Washing is an indispensable task in our household, but did you know that your washing machine can have a significant impact on your energy consumption and on the environment?
Fortunately, there are plenty of steps you can take to make your laundry routine more sustainable and save money.
Washing machines and ecology: an important combination
A washing machine can be a major energy guzzler and choosing an energy-efficient machine is therefore crucial.
The energy label: your guide to an ecological washing machine
The energy label is your best friend when buying a new washing machine. This label shows the energy consumption of the machine at a glance, ranked from A+++ (very economical) to G (least economical). So always choose a machine with an A+++ or A++ label.
How much energy does a washing machine use?
The energy consumption of a washing machine depends on various factors, such as the selected washing programme, the amount of laundry, the water hardness and the condition of the machine.
On average, a washing machine uses per wash:
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- 0.55 kWh on the eco program
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- 0.69 kWh on a program for synthetic clothing
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- 1.5 to 2.0 kWh on a cotton program at 60°C
This corresponds to an annual consumption of 110 to 400 kWh for an average household with 200 washes per year.
Average energy consumption per energy label of your washing machine for an average family:
| Energy label | Annual kWh consumption (at 200 washes) | Average kWh per wash |
|---|---|---|
| A | Less than 100 kWh | 0.50 kWh |
| B | 100 - 119 kWh | 0.59 - 0.60 kWh |
| C | 120 - 149 kWh | 0.60 - 0.75 kWh |
| D | 150 - 179 kWh | 0.75 - 0.90 kWh |
| E | 180 - 209 kWh | 0.90 - 1.05 kWh |
| F | 210 - 239 kWh | 1.05 - 1.20 kWh |
| G | More than 240 kWh | More than 1.20 kWh |
How much water does a washing machine use?
The water consumption of a washing machine varies per model and per wash program.
On average, a washing machine uses per wash:
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- 50 liters of water on an eco program
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- 60 liters of water on a program for synthetic clothing
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- 70 to 80 litres of water on a cotton programme at 60°C
This corresponds to an annual consumption of 5,000 to 8,000 litres of water for an average household with 200 washes per year.
Average water consumption per energy label of your washing machine for an average family:
| Energy label | Average water consumption per eco wash | Annual water consumption (with 200 eco washes) |
|---|---|---|
| A | 45 - 50 liter | 9,000 - 10,000 liters |
| B | 51 - 55 liter | 10,200 - 11,000 litres |
| C | 56 - 60 liter | 11,200 - 12,000 litres |
| D | 61 - 65 liter | 12,200 - 13,000 litres |
| E | 66 - 70 liter | 13,200 - 14,000 litres |
| F | 71 - 75 liter | 14,200 - 15,000 litres |
| G | More than 75 liters | More than 15,000 liters |
In addition to the energy label, there are other factors that influence the energy and water consumption of your washing machine, such as:
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- drum size: larger drums generally use more energy and more water
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- water hardness: in areas with hard water more detergent is needed, which can lead to higher energy consumption and higher water consumption
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- functions: some washing machines have additional functions, such as steaming, pre-washing or extra rinsing, which use more energy and more water
Tips for more sustainable washing with your washing machine
By making a few simple adjustments to your laundry routine, you can significantly reduce the ecological footprint of your washing machine.
1.Choose the right temperature:
Washing at lower temperatures saves a lot of energy. Most washing programs these days clean your clothes perfectly at 30°C or 40°C.
2.Fill the machine:
Washing with a full drum is more efficient than with a half full one, so feel free to wait until you have enough laundry to do a full load.
extra tip: when the drum is full, place the washing strip in the loading tray.
3.Use eco programs:
Most modern washing machines have special eco programs that focus on lower energy and water consumption.
4. Let your laundry dry on the clothes rack:
Tumble dryers are real energy guzzlers. Use a clothes horse to dry your laundry.
5.Maintain your machine:
Good maintenance extends the life of your washing machine and ensures more efficient operation. Clean the filters and drum regularly and use the right detergent.
Discover the cleaning tip to clean your machine!
6. Avoid overdosing on detergent :
The right dosage when washing is better for the environment and saves you money. Washing strips are a handy alternative to traditional detergent. They are compact, universal, biodegradable and they contain exactly the right amount of detergent for one wash. The advantages of washing strips are numerous.
The best washing machine brands for an ecological wash!
The most energy-efficient washing machines can be found at Këfel. They offer a wide range of ecological washing machines from top brands, so you can be sure of a device that is good for your wallet and the environment.
The best washing machine brands for ecological washing are:
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- The AEG ProSense washing machine is equipped with advanced technologies that save water and energy without compromising washing performance
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- the Bosch washing machine is equipped with water and energy saving functions that automatically adapt to the size of the load
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- The Siemens washing machine combines innovative water-saving technology with an eco-speed program so you save time and energy without compromising on cleaning results
Buying a washing machine? Here's what to look for!
In addition to the energy label, here are other tips to consider when purchasing a washing machine:
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- filling capacity: how much laundry should the machine be able to wash at a time
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- noise: how quiet is the machine during washing and spinning?
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- comfort functions: does the machine have extra functions that you find important, such as a delayed start or a steam program?
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- adjustable speed: this allows you to select the optimum programme for each type of laundry
Frequently asked questions about washing machines and environmental friendliness
“Can you buy a washing machine with eco-cheques?”
Yes, in Belgium you can buy an energy-efficient washing machine with ecocheques. The conditions for this can be found on the website of the Federal Public Service .
“How much detergent should I use for a wash?”
Too much detergent can lead to unnecessary costs, environmental pollution and residue on your clothes. Too little detergent can’t get your laundry clean. With BRAUZZ washing strips, you don’t have to worry about dosing! Each strip is pre-dosed with the perfect amount of powerful, ecological detergent. All you have to do is put one washing strip in the washing machine, together with your laundry. No hassle, no waste, no residue. Discover this new way of washing .
“Can you use a dryer and a washing machine at the same time?”
Yes, it is possible but we advise against it. Why you should run both devices separately:
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- Better for your wallet: both devices are energy guzzlers. Switching them on at the same time can lead to peaks in your power consumption. Not good for your wallet, especially with the energy prices these days!
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- Bye bye grid overload: Your grid can become overloaded, especially during peak times. Help keep the grid healthy by planning your laundry wisely.
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- Optimal washing and drying performance: if both appliances are fighting for power at the same time, this can lead to reduced performance. Do you still want that crispy sea breeze or lavender scent on your clothes? Then give your washer and dryer all the love (read: power) they deserve.
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- Less CO2 emissions: More electricity means more CO2 emissions. Not nice for Mother Earth. Help her out by cleverly distributing your laundry.
“Can a dryer be placed on top of a washing machine?”
Yes, in most cases a dryer can be placed on top of a washing machine. This is even a space-saving solution that is often chosen in small homes or apartments.
But beware:
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- check the manual of both devices as some manufacturers advise against stacking their devices.
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- use a stacking kit. This is an intermediate piece that improves stability and safety. This kit is available from the manufacturer of your device or from online retailers.