With energy costs continuing to put pressure on household budgets, finding simple ways to cut down on utility bills has never been more important. One significant opportunity for savings lies in a common household appliance: the washing machine.
The Power of the Eco Programme
According to Shalika Hooda, a marketing manager and home appliance expert at Beko, households looking to maximise their savings should make a habit of selecting the eco programme on their washing machines. This setting is specifically designed to use less water and power while still delivering excellent cleaning results for a standard load of laundry.
Shalika explained that a washing cycle is fundamentally governed by three elements: heat, time, and water. The eco mode operates by using cooler temperatures and smaller quantities of water compared to conventional washing programmes. This direct reduction in resources is what leads to the financial saving on bills.
Why a Longer Cycle Saves Energy
There is one trade-off that users of the eco setting will notice: a longer wash duration. However, this extended time is precisely what enables the energy saving. Heating water consumes the largest amount of energy in a washing cycle. By running the cycle for longer at a slightly lower temperature, the machine achieves a thorough clean without the high energy spike associated with hot washes.
"The eco programme remains the best programme to use in terms of energy and water consumption," Shalika confirmed. She added that when using other settings, simply selecting a lower temperature can save up to 40 per cent in energy consumption, as less power is needed to heat the water.
Additional Tips for Efficient Washing
The good news for those washing at cooler temperatures is that modern detergents are formulated to work effectively without high heat. Beyond the machine's settings, adopting smarter laundry habits can lead to further savings.
Shalika strongly recommends pre-treating heavily stained garments before they go into the machine. "For clothes that are heavily stained, make sure to pre-treat them instead of using additional energy to rewash them," she advised.
For common drink stains from tea, coffee, or wine, start by dabbing the area with cool water. You can then apply a pre-wash stain remover, liquid laundry detergent, or a paste made from powder detergent and water. This simple step can prevent the need for a second, energy-intensive wash cycle.
As energy prices remain a central concern for families across the UK, these practical adjustments to laundry routine offer a straightforward path to reducing both environmental impact and monthly outgoings.
