Water is a precious resource in Australia, and with many regions facing ongoing drought conditions and water restrictions, conserving water has never been more important. Your washing machine is one of the biggest water users in your home, but with smart practices and the right machine, you can significantly reduce consumption without sacrificing clean clothes. This guide explores practical strategies to minimise your laundry's water footprint.
Understanding Water Consumption
Before optimising water use, it helps to understand how much water washing machines actually consume. The difference between machine types is substantial. A typical top loader uses between 100-150 litres per cycle, while an efficient front loader might use only 40-60 litres for the same load size. That means a family running five loads per week could use anywhere from 10,000 to 40,000 litres annually on laundry alone.
The WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) rating on your machine provides a standardised measure of water efficiency. Look for machines with higher star ratings and lower litres-per-wash figures if water conservation is a priority.
Water Use by Machine Type
- Front loaders: 40-70 litres per cycle
- Impeller top loaders: 70-100 litres per cycle
- Agitator top loaders: 100-150+ litres per cycle
Run Full Loads Whenever Possible
This is the single most effective way to reduce water consumption per kilogram of laundry. Running a half-full machine uses almost as much water as a full load, so you're essentially doubling your per-item water use. Wait until you have enough laundry to fill the drum properly before running a cycle.
Of course, life doesn't always allow for perfect load planning. If you must wash a smaller load, use your machine's load-sensing features or water level settings if available. Many modern machines automatically adjust water levels based on load size, significantly reducing waste on partial loads.
Practical Tips for Full Loads
- Establish a laundry schedule that allows time for loads to accumulate
- Use separate hampers for different wash categories (whites, darks, delicates) to track when each is full
- Consider whether items truly need washing or could be worn again
- Coordinate laundry across household members rather than everyone running their own loads
Choose the Right Machine Settings
Water Level Settings
If your machine allows manual water level selection, resist the urge to always use the highest setting. Match the water level to your load size. Higher levels don't mean cleaner clothes but do mean more water going down the drain.
Eco and Water-Saving Cycles
Many modern machines include eco or water-saving cycles that use less water (and often less energy) than standard cycles. These typically work by extending wash times to compensate for reduced water, allowing the same cleaning effectiveness with fewer resources. For everyday loads that aren't heavily soiled, these cycles are often sufficient and can reduce water use by 20-30%.
When to Skip Extra Rinse
Unless someone in your household has sensitive skin or allergies, the standard rinse cycle is usually sufficient to remove detergent. Extra rinse cycles can add 15-30 litres of water per wash. If you're using the correct amount of detergent, extra rinsing is rarely necessary.
Optimise Detergent Use
Using too much detergent doesn't just waste product; it can also waste water. Excess suds may trigger additional rinse cycles on some machines, and residue buildup means clothes might not come clean in the first wash. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for detergent amounts, adjusting for load size and soil level.
High-efficiency (HE) detergents are formulated to work in low-water conditions and produce fewer suds than regular detergents. Using the correct detergent type for your machine ensures optimal cleaning with minimal water.
Pre-Treating Stains
Pre-treating stains before washing means they're more likely to come out in a single cycle. This reduces the need for rewashing items, saving an entire cycle's worth of water. Keep a stain treatment product handy and apply it to visible stains before loading the machine.
Soaking heavily soiled items before washing can also improve first-wash success rates. A brief soak in a bucket or laundry tub uses far less water than running an additional full machine cycle.
Consider Upgrading Your Machine
If you're using an older machine, especially a traditional top loader, upgrading to a water-efficient front loader could cut your laundry water consumption in half or more. While the upfront cost is significant, the water savings over a 10-15 year lifespan can be substantial, particularly in areas with high water costs or frequent restrictions.
What to Look for in a Water-Efficient Machine
- High WELS rating: Look for 4 stars or higher for best water efficiency
- Auto-sensing technology: Machines that automatically adjust water levels for load size
- Eco cycles: Dedicated water-saving cycle options
- Front loader design: Inherently uses less water than top loaders
Reusing Greywater
Washing machine wastewater, known as greywater, can often be reused for garden irrigation. Australian regulations generally permit greywater reuse for gardens, though specific rules vary by state and territory. Before setting up a greywater system, check local regulations and consider the following:
- Use plant-friendly, low-sodium, phosphate-free detergents
- Avoid using greywater on edible plants or in wet weather
- Install appropriate diversion systems and filters
- Rotate watering areas to prevent salt buildup in soil
Greywater Caution
Greywater from washing nappies, soiled clothing, or loads with bleach should not be used on gardens. It should be diverted to the sewer system instead. Some washing machines have diverter valves that allow you to choose where wastewater goes on a per-load basis.
Washing Frequency and Habits
Not everything needs to be washed after every wear. Items like jeans, jumpers, and pyjamas can often be worn multiple times before washing, unless visibly soiled or smelling. Reducing the number of washes you do is the most straightforward way to save water.
Consider these guidelines for washing frequency:
- Underwear and socks: After every wear
- T-shirts and light tops: After 1-2 wears
- Jeans and pants: After 3-5 wears
- Jumpers and cardigans: After 3-5 wears
- Pyjamas: After 3-4 wears
- Towels: After 3-4 uses
- Sheets: Weekly to fortnightly
Airing clothes between wears helps keep them fresh longer, and spot-cleaning small marks can extend wear time without a full wash.
Monitoring and Tracking
Understanding your current water use helps identify opportunities for improvement. Many water utilities provide detailed usage data through their websites or apps. Track your water bills over time to see if your conservation efforts are making a difference.
Some smart washing machines can connect to apps that track water usage per cycle, providing valuable data for optimising your laundry habits.
Key Takeaway
Saving water with your washing machine comes down to three main strategies: run full loads to maximise efficiency per cycle, choose appropriate settings and eco cycles for your loads, and consider upgrading to a water-efficient front loader if your current machine is a heavy water user. Combined with smart habits like pre-treating stains and washing clothes less frequently, these approaches can significantly reduce your household's water footprint.