Simple Washing Machine Change Slashes Energy Bills

Many households unknowingly waste money by washing clothes at high temperatures when it's not required. Everyday habits, like incorrect appliance settings or unnecessary energy use, can significantly increase electricity, water, or gas bills.

Rebecca Jakeman, a researcher for Which?, discovered that simply switching washing machine settings to 20°C or 30°C can reduce costs. "On average, switching from 40°C to 30°C saved 38% of energy, and washing at 20°C saved 62%," Jakeman explained. While high temperatures are often perceived as more hygienic for removing bacteria, most modern machines and detergents work effectively even at lower settings.

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On average, switching from 40°C to 30°C saved 38% of energy, and washing at 20°C saved 62%.

Washing lightly soiled clothes at lower temperatures is more economical and gentler on fabrics. High temperatures can degrade textile quality, fade colors, or cause shrinkage. For everyday items like t-shirts, jeans, and sportswear, 30°C is generally recommended. Higher temperatures (60°C or 90°C) are typically reserved for heavily soiled items, towels, bedding, and children's clothes to ensure hygiene, or for kitchen towels and cleaning cloths that encounter the most harmful household bacteria.

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Our test showed that unless you are washing heavily soiled items, modern machines will still do a good job most of the time.