Washing Machine Water Usage

I suppose hot water is useful only for helping to break down grease in dirty washing. Not all used clothing is contaminated with much grease.

The disinfection function of hotter water is relative, and drying in the open air especially in sunshine will help make the stuff cleaner.

I scald dish towels and dishcloths after the wash.

JackyB

Fleurpepper

Because of water shortages, I now only wash on reduced time programme, which uses less water, for routine washing.

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I have always understood that the short programmes are the most extravagant with water and electricity. Our machine uses the least water in the eco programme, which takes longest of all. However I never use it because I was shocked to read that the 60° eco programme only heats the water to 27°.

Mine cuts one one cycle and one rinse- so much less water. For routine non stained wash, I just use less detergent, so another +, and low heat to 30C, another+

I used to have a machine that did a half load wash, using half the amount of water, but they don’t make them any more. Can’t think why not, it would take less energy to heat up, too.

Fleurpepper

Because of water shortages, I now only wash on reduced time programme, which uses less water, for routine washing.

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I have always understood that the short programmes are the most extravagant with water and electricity. Our machine uses the least water in the eco programme, which takes longest of all. However I never use it because I was shocked to read that the 60° eco programme only heats the water to 27°.

I wonder if cold water soaking and hand wash followed by drain and spin, followed by rinse and spin would save water and energy.

Mine adjusts the length of the wash too, according to the weight. It only applies on certain long programmes including a pre-wash - which I don’t really use. I wash for my daughter, so always full loads as I combine mine with hers. No shortage of water up here and I’m on a meter, paying £18 a month.

Georgesgran and MerylStreep, in view of what you say does advice to not use washing machine until it can be fully loaded NOT apply to people who have that sort of washing machine that weighs its loads?

I had a brilliant Miele which did that but when it gave up the ghost after many years of service I got another brand. This one doesn’t (and isn’t half as good either).

Because of water shortages, I now only wash on reduced time programme, which uses less water, for routine washing.

Yes - mine’s the same. The little red light keeps calculating the weight and adjusts the water intake, until it’s just right.

Yes ?. Brilliant, isn’t it.