Power bills are rising, but these tips can help cut laundry costs

We're facing a cost of living crisis, and already paying significantly more for energy than we did two years ago.

Power bills look set to rise again from the start of July — by more than 30 per cent, for some Australians.

For those with mountains of clothes, sheets and even reusable nappies to clean, the increasing cost of running the washing machine might feel daunting.

We asked Ashley Iredale, head of whitegoods at Australian consumer advocacy group Choice, how you can save on doing your laundry (and help the planet, while you're at it).

How much are power bills increasing?

Power costs vary widely around the country, as will the increases that are forecast for coming months.

For a warm wash in a top-loader, you may be currently paying around 59 cents for a daily load of washing, or $215.35 per year, according to Choice. (That's using the current energy tariff offered by two major energy providers in Victoria — around 30 cents per kilowatt hour.)

And that's not counting the cost of fabric softener, detergent, the daily supply charge from your energy provider and the cost of running a dryer, if you use one.

If you're keen to save on laundry costs and head off some of these expected bill increases, here's what you need to know.

Ditch the fabric softener

Mr Iredale has tested dozens of washing machines and laundry products, and one of his top tips for saving on laundry costs is to ditch fabric softener altogether: "It's expensive, and because you don't actually need it, it's a complete waste of money," he says.

He adds that the product also "leaves petrochemicals and all sorts of nasties soaked into the fabric", and even reduces the moisture absorbency of fabric.

Skipping the fabric softener will save you around $73 a year, according to Choice.

Use cheaper detergent — and less of it

Mr Iredale also suggests switching to a cheaper but high-performing laundry detergent.

He also recommends using significantly less laundry detergent than the packet suggests. Choice has found you can get a great wash using only a third of the recommended amount of laundry detergent — and making that switch, it says, can save you $175 a year.

Switch to fuller loads, using cold water

Instead of using smaller loads, Mr Iredale recommends filling up your machine as much as you can; you'll save power and money, because you'll end up doing fewer loads.

"Your washing machine can fit far more clothes than you think," he says.

And when you're washing those (full) loads, be sure to choose the cold water function.

It can reduce washing machine energy use by up to 80 per cent, according to Matt Genever, interim Chief Executive Officer at Sustainability Victoria. (And rest assured: there's little difference in wash performance between washing in warm or cold water, especially if you're washing non-whites.) 

Switching from washing a daily half-load on a warm wash to washing a full load on a cold wash every second day could save you $135.85 a year — and that's before even factoring in the impending power price hikes.

Choose a front-loader — and an energy-efficient machine

While front-loader washing machines are generally more expensive to buy, they use less energy, detergent and roughly 50 per cent less water, according to Mr Genever. 

"So, if you're in the market for a new washing machine, get a front loader not a top loader, especially if you do warm washes," says Mr Iredale.

It's also worth considering the energy efficiency and water efficiency star ratings on your machine. Sustainability Victoria recommends choosing a washer with at least a 3.5 star energy rating and 4 star water rating.

How much can you save by switching to a more energy efficient machine?

This online calculator can give you an exact figure. But, as an example, you could save $123 per year just by switching to a five-star front-loader with an 8kg capacity, from a 2.5-star front-loader of the same capacity.

Do your laundry at off-peak times

Finally, you may be able to save on energy and reduce your power bill by running your washer at odd hours, also known as "off-peak" times, says Mr Genever.

Not everyone is eligible for off-peak electricity prices — you'll need a smart meter, and you'll only pay peak and off-peak electricity rates if you've signed up to a "time of use" or "flexible pricing" tariff.

Off-peak times can also vary by location. For most people it usually means at night, but it's worth checking with your energy provider to find out what "off-peak" means for your plan.

After all, the savings can be significant — there's a 56 per cent different in the cost of current off-peak versus peak energy tariffs offered by one major energy retailer in Victoria, for example.

By doing your laundry at odd hours, you could save about $80 per year.

And best of all? It's good for the planet.