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Energy saving laundry tips

Are you worried about how much your washing machine is costing you? If so, you’re not alone as many people are looking for ways to be more energy efficient while keeping their laundry clean and fresh. What’s more, nearly three-quarters of us don’t fully understand the symbols on clothing laundry labels and this could be adding unnecessary energy use and costs to our laundry routines.

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To help households reduce their energy use when doing the washing, we’ve compiled a few simple changes and hacks that could help you save money and energy over time, up to £165 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust. And you can see any savings you make with a smart meter and in-home display.

To help bring these helpful home hacks to life, we've teamed up with fashion guru Susannah Constantine, who explains how these handy energy-efficient hacks can help lighten your laundry load.

  1. Use a colder setting

    Did you know that heating water for laundry is a big portion of your energy consumption? Switching to a colder setting can save energy and still do a great job. Modern detergents are designed to work effectively in cold water and this makes sure that your washing is still sparkling clean on a 20 or 30-degree cycle.

  2. Optimise load size

    Summer is the season for laundry with many of us doing more laundry loads on average when it’s warmer. But it’s important to maximise your washing machine’s capacity as this can help you lower your energy usage. Running full loads will not only save you time and water but also reduces the number of cycles in the long run. When you do have smaller loads, consider adjusting the water level or using an eco-setting on your washing machine to save energy and water.

  3. Air dry or use a clothesline

    When the sun's out, harness its drying power if you can. A tumble dryer can often be the biggest energy consumer when it comes to laundry, so hang your clothes on a clothesline or drying rack outside to air dry them, or pop your drying rack near an open window in your home. This is energy-free and can also help your clothes last longer. The sun's UV rays can even act as a natural disinfectant and freshener. When British summertime isn’t playing ball, a dehumidifier can help. Put it next to your drying rack and the moisture will get filtered out of the air quicker.

  4. Understand your clothes labels

    Most of us don’t understand clothing labels, but did you know you can save energy by getting to know them better? Those tricky laundry symbols offer temperature guidelines and recommended water levels. They advise you on what the right amount of detergent is to reduce pollution and extend the lifespan of your clothes by providing useful instructions. The labels also recommend how to properly dispose of certain materials to lower waste.

Laundry instruction symbols can be confusing at first glance, so we've developed a guide to help crack the code and finally make sense of those symbols. Download our new easy-to-use laundry label guide to better understand your laundry labels.

Super Smart Laundry Guide

  1. Getting a smart meter

    By incorporating these energy-saving laundry tips into your routine, you'll not only help reduce your own energy consumption but also enjoy the financial benefits that come with it.

    You could save £165 a year by doing fuller loads, colder washes, and adopting more efficient drying habits.

    And if you want to make these changes more visible, you can also request your smart meter below. With a smart meter’s display, you'll be able to see in near-real time just how these changes affect your energy bills.

We believe that Octopus Energy is now responsible for Affect Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Octopus Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Yu Energy are responsible for Ampower UK customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Yu Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that British Gas is now responsible for Angelic Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that SSE is now responsible for Atlantic Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with SSE who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Nabuh Energy is now responsible for Avid Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Nabuh Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that Octopus Energy are responsible for Avro Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Octopus Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that British Gas is now responsible for Beam Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

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Eon have informed us that Eon Next are responsible for smart meter installations, so you'll be redirected there.

We are redirecting you to the E.ON Next smart meter webpage. You can continue your smart meter journey at their website. They will take your request forward.

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We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

We believe that British Gas is now responsible for Fosse Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

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We believe that Octopus Energy is now responsible for Gen4U customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Octopus Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

We believe that Bulb Energy is now responsible for GnErgy customers. Therefore we will connect you with Bulb who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

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We believe that EDF Energy is now responsible for Green Network Energy customers. Therefore we will connect you with EDF Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

We believe that E.ON Next is now responsible for Hub Energy customers (formerly Gulf Gas and Power). Therefore we will connect you with E.ON Next who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

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We believe that EDF Energy is now responsible for iSupply Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with EDF Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

We believe that OVO Energy is now responsible for Lumo customers. Therefore we are connecting you with OVO Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

We believe that British Gas is now responsible for MoneyPlus Energy customers. Therefore we will connect you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

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We believe that E.ON is now responsible for Npower Select customers. Therefore we will connect you with E.ON who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

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We beleive that Scottish Power is now responsible for Orbit Energy customers. Therefore we will connect you with Scottish Power who will be responsible with taking your request forward.

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You can continue your smart meter journey at your supplier's website. They will take your request forward.

Scottish Gas have told us that British Gas is responsible for providing smart meters on their behalf. Therefore we are connecting you with British Gas who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

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We don't currently have information from your energy supplier regarding their bookings for smart meters, but we will connect you to their website so you can contact them directly.

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Swalec have told us that SSE is responsible for providing smart meters on their behalf. Therefore we are connecting you with SSE who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

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We believe that EDF Energy is now responsible for Utility Point customers. Therefore we will connect you with EDF Energy who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

We believe that E.ON are responsible for Wasp Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with E.ON who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

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We beleive that Scottish Power is now responsible for Yorkshire Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with Scottish Power who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

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We believe that EDF is now responsible for Zog Energy customers. Therefore we are connecting you with EDF who will be responsible for taking your request forward.

For more expert advice and eco-friendly solutions, see our super smart home hacks page.

Super Smart Home Hacks

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