Washers & dryers

Most homes get through a fair bit of washing each week. Between everyday clothes, towels and bedding, it all adds up. And with every wash, rinse and dry, your electricity use can climb too.

These simple tips will help you save energy, water and money, while still getting great results.

Start saving with the appliances you already have

You don’t always need to buy a new appliance to cut costs. These simple habits really work:

  1. Wash clothes in cold water Heating water uses the most energy in a wash. Switching to cold can significantly reduce energy use, and modern detergents still clean well. This means: lower energy use, the same clean clothes, and colours that last longer.
  2. Wait for a full load Running half‑full loads wastes energy and water. Aim for full loads, without overfilling the drum. This means: fewer washes each week and less power used overall.
  3. Make the most of the spin cycle A higher spin speed removes more water, so your clothes dry faster. This means: less time in the dryer, and lower energy costs.
  4. Skip the dryer when you can Air‑drying on the line or a rack uses no energy at all. This means: no drying costs!
  5. Clean your dryer's lint filter every time A clogged lint filter makes your dryer work harder and use more power. This means: better drying performance, safer operation and less energy used.
  6. If you have solar, wash and dry during the day Using appliances while the sun’s shining helps you use more of your own solar energy. This means: more value from your solar and less energy drawn from the grid.

Buying a new washer or dryer? Here’s what to look for

Check the Energy Rating Label

  • All washing machines and dryers sold in Australia must display an Energy Rating Label. More stars means the appliance uses less electricity to do the same job, helping keep running costs down.

Choose the right size for your household

  • Bigger isn’t always better. An oversized machine can use more energy if it’s not filled properly, so pick a size that matches how much washing you do.

Front loaders are usually cheaper to run

  • Front‑loading washing machines are generally more energy and water efficient than top loaders, and they spin more water out of clothes, reducing drying time.

Consider a heat pump dryer

  • Heat pump dryers use much less energy than conventional dryers. They often cost more upfront, but are significantly cheaper to run over their lifetime.

Look for water efficiency

  • Washing machines also carry a Water Rating Label. Using less water often means using less energy, especially when heating water.

You can learn more about Energy Rating Labels and Water Rating Labels on the Australian Government’s Energy website.