Most of us put the washing on without a second thought. But did you know that some common laundry habits could be wasting water, energy, and your money?
Here are five mistakes you might be making, and how to fix them:
1. Washing half-empty loads
It might seem quick and helpful to wash small loads more often, but this uses much more water and energy over time. Washing a full load makes better use of each cycle. Just don’t overfill, the load should still have room to move!
2. Using too much detergent
More soap doesn’t mean cleaner clothes! In fact, using too much detergent can create more suds, which makes it harder for your machine to rinse properly. That means extra rinse cycles, and more water down the drain.
Tip: Using less detergent means your washing machine doesn't need extra rinse cycles to get rid of soap.
3. Always choosing hot washes
Unless your clothes are very dirty or you need to kill germs (like with bedding or towels), most laundry can be washed in cold or warm water. Hot washes use a lot more energy.
Tip: Try washing at 30°C or on a cold setting for everyday loads.
4. Skipping ECO mode
Most modern washing machines have an ECO mode. It runs for longer but uses less water and energy overall. It's a small change that makes a big difference.
Tip: Look for ECO or ‘energy-saving’ settings on your machine and use them regularly.
5. Holding onto that old washing machine
Older machines can use more water per wash than newer, energy-efficient models. Upgrading could save you water, energy, and money over time.
Tip: If your machine is more than 10 years old, it might be time for an upgrade.
Make your laundry routine more water-friendly!
Small changes can have a big impact. Ready to take it further? Join the My Water Footprint Challenge for a chance to win a brand-new energy-efficient washing machine, plus other great water-saving prizes! It’s quick, easy, and full of helpful tips to help you make small everyday changes that protect our local environment.