6 Common Laundry Habits That Increase Your Energy Bill

Most of us do laundry on autopilot. But the way you choose to wash and dry your clothes has a surprisingly big impact on household energy consumption, as well as the life of your garments. 

Fortunately, a few small adjustments can make a world of difference. We spoke with two laundry experts about the most common habits that waste energy, along with simple, practical tips you can use for a more efficient laundry day.

Over-Washing Your Clothes

Just because something was worn once doesn’t mean it needs a trip to the washing machine, Frej Lewenhaupt, co-founder and chief product officer of Steamery, explains. “Most clothing items do not need to be washed after a single wear, and when you add every item to the laundry bin, it quickly adds up to a load,” Lewenhaupt says.

Every cycle requires electricity and water, which drives up household energy consumption. The result? Higher energy bills—and wear and tear on your clothing—that isn’t really necessary.

Instead Try...

Instead of throwing a lightly worn item into the hamper, try alternative ways to refresh your clothing without using the washing machine.

Lewenhaupt suggests steaming items (especially breathable fabrics like linen and cotton) to eliminate odors and bacteria. Spot cleaning small stains or airing your clothing outside on sunny days are other easy ways to freshen items between wears. 

Using Too Much Laundry Detergent

Many people assume adding more detergent means cleaner clothes. But that’s not actually the case, explains laundry expert Doruk Seden. “If there are no visible soil spots like dirt or grass stains, you don’t need that much detergent,” Seden says.

In fact, using too much detergent can leave residue on your clothing, which breaks down the fibers and often requires rewashing. Plus, for folks with sensitive skin, leftover detergent can be an irritant. 

Using too much detergent is also bad for the machine itself, too. Over time, soap buildup can accumulate in internal parts, reducing performance and shortening the appliance’s lifespan. It can also trigger additional rinse cycles in newer washing machines. “Many modern washing machines have some type of suds detection,” Seden says. “When the amount of detergent is too much for a particular load, this can lead to extra rinsing, which is a waste of time, water, and energy.”

Instead Try...

“Think before you pour detergent,” Seden warns. “It will make the clothing feel nicer and last longer, it will reduce the water and energy consumption, and you may notice your detergent lasting longer as well, which is another benefit to your wallet.” Read the package instructions and use the measuring cup or scoop as directed.

Relying Too Heavily on Your Vented Dryer

It’s easy to think of the dryer as the default for all clothing that comes out of the wash, but overusing it—especially if you have a vented dryer—can quickly drive up energy use. 

Vented dryers consume conditioned air from your home and eject it outside, which can be a hidden source of energy waste. “They require maintenance that is often neglected and can present dangers if lint is built up in the ductwork,” Seden explains. “It also means that the duct presents an opportunity for air to escape on its own.”

Instead Try...

Don't discredit the benefits of air-drying suitable garments. "Whenever possible, air-dry your clothes instead of using the tumble dryer," Lewenhaupt says. It'll reduce wear on garments, reduce the risk of shrinkage, and help lower household energy use.

If it’s time to replace your dryer, choose an energy-efficient model. “In particular, ventless, heat pump dryer technologies will provide considerable savings and consume less energy,” Seden says. 

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Putting Balled-Up Items in the Dryer

Have you ever loaded your balled-up sheets into the dryer, only to find the middle still wet after the cycle ended? Items that are left wadded up tend to dry unevenly, which is annoying for you and more work for your dryer. Not only are you wasting energy, but you’re also putting more wear and tear on your clothing.  

Instead Try

Shake out your garments before you throw anything in the dryer. “This simple step will really reduce drying times and energy consumption,” Seden says.

The practice also has a hidden bonus: it helps reduce wrinkles, meaning you may need less ironing (or none at all) once the laundry is dry. This can make your laundry routine faster and more energy efficient. You can also use dryer balls, which speed up drying time and help prevent the fabric from tangling.

Overusing the Timed Drying Setting

Preset timed dries can be surprisingly wasteful. A timed cycle runs the machine for a fixed duration, regardless of whether the items are actually dry. As a result, the dryer can run longer than necessary, which means using more electricity and adding unnecessary heat to fabrics. Over-drying can also make clothes stiff and cause colors to fade over time.

Instead Try...

"Many dryers on the market today provide a sensor-driven option. This means the dryer will use sensors built into the drum or some components to determine how much moisture is in the fabric," Seden says. "Once the load is dry, the machine will automatically stop. This will conserve energy compared to the average user’s habits."

Choosing Express or Fast Cycles

Fast cycles are convenient—but they often require more energy than a normal cycle. These cycles typically use higher speeds and heavier agitation to clean clothes quickly, which requires more electricity and can be harsher on fabrics. 

“Adjusting the settings is a great way to reduce energy consumption,” Seden says. Many people tend to prefer fast or express cycles even when time is not a concern, he adds. "These faster cycles require more energy than standard programs.” 

Try Instead...

Instead of defaulting to a fast cycle with heavy agitation, consider alternatives like a pre-wash soak. “Soaking allows soiling and stains to break down while they sit in the mixture of water and detergent,” Seden says. “Aside from being effective, it is also far better for the fabric compared to heavy agitation.”