Laundry tips and important check that could slash energy bills

Before you start a load, consider this first. The guidance comes from consumer champion Which?, with experts stating that you may not need to switch your washing machine on at all.

In their latest advisory post on X, they stress that just a “few small changes can go a long way” =. This can not only help you tackle chores more effectively, but it can help keep “costs down.” In one of many tips and tricks, the specialists say people should evaluate each item before tossing it in their machine.

Which? says: “Before chucking an item in the wash, check whether it’s actually dirty or if it could just do with a spot clean because of a spillage. Overwashing can lead to a shorter life for clothes, so to keep them looking good for longer it’s better to wear an item multiple times between washes.”

Critical check

So what should you do instead? The suggestion is: “If it’s just a small stain on a jumper, use a stain remover or some washing-up liquid to treat the mark so you don’t need to wash the whole thing.” By doing this, you’re not wasting energy, water and detergent unnecessarily, so you’re saving money in several ways, not just on bills.

By doing this, you’re not squandering energy, water and detergent unnecessarily, so you’re saving money in several ways, not just on bills. If your clothes are soiled or have an unpleasant odour, ensure you don’t pack the machine too full.

Which? additionally recommends: “Make sure everything is easy for the detergent to reach. Loosen your laundry before putting it in, because if your clothes are tangled together into a ball, they won’t be washed as well. If you have a washer-dryer, laundry will also take longer to dry, driving up running costs.”

For bedding, try this approach. “With duvet covers, check for anything trapped inside, for the most effective wash and efficient dry possible. Also make sure all of the buttons or poppers are closed to prevent any smaller items from being ‘swallowed’ up by your bedding”, it notes.

Temperature

One of the simplest methods to reduce your energy bills is to wash your laundry at a cooler temperature. Making the switch from 40C to 30C can decrease energy consumption by 38%, and washing at 20C can save up to 62% – more than half the energy simply by halving the temperature.

The experts say: “This adds up within the space of a year – an average washing machine costs about £65 a year to run four washes a week (based on the October 2025 price cap), so dialling down to 30C would shave £25 off of an annual bill, while washing at 20C will cut that cost by £40.”

In most instances, washing at cooler temperatures won’t impact stain removal, though there are occasions when a lower-temperature wash may not be appropriate. Which? mentions that they observed using liquid detergent instead of powder enhanced their results.