Households across the UK could cut their annual energy costs by approximately £100 with one straightforward adjustment to how they use their washing machine. This timely advice comes from the Energy Saving Trust, which has partnered with Citizens Advice to mark Big Energy Saving Week, beginning on 17 January 2026.
The Power of the 'Eco' Button
Experts highlight that the most impactful tip is to consistently use your appliance's 'eco' cycle. While this setting takes longer to complete, it is specifically designed to consume significantly less electricity and water. The trust explains that this simple switch directly reduces the cost of your energy bill.
To find the correct setting, consumers should look for labels such as 'Eco 40-60' or 'Eco cotton' on their machine's dial. According to data from Energy Local, running laundry cycles can cost around £200 per year, but adopting more efficient practices like this could potentially halve that expense.
Cold Washes and Smart Timing
Another highly effective recommendation is to use a cold wash cycle, defined as 20°C or 30°C. This is perfectly adequate for refreshing a load of laundry that isn't heavily soiled. For households on a smart time-of-use tariff, further savings are possible by running the machine during off-peak hours.
These smart tariffs adjust electricity prices based on demand, making power cheaper during periods of lower use, typically late at night or early in the morning. The Energy Saving Trust advises contacting your energy provider to see if such a tariff is available to you.
Ditch the Tumble Dryer for Bigger Savings
Moving beyond the washing machine, another substantial saving comes from avoiding the tumble dryer. The trust suggests using a heated clothes airer instead, which is more economical and dries clothes faster than a standard airer. For those with outdoor space, air-drying clothes is the most cost-effective method of all.
'You can do this on sunny days but colder and overcast days can also be drying days,' the experts confirm. The key is to look for breezy conditions when the ground is dry.
By combining these practical steps—utilising the eco setting, washing in cold water, timing usage smartly, and air-drying—families can make a noticeable dent in their annual energy expenditure, putting hundreds of pounds back in their pockets.
