Front loader washing machines are proven to be the most energy efficient
, but if your budget isn't ready for a new washing machine there are other things you can do to save power and be more energy efficient with your old machine.
Wash in bulk but don't over do it. A full sized load is obviously going to take less power than two small washes but that doesn't mean you should cram everything in to the point of having to force the door or lid shut. This will also put extra strain on the motor and reduce the life of the machine in the long term.
Any instruction manual for a new machine will give that simple advice and for good reason. Fill the load to overflowing and the clothes are not going to wash as well. Run a cycle without a full load and you've used exactly the same amount of soap, water and power.
Use cold water whenever you can get away with it and that's probably 95% of your washes. It is only truly grimy and greasy washing that needs hot water so this is a good savings tip for power use. Remember it is not only the washing machines that get your clothes clean. If you feel the clothes aren't being cleaned properly perhaps it is the powder or liquid soap you use so experiment with different brands.
Recycling the grey water is a sensible environmentally sound move. A suds save feature is stock standard on some machines so use this option if it is available. Careful planning of your wash means you can use the same water for more than one cycle.
Regular maintenance of your machine will ensure power consumption is kept to a minimum. Keep the filter clean and check hoses for blockages, maintaining your machine will extend its lifespan. Clean out backlog by running an empty cycle with hot water and vinegar every six months or so.
Make sure the washing machine is level. An unbalanced machine can cause the motor to work harder. The moment a machine has to work hard the more power it will pull from the supply.
If the clothes aren't highly soiled but just need a little freshening up, use the shorter wash cycle. Permanent press fabrics can be removed before the spinner kicks in so this will save energy and be kinder on your clothes too. Sort your clothes before washing all in the same cycle. This way it will only be the ones that really need the hot water that get lumped together.
Being conscious of these energy saving tips will also save money on the dreaded electricity bill. As soon as the old machine needs replacing be sure to source the latest, most energy efficient new machine. Front loaders fit the bill at the moment and are so much kinder on your clothes that you will save money here too.