Cut your laundry costs this autumn

Tuesday, 5 September 2023 00:00

As we head towards autumn, Which? magazine have given some great ways to save money on your laundry.

Here are our top tips, taken from their article:

Reduce your washing temperature

Wash at a temperature of 20°C or 30°C to save money. Which? Say that if you wash at 30°C, it could save you £25 a year, or at 20°C the saving is £40 a year.

Tips

  • Switch to a liquid laundry detergent to help shift stains. Which? found that tough stains lift more easily with liquid at lower temperatures.

  • Pre-treat tough stains with diluted detergent or stain remover before the wash.

 

Fill your machine

Rather than putting several smaller washes on quick programs, try less washes on longer programs, but fill the drum.

Which? found that by doing bigger washes four times a week it used 17% less energy than three smaller washes on quick programs.

By doing this you’re also using less washing detergent, so it’s a saving on both.

 

Maintain your tumble dryer

Which? tested a range of heat pump dryers with over 20 loads of washing.

They were shocked to find out that some machines used 50% more energy on the last load compared to the first load. This is because of the filter being blocked.

Tips:

  • Wait until your machine is cooled.

  • Find your lower filter at the bottom of the dryer. Once unlocked, remove larger fluff and hair from the heat exchanger.

  • Rinse the filter if it’s removeable. Dry thoroughly before putting back.

Share

More from Consumer Tips

  • Autumn money check-up: Ten things to review before winter

    As the evenings become cooler and Christmas items begin to appear in the shops, autumn is a good time to take a fresh look at your household spending. Winter can bring additional costs, from higher energy use and fuel to seasonal shopping and household expenses. So, taking a little time now to check what you’re currently paying for could help you avoid unnecessary costs and unpleasant surprises later in the year.

  • Funeral costs rise

    Funeral costs are often the last thing we’d like to think about, but when the death of a loved one comes along having some idea about what’s on offer and the costs to be occurred makes it easier at such a sad time.

  • Are you paying for subscriptions you don't use?

    September is often seen as a month for getting back into a routine. The summer holidays are over, children are back at school, and life starts to feel a little more organised again. It’s also a good time to take a fresh look at your household finances – including those regular payments that quietly leave your bank account each month.

Opinion Poll

The Jersey Consumer Council frequently asks Islanders to take part in polls on a range of topics.

Just tap on one of the options below to cast your vote and see what others think.

ⓘ What does the JCC do with this information?

Connect with the JCC