the softener with white vinegar will also help to gently limit scale while limiting clogging of the machine’s components. After each cycle, you will also need to wipe the seal and clean the filter. These small, harmless actions will keep your machine in ‘good health’!