An appliance expert shared how using a specific washing machine setting could significantly reduce your energy bills while helping you lower water consumption too
An appliance expert shared how using a specific washing machine setting could significantly reduce your energy bills while helping you lower water consumption too(Image: Choreograph (Konstantin Yuganov) via Getty Images)
With energy costs spiralling and household appliances becoming increasingly expensive to run, learning how to operate your washing machine economically has become absolutely vital. Simple tweaks to your washing habits can dramatically cut energy and water usage, helping to slash those hefty utility bills.
To assist families in mastering the most cost-effective washing techniques, Beko’s marketing manager and home appliance expert, Shalika Hooda, has revealed her top tips. The appliance expert advises that households keen to maximise their savings should opt for the eco setting on their machines, reports the Express.
Shalika explained: “When using your washing machine, select the eco programme to save a significant amount off your water and energy bills for a standard load, whilst still maintaining excellent cleaning results.”
The eco function delivers precisely what it claims to offer. It’s a wash option that allows families to be more environmentally friendly by using less water and power.
Washing cycles generally comprise three components: heat, time and water. Using eco mode means Britons will consume smaller water quantities and cooler temperatures than conventional programmes.
Nevertheless, families should anticipate a longer wash duration to achieve similar cleaning standards. This occurs because heating water uses the greatest amount of energy.
An extended wash cycle means the water temperature can be slightly lower. Consequently, you’re still saving energy, despite not cutting down on time.
The specialist explained: “The eco programme remains the best programme to use in terms of energy and water consumption. However, when using other programmes, selecting a lower temperature can save up to 40 per cent in energy consumption as less energy is needed to heat the water.”
Modern washing powders and detergents work just as effectively at lower temperatures. Beyond using the eco setting and washing garments at cooler temperatures, tackling stains beforehand can also help cut energy consumption.
Shalika recommended: “For clothes that are heavily stained, make sure to pre-treat them instead of using additional energy to rewash them.”
For drink stains, whether from tea, coffee, fizzy drinks or wine, start by dabbing or soaking the affected spot in cool water. Pre-treat using either a prewash stain remover, liquid laundry detergent, or create a paste from powder laundry product mixed with water.