Fully loaded
To save the most water and energy always try to use a full load. Even if the machine has a half-load setting, waiting until you can wash one full load will always be more energy efficient. So if you are serious about saving money on your electricity bills it is always better to fill the drum up to its capacity. It's helpful to check the user's guide as this will detail the maximum loads for individual programmes.
Turn that dial down
Washing clothes at 30°C, a setting not available on all old models, rather than higher temperatures, will save around 40% on the energy consumption. For very dirty clothes try pre-treating any stains instead of choosing the hot 60°C cycle.
Clean those drawers
Clean the detergent drawers thoroughly using a long handled brush. This will prevent a build up of residue that may develop when using low temperature washing programmes. Leaving the drawer open between washes to allow it to dry out and using the correct amount of detergent will also help.
Accurate dosage
Use the appropriate amount of detergent. Too much may require additional rinse cycles that ultimately waste water and energy. Not to mention the wasted energy in terms of detergent manufacture and distribution costs. Under-dosing would result in items not being sufficiently cleaned and thus require more washing and energy consumption.
Put a spin on it
Choosing the correct spin cycle is important when you want to save energy. Gentle spinning is usually best when air-drying in warm weather because it leaves fewer creases in the clothes and energy is saved as less ironing is required. High speed spinning removes the most water and keeps the energy requirements to a minimum when a tumble drier is being used, or when the washing is dried indoors using heat from radiators.
