Doing the laundry is one of those household chores that feels never-ending, especially if you have kids and especially during the warmer months. With multiple people changing their clothes multiple times a day, it might seem like your pile of dirty clothes is ever-growing, no matter how many loads you try to tackle. In addition to being time-consuming, running your washing machine and dryer can start to add up, putting a small but noticeable dent in your electric bill each month.
While the sight of a big heap of clothes in your laundry room might tempt you to grab the detergent and get started, timing actually matters. As it turns out, there are certain windows of time that are more cost-effective and energy-efficient than others for doing laundry. By adjusting the time of day you run your washing machine and dryer, you can save money without any extra effort or special gadgets. It may seem like a small change, but it can make a real difference in your utility bill. So before you start a cycle, take a look at the clock and you might save yourself a few bucks.
Keep reading for everything to know about laundry timing and energy costs, along with input from executive director of Clean Energy States Alliance, Warren Leon.
The best time to run your washing machine and dryer.
The best time to run your washing machine is during off-peak hours, which usually fall in the early weekday mornings before 10 a.m. and late weekday evenings after 8 p.m. During these windows, household energy demand tends to be lower, so you’re putting less strain on your home’s electrical system. And if your utility company uses time-of-use pricing, fewer people are using electricity at those times, which can help lower your energy bill, according to Leon. Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, try to avoid peak hours, generally between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends.
Of course, the “best” time to run your washing machine and dryer also depends on your routine. Early birds who like to get chores out of the way might find that 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. works well. Night owls may prefer running a load between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. But convenience matters just as much as cost. For example, if your laundry area is close to the bedrooms, very early mornings or late nights might be too disruptive. Still, sticking to off-peak hours when you can is a simple way to save money while keeping your routine on track.
Other tips for saving money on laundry.
Adjusting the time of day you wash and dry your clothes is a great start, but a few small habit changes can make an even bigger difference. These easy tweaks can help lower your utility bill without much extra effort.
Air-dry your clothes.
Dryers use more energy than washing machines, so cutting back on dryer use can lower your electricity costs. Whenever you can, skip the machine and air-dry your clothes instead by hanging items on a drying rack or a clothesline. This approach saves energy and it’s also gentler on fabrics, which helps your clothes last longer.
Use less detergent.
It’s easy to assume more detergent means cleaner clothes, but too much can actually make your washer work harder than it needs to. It can also leave behind a sticky residue. Even for larger loads, a small amount of detergent does the job, especially with today’s high-efficiency machines.
Wash with cold water.
“The best way for a consumer to reduce the cost of washing machines and dryers is washing clothes in cold water,” Leon explains. “Most of the energy associated with washing clothes comes from heating the water, not from running the machine.” Switching to cold water can cut energy use and help protect colors and fabrics.
Keep loads full.
Running several small loads throughout the week may feel convenient, but it uses more water and energy overall. Wait until you have a full load so you get the most out of each cycle.
Clean your machine.
Regularly cleaning your washing machine and dryer will keep laundry operations running as smoothly as possible. All it takes is running a maintenance cycle every now and then or wiping down the seals on the door and the rotating cylinder insider (the drum) to maximize your system’s efficiency.
All together, these simple laundry habits will offer significant savings and lead to longer-lasting clothes—a real win-win!
Lilly Blomquist is the associate editor at The Pioneer Woman, where she writes lifestyle stories across a wide range of topics—including news, entertainment, holidays, food, and more.
