How to Reduce Washing Machine Energy Use

How Much Energy Does a Washing Machine Use?

A typical washing machine uses 0.5–2 kWh of electricity per cycle, with up to 90% of that energy going to heating the water. Over a year of regular use, this adds up to a significant portion of your household energy bill. The good news: a few simple changes can cut your washing machine's energy use by 50% or more.

Tip 1: Wash in Cold Water

This is the single most impactful change you can make. Switching from hot to cold water reduces the energy used per cycle by up to 90%. Modern detergents like Dropps Laundry Pods are specifically formulated to clean effectively in cold water — so you don't sacrifice cleanliness for efficiency.

Cold water is safe for the vast majority of everyday laundry — colors, synthetics, activewear, and most cotton items.

Tip 2: Always Run Full Loads

A washing machine uses roughly the same amount of energy whether it's half full or completely full. Running full loads means fewer cycles per week — directly reducing total energy consumption. Don't overload, but aim to fill the drum to capacity for each wash.

Tip 3: Use the Eco Cycle

Most modern washing machines have an Eco or Energy Saving cycle. Despite taking longer, these cycles use less water and lower temperatures — consuming significantly less energy than standard cycles. Use it for everyday lightly soiled loads.

Tip 4: Monitor Your Energy Use

Plug your washing machine into a Kasa Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring to see exactly how much electricity each cycle uses. This real-time data helps you identify which cycles are most efficient and track your savings over time. The smart plug also lets you schedule washes during off-peak electricity hours to reduce costs further.

Tip 5: Spin at High Speed

A higher spin speed removes more water from clothes before they go in the dryer — reducing dryer time and energy. Most clothes can handle 1200–1400 rpm without damage. Check care labels for delicates that need lower spin speeds.

Tip 6: Skip the Dryer When Possible

The dryer uses more energy than the washing machine. Air drying clothes on a rack or line eliminates dryer energy use entirely. When you do use the dryer, add wool dryer balls to reduce drying time by improving airflow.

Tip 7: Maintain the Machine

A clean, well-maintained washing machine runs more efficiently. Clean the filter monthly and run a drum cleaning cycle with Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner to prevent buildup that reduces efficiency.

Recommended Products

• Dropps Free & Clear Laundry Pods — effective in cold water, enabling energy-saving cold washes
• Kasa Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring — track washing machine energy use and schedule off-peak washes
• Wool Dryer Balls — reduce dryer time and energy use
• Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner — keep the machine running efficiently