The UK Government is encouraging its citizens to ensure that they buy only the highest rated washing machines, but some people are uncertain whether the benefits are worthwhile. Over the last couple of years, the majority of machines on sale in Britain have become “A” rated, and many are triple-A “AAA”, with maximum performance also on the spin cycle and washing performance

All Energy Saving Recommended washing machines have to meet strict criteria and all need to be AAA rated: A for energy efficiency, A for spin efficiency and A for wash performance, and they all have a maximum amount of power they are allowed to draw while in ‘standby’.

If everyone in the UK replaced their old washing machine with an Energy Saving Recommended model over £12 million a year could be saved from our energy bills!

Further Tips

You can also save energy by washing at lower temperatures; washing clothes at 30 ^oC instead of a higher temperature can use around 40% less electricity. Modern washing powders and detergents work just as effectively at lower temperatures.

Also, always wash a full load. A half load setting nearly always uses more than half the energy of a full load setting, so by doing two half loads you’ll use more energy than doing one full one. Always remember to switch appliances off standby when you have finished using them. Incredibly, £875 million worth of energy is wasted in the UK every year by people leaving appliances on standby.

Also how about eco-friendly products to put in your washing machine? Such as Ecozone’s Ecoballs which are a fresh and natural alternative to washing power. Or if you prefer to stick to traditional washing powder you can purchase more environmentally sustainable powders too.