With millions of people using their washing machines daily, the timing of this chore could make a significant difference in overall energy costs. According to industry experts, demand for electricity fluctuates throughout the day, meaning that certain hours are far pricier than others.
Many people naturally run their appliances after work, but this routine could be driving up costs unnecessarily. Samsung, the renowned home appliance company, has highlighted that the “most expensive” time to do laundry falls between 4pm and 7pm. In a report from April 2024, the appliance giant explained: “Time of use tariffs are usually dependent on demand. The more people using electricity, the higher the price.
“With this in mind, the most expensive times to use electricity tend to be from 4pm-7pm.”
The early evening period sees a surge in electricity usage as households begin their evening routines – cooking dinner, switching on lights, and, crucially, running appliances like washing machines.
With such high demand, most energy suppliers increase their prices during these peak hours, but avoiding a hefty electricity bill could be as simple as shifting laundry habits.
Samsung advises that energy is typically cheaper later in the evening or early in the morning, stating: “Is electricity cheaper at night?
“Usually, yes – the cheapest times to use electricity tend to be from 10pm-8am. With most people in bed during this time, energy is at its lowest demand.”
Aside from adjusting laundry schedules, households can also reduce costs by washing clothes at lower temperatures.
In fact, washing items like bedding at temperatures around 30 to 40 degrees is recommended, as it helps ward off dust mites while protecting the fabric from damage.
According to cleaning experts at Fantastic Services, washing at the wrong temperature could allow thousands of dust mites to thrive in your bedding.
The specialists said: “Generally speaking, the best temperature to wash bedding is between 30 to 40 degrees.”
However, the colour and make of the sheets can vary greatly, so their own specific instructions apply and should be followed accordingly.
