Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve been talking about something that is on a lot of our minds right now: money.
Or, perhaps more specifically, how to save it.
With energy prices seemingly going through the roof, we all need to take a step back and figure out where and how we can cut down on our power bills.
One of the major appliances in the home that tends to be more than a little bit of an energy vampire is the washing machine.
Now, we all need to clean our clothes. But what can we all do to make those washes just a bit more financially bearable?
Up for some fresh ideas?
Then close the hatch and crank up the brain temperature. We’re going on a good idea spin! Here’s some top-notch tips to help you save cash with your washing machine in 2022 and beyond.
Cool Down: You’ve probably heard a lot about this in the press lately with the increase in power charges looming, but it’s worth a reminder. Turning the temperature down on your wash from 40 degrees to 30 degrees makes a big difference on your annual bill and does the job just as well. Heck, you could even get away with a 20-degree wash if you haven’t been rolling about in mud and oil. It’s only one change, but it’s a big one. And we’ve got a lot more where that came from.
Time It Right: Did you know that the time of day you wash your clothes has a big impact on cost? Apparently, using your machine between 4pm and 7pm can massively rack up charges in comparison to a late night/early morning spin, between 10pm and 5am. It might not be the most convenient time for you, but it is one to think about if you are trying to make some clever savings. Just don’t do it whilst you’re asleep. You want to be fully conscious in case anything unexpected happens.
Sensible Load: Rather than do a lot of smaller washes, try to do one, slightly larger, wash to save energy. Having said that, do not make the mistake of overloading. The clothes will not have a proper clean and it could take a lot longer to get them dry. Be sensible about it and your bank account should see the benefits. And that shirt you want to wear on Saturday night? Well, it will be bone dry and ready to absorb all those compliments you’ve been craving, come the hour. Looking good!
Machine Maintenance: One massive way you can save on costs is to make sure that your washing machine remains in top condition. They don’t come cheap, so if you don’t take care of it, you could end up paying a heap load. Putting on a hot cycle with a limescale removing product is a great way to get rid of any build-up that could affect performance. Do this and you could add significant life to your device.
Air Dry: Okay, this one might be a bit of a cheat, but it’s still worth mentioning. If it’s a nice day and you’ve got access to a washing line in a back garden, it would be far more cost effective than using your tumble dryer. Wind and sunshine are free, but the power used to get your dryer pumping is most certainly not. It’s not always possible, of course, we understand that. But if you’ve got the option? It’s a no brainer.
The washing machine is one of the most expensive appliances in the home, so finding ways to cut costs are always welcome.
Tick as many of these points as you can, and you’ll be going a good way to ease the pain whilst prices remain high.
Got any more tips? What did we miss out?
Be sure to let us know.
