Okay, so we could all hand wash more than our jumpers but, be honest, who wants to, let alone has the time? The washing machine has freed up millions of people from the drudgery of hand washing, and few would want to sacrifice their beloved washing machine or Launderette (Laundromat).
But washing machines use phenomenal amounts of energy and water just to keep you in clean shirts all week - they can account for around 13 per cent of household electricity consumption and 12 per cent of domestic water usage. So it is best to opt for the most energy-efficient model possible, no matter if there is an initial cost premium. Design options to look out for include eco-buttons, which define wash temperatures and loading levels, higher spin speeds that will reduce the moisture content of clothes and consequently decrease the energy used if tumble drying, and automated detergent dosage.
Other tips include buying a machine with the right capacity for your needs - if the machine is too large you will be wasting energy on your small loads. And look for a machine with a hot-fill facility that uses hot water from the household water supply, preferably gas heated and with |
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