Washing and Drying Laundry

Technique and know-how in washing and drying laundry

Household size, the appliances used and consumption habits affect the amount of energy used for washing and drying laundry. But no matter the circumstances laundry can be washed so as to be economical in the use of energy. If there is a housing company laundry room and drying areas, you should make use of them.

Washing

• If you need a washing machine, purchase one that is the right size and energy efficient.
• Use the highest washing temperature and the pre-wash only for textiles and, if necessary, to keep the washing machine clean.
• Wash full loads.
• Use the eco-programmes, which consume less water and electricity.
• A powerful spin-dryer cuts the residual moisture and energy consumption, and reduces the time needed for drying.
• Clean your washing machine regularly.

Drying

• It is energy saving to dry washing outdoors.
• Machine drying always uses more energy than the washing programmes.
• Dry washing in full loads and only damp-dry.
• Clean the drier regularly, as blockages prevent air circulation and increase the drier’s electricity consumption.

Did you know?

• Electricity consumption is halved when you switch the washing temperature from 60°C → 40°C. Electricity consumption doubles if you switch the washing temperature from 60°C →  85-95°C.
• Increasing the spin-drier speed 1,000 to 1,600 revolutions a minute saves 25% of the electricity used for drying.
• Damp-dry washing uses 30% less electricity than bone-dry washing.
• A half-full drier uses 20% more electricity to evaporate a kilo of water than a full one.