In the era of soaring electricity prices, saving energy is one of the biggest challenges for households today. One of the appliances that generates high costs is the washing machine. In many Polish households, this appliance is used almost every day, sometimes several times a day. Parents of young children know this all too well, as there is always something to wash in their homes. Household appliance manufacturers have been aware of this for a long time and are constantly looking for new ways to save electricity and water.
One feature that users often forget about, but which can lead to significant savings, is the simple “eco” function.Nowadays, it is found in almost all types of washing machines and, depending on the brand and model, it allows you to reduce electricity and water consumption. Contrary to popular belief, the name of this program does not come from ecology, but from… economics, meaning a washing mode that uses the least amount of electricity and water, while effectively washing moderately soiled clothes while maintaining the expected washing parameters.
What is the eco wash mode?
The eco mode (depending on the brand) is a mode selected by the appliance manufacturer during the testing and production process, which – according to observations – is characterized by low water and electricity consumption while maintaining appropriate washing results. In this mode, the washing temperature is lowered while the program duration is extended. The idea is to limit the work of the heater, because it is the most energy-consuming part of the whole process. The heater is activated in the first of three stages of washing, i.e. the main wash. This part of the washing machine’s work accounts for almost 90 percent of energy consumption. This is followed by rinsing and spinning. It is important to note that the main wash takes longer, but it takes place in the same amount of water, so it does not generate additional water consumption.
The website analyzed a dozen or so models of washing machines from different manufacturers and at different price points. The authors indicate that, compared to standard operating programs, the eco/eco mode generated an average of 38% less electricity consumption and about 33% less water consumption, which allows for more than a 50% reduction in washing costs.
Why is it worth washing at lower temperatures?
Washing at 30 or 40°C often raises a lot of questions among users as to whether the clothes will be “well-washed”. However, it is worth bearing in mind that experts have long pointed out that it is worth washing at lower temperatures. Not only is it equally effective and economical, but it also allows you to better protect the washed clothes from damage. Such washing cycles take longer, but their parameters are selected in such a way as to give satisfactory results.
It is also good to pay attention to the size of the load. Manufacturers indicate that a given washing machine has a specific load capacity. Overloading the drum will result in poorer washing results. The same goes in the other direction: if you try to shorten the wash time using the functions designed for this purpose, you also risk not getting the dirt out even with a full machine. It is worth remembering that a shorter washing time is intended for a smaller load.
If you want to save energy and water, you should follow the rule that you only wash when the washing machine is full (the manufacturer specifies the load size), so that you can achieve optimal results without washing more frequently.
