Washing Machine Economy Programs

[Highlands John]

For those like us who do their own laundry.
Both our washing machines have "economy" programs, I rarely use them because they take so long, being more than double a standard wash. I've searched for the reason why and the best explanation I could find was that they use less water and powder so take longer to clean (not sure the logic stands up there, but hey-ho)
On my machines Standard white 40deg wash = 1hr 8m, Economy white 40deg wash = 2hr 25m
Then I thought, I wonder how much money I'm saving per wash on economy and is it therefore worth while. I found my machine manual on the internet as it shows power consumption. Basically it uses .18kwh less on economy.
I obtained a quote from my electricity supplier and I'm paying roughly £213 per 1000kwh, so that means my economy wash saves me 4p per wash.
If I use this program twice a day for half the year (busy season) that saves me £14 a year.
My conclusions: It's not worth all the extra time I'd be doing laundry to save £14 a year. I also think that these economy washes are a load of marketing bs if that's all they save, it must be even less relevant for the average household, they are domestic machines after all.
It costs about 26p a wash in electricity, I would double that per room as we do the bed linen and towels seperate (that's all that will fit in the machine).

 

[OnTheShore]

Does the washing machine heat it's own water, or do you have a separate water heater? If the latter, and the economy program uses less hot water, then that's where your big savings would come from (the energy used to heat the water).

 

[Generic]

I love Europeans with those tiny machines....
I do two sets of king sheets per load. And all the towels in the house on a whitewash.
We don't have an economy setting on the washer. But my "heavy duty" wash says 1H40, but I have never seen it finish in under 2 hours. It adjusts based on the dirt, the size of the load and the water.

 

[Highlands John]

Does the washing machine heat it's own water, or do you have a separate water heater? If the latter, and the economy program uses less hot water, then that's where your big savings would come from (the energy used to heat the water)..

Does the washing machine heat it's own water, or do you have a separate water heater? If the latter, and the economy program uses less hot water, then that's where your big savings would come from (the energy used to heat the water).

No, they heat their own water. Most (domestic?) washing machines these days are cold fill only.

 

[Highlands John]

I love Europeans with those tiny machines....
I do two sets of king sheets per load. And all the towels in the house on a whitewash.
We don't have an economy setting on the washer. But my "heavy duty" wash says 1H40, but I have never seen it finish in under 2 hours. It adjusts based on the dirt, the size of the load and the water..

My machines are 7kg each and do seem to stick their times. A friend has a 11kg machine but always complains that the 30min program takes nearly an hour.
I use a 40min 40deg wash 90% of the time.

 

[gillumhouse]

My new washer will do 2 sets of queens and a set of full sheets in one load - have not tried 2 queen and a king yet.
This time of year I am using my washer as an anti-freezing agent with the water lines. Instead of an all-nighter, I have finally gotten him to just leave the heaters on with dripping faucets. I set the alarm for the coldest predicted temp, get up, start the pre-loaded washer, and head back to bed.
I will be gone for 2 nights and tomorrow night is supposed to go to as much as -5. I have the washer loader and ready to go so Himself can just push 2 buttons and have the washer pull water. With the extra rinse cycle it is 1H20M

 

[Lee2014]

My new washer will do 2 sets of queens and a set of full sheets in one load - have not tried 2 queen and a king yet.
This time of year I am using my washer as an anti-freezing agent with the water lines. Instead of an all-nighter, I have finally gotten him to just leave the heaters on with dripping faucets. I set the alarm for the coldest predicted temp, get up, start the pre-loaded washer, and head back to bed.
I will be gone for 2 nights and tomorrow night is supposed to go to as much as -5. I have the washer loader and ready to go so Himself can just push 2 buttons and have the washer pull water. With the extra rinse cycle it is 1H20M.

Smart move!! Enjoy your trip! I'm in Florida!

 

[Morticia]

I love Europeans with those tiny machines....
I do two sets of king sheets per load. And all the towels in the house on a whitewash.
We don't have an economy setting on the washer. But my "heavy duty" wash says 1H40, but I have never seen it finish in under 2 hours. It adjusts based on the dirt, the size of the load and the water..

My machines are 7kg each and do seem to stick their times. A friend has a 11kg machine but always complains that the 30min program takes nearly an hour.
I use a 40min 40deg wash 90% of the time.
.

I have a short cycle I use that 'says' 24 minutes on the readout. By the time it goes thru the whole process it's more like 35.
The timer only runs when the wash/rinse is actively running. While it's weighing the load and going between cycles and balancing for the spin cycle it's not counting.
I can almost dry one load before the next wash is done.
We run 2 washers and 3 dryers on any given day with guests in the house. Up to 7 loads on a full house checkout. More if blankets and quilts and other bedding have to go in.

 

[Generic]

I love Europeans with those tiny machines....
I do two sets of king sheets per load. And all the towels in the house on a whitewash.
We don't have an economy setting on the washer. But my "heavy duty" wash says 1H40, but I have never seen it finish in under 2 hours. It adjusts based on the dirt, the size of the load and the water..

My machines are 7kg each and do seem to stick their times. A friend has a 11kg machine but always complains that the 30min program takes nearly an hour.
I use a 40min 40deg wash 90% of the time.
.

Mine are 10+ kg and my fastest wash is about 53 minutes. The dry is about the same amount of time. I won't put more than two kings in a wash, but on a rush day I might put in three queen sets. The whites are generally one big stuffed wash.
Our machines are plumbed for both hot and cold. I have a sanitize wash that further heats the water, if need be. But that's over 2.5 hours long.

 

[Copperhead]

Here to offer a word of advice from one who did not know....
These new machines without agitators lead to make you believe you can place more in them than those with agitators.
Well you can, but at a price. That price is a costly one, especially the front loader style. They are not designed with belts any longer and the repairs on them are more costly than replacement.
I now have a new agitator free top loader as our research found they were less likely to have the same problem BUT it still stresses not to over load the washer. The picture indicates not to load higher than about 1/3 of the way up.

They don't use as much water or detergent than the old reliable agitator machines, but at least the old ones were dependable and repairable.

 

[Arks]

Here to offer a word of advice from one who did not know....
These new machines without agitators lead to make you believe you can place more in them than those with agitators.
Well you can, but at a price. That price is a costly one, especially the front loader style. They are not designed with belts any longer and the repairs on them are more costly than replacement.
I now have a new agitator free top loader as our research found they were less likely to have the same problem BUT it still stresses not to over load the washer. The picture indicates not to load higher than about 1/3 of the way up.

They don't use as much water or detergent than the old reliable agitator machines, but at least the old ones were dependable and repairable..

Here to offer a word of advice from one who did not know....
These new machines without agitators lead to make you believe you can place more in them than those with agitators.
Well you can, but at a price. That price is a costly one, especially the front loader style. They are not designed with belts any longer and the repairs on them are more costly than replacement.
I now have a new agitator free top loader as our research found they were less likely to have the same problem BUT it still stresses not to over load the washer. The picture indicates not to load higher than about 1/3 of the way up.

They don't use as much water or detergent than the old reliable agitator machines, but at least the old ones were dependable and repairable.

Well you sure put the fear in me! Thanks!

 

[Morticia]

Here to offer a word of advice from one who did not know....
These new machines without agitators lead to make you believe you can place more in them than those with agitators.
Well you can, but at a price. That price is a costly one, especially the front loader style. They are not designed with belts any longer and the repairs on them are more costly than replacement.
I now have a new agitator free top loader as our research found they were less likely to have the same problem BUT it still stresses not to over load the washer. The picture indicates not to load higher than about 1/3 of the way up.

They don't use as much water or detergent than the old reliable agitator machines, but at least the old ones were dependable and repairable..

2 sets of sheets only, extra water or else I take the sheets out at the end of the cycle and some parts are still dry.
It's really annoying.
If someone has used perfume? Have to put those sheets in the old fashioned top loader with agitator to get the smell out.
I have no idea if the stupid front loader does anything except wear my clothes out.

 

[gillumhouse]

Here to offer a word of advice from one who did not know....
These new machines without agitators lead to make you believe you can place more in them than those with agitators.
Well you can, but at a price. That price is a costly one, especially the front loader style. They are not designed with belts any longer and the repairs on them are more costly than replacement.
I now have a new agitator free top loader as our research found they were less likely to have the same problem BUT it still stresses not to over load the washer. The picture indicates not to load higher than about 1/3 of the way up.

They don't use as much water or detergent than the old reliable agitator machines, but at least the old ones were dependable and repairable..

I did not know that either. Top loader here also. I will be vigilant thanks to you.

 

[Ice]

My new washer will do 2 sets of queens and a set of full sheets in one load - have not tried 2 queen and a king yet.
This time of year I am using my washer as an anti-freezing agent with the water lines. Instead of an all-nighter, I have finally gotten him to just leave the heaters on with dripping faucets. I set the alarm for the coldest predicted temp, get up, start the pre-loaded washer, and head back to bed.
I will be gone for 2 nights and tomorrow night is supposed to go to as much as -5. I have the washer loader and ready to go so Himself can just push 2 buttons and have the washer pull water. With the extra rinse cycle it is 1H20M.

Smart move!! Enjoy your trip! I'm in Florida!
.

Smart move!! Enjoy your trip! I'm in Florida!

ME too!

 

[JimBoone]

We've had pretty good luck with the front loader. We use mostly King flat sheets on Queen beds. 16 beds, one washer and dryer. Maxine says she usually puts 4 sheets, 8 pillow cases and the bathmat in one load, takes a little less than an hour to wash and about the same to dry although she may stop the dryer and shuffle the sheets shortly before the dry cycle ends. We've had this pair almost 6 years, think we had to change the pump in the washer last fall, believe that was the only repair.

 

[2cat_lady]

Here to offer a word of advice from one who did not know....
These new machines without agitators lead to make you believe you can place more in them than those with agitators.
Well you can, but at a price. That price is a costly one, especially the front loader style. They are not designed with belts any longer and the repairs on them are more costly than replacement.
I now have a new agitator free top loader as our research found they were less likely to have the same problem BUT it still stresses not to over load the washer. The picture indicates not to load higher than about 1/3 of the way up.

They don't use as much water or detergent than the old reliable agitator machines, but at least the old ones were dependable and repairable..

You say a third of the way up. So, how many sets of bedding do you manage to fit in? I'm in the market for a new washer and probably dryer. DH has been after me to put my sheets out on the line, Newfoundland -style, but I can't see me running in and out of the house while I'm turning over rooms. Plus the fact I'm afraid of stuff blowing down the hill and bird poop--lots of sea gulls and eagles flyin' around here. I know the sheets have a great smell to them, just can't see the practicality of it.

 

[Highlands John]

Here to offer a word of advice from one who did not know....
These new machines without agitators lead to make you believe you can place more in them than those with agitators.
Well you can, but at a price. That price is a costly one, especially the front loader style. They are not designed with belts any longer and the repairs on them are more costly than replacement.
I now have a new agitator free top loader as our research found they were less likely to have the same problem BUT it still stresses not to over load the washer. The picture indicates not to load higher than about 1/3 of the way up.

They don't use as much water or detergent than the old reliable agitator machines, but at least the old ones were dependable and repairable..

You say a third of the way up. So, how many sets of bedding do you manage to fit in? I'm in the market for a new washer and probably dryer. DH has been after me to put my sheets out on the line, Newfoundland -style, but I can't see me running in and out of the house while I'm turning over rooms. Plus the fact I'm afraid of stuff blowing down the hill and bird poop--lots of sea gulls and eagles flyin' around here. I know the sheets have a great smell to them, just can't see the practicality of it.
.

I do dry outside during the warmer weather, the worst problem I have is butterflies are attracted to the white sheets and leave dots of pollen, which never come out no matter how many washes and stain removers you use.

 

[Highlands John]

We've had pretty good luck with the front loader. We use mostly King flat sheets on Queen beds. 16 beds, one washer and dryer. Maxine says she usually puts 4 sheets, 8 pillow cases and the bathmat in one load, takes a little less than an hour to wash and about the same to dry although she may stop the dryer and shuffle the sheets shortly before the dry cycle ends. We've had this pair almost 6 years, think we had to change the pump in the washer last fall, believe that was the only repair..

I have two front loaders, 7 and 8 years. One's had a new pump the other needed new motor brushes last year.

 

[Morticia]

Here to offer a word of advice from one who did not know....
These new machines without agitators lead to make you believe you can place more in them than those with agitators.
Well you can, but at a price. That price is a costly one, especially the front loader style. They are not designed with belts any longer and the repairs on them are more costly than replacement.
I now have a new agitator free top loader as our research found they were less likely to have the same problem BUT it still stresses not to over load the washer. The picture indicates not to load higher than about 1/3 of the way up.

They don't use as much water or detergent than the old reliable agitator machines, but at least the old ones were dependable and repairable..

You say a third of the way up. So, how many sets of bedding do you manage to fit in? I'm in the market for a new washer and probably dryer. DH has been after me to put my sheets out on the line, Newfoundland -style, but I can't see me running in and out of the house while I'm turning over rooms. Plus the fact I'm afraid of stuff blowing down the hill and bird poop--lots of sea gulls and eagles flyin' around here. I know the sheets have a great smell to them, just can't see the practicality of it.
.

Sheets in the wind - we pulled into a B&B where the sheets were on the line drying. I thought it was tacky. Perfectly OK for home, and I'll put a line out when we move, but not ok for a business.
Sorry HJ, I just read you do this. Just how I feel seeing the laundry as I'm pulling up for my vacation.

 

[2cat_lady]

Here to offer a word of advice from one who did not know....
These new machines without agitators lead to make you believe you can place more in them than those with agitators.
Well you can, but at a price. That price is a costly one, especially the front loader style. They are not designed with belts any longer and the repairs on them are more costly than replacement.
I now have a new agitator free top loader as our research found they were less likely to have the same problem BUT it still stresses not to over load the washer. The picture indicates not to load higher than about 1/3 of the way up.

They don't use as much water or detergent than the old reliable agitator machines, but at least the old ones were dependable and repairable..

You say a third of the way up. So, how many sets of bedding do you manage to fit in? I'm in the market for a new washer and probably dryer. DH has been after me to put my sheets out on the line, Newfoundland -style, but I can't see me running in and out of the house while I'm turning over rooms. Plus the fact I'm afraid of stuff blowing down the hill and bird poop--lots of sea gulls and eagles flyin' around here. I know the sheets have a great smell to them, just can't see the practicality of it.
.

Sheets in the wind - we pulled into a B&B where the sheets were on the line drying. I thought it was tacky. Perfectly OK for home, and I'll put a line out when we move, but not ok for a business.
Sorry HJ, I just read you do this. Just how I feel seeing the laundry as I'm pulling up for my vacation.
.

Actually, laundry on the line is a big Newfoundland tradition. Featured in quite a few of the commercials that tourism puts out. People around here think it's charming and love it. Like I said, I just can't see me running in and out of the house while I'm cleaning. Much easier to set my timer and run up and down stairs.Inside.