When to wash clothes to save money?

Author: Blair Steuber  |  Last update: Monday, September 15, 2025

Wash Clothes During Off-Peak Hours On average, off-peak hours are between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. during the week and all day on weekends. The best time to do laundry to save money based on electricity prices is in the early morning, at night or on a Saturday or Sunday.

What time is the cheapest to wash clothes?

In most places (in the US anyway) after midnight is generally the best time because utility rates are cheaper. That is why when I was an appliance rep and my focus was laundry, the delay start was a feature that I pushed because if you scheduled a load of clothes to wash after midnight you could save some money.

What is the cheapest time of day to run your washing machine?

  • Try washing before 4 p.m. or after 7 p.m. -- Many energy companies charge extra for electricity during their ``peak hours,'' which see increased energy usage.
  • During the summer, run your washer early in the morning -- energy use peaks on hot afternoons.

What is the best day of the week to do laundry?

After collecting over 60,000 data points over several months, he discovered that Fridays and Sundays are the best days for students to do their laundry. In fact, students are most likely to find open machines on Friday mornings roughly between 10 and 11 a.m. And the worst days to do laundry?

How often do clothes really need to be washed?

Every time you wear them: tights, leggings, yoga pants, exercise clothing, T-shirts, socks undershirts/underpants and swimming suits. Every two days: hand towels and dish towels. Every three to four times you wear or use them: bath towels, bras, slips, dresses, sweaters, skirts, pajamas, slacks and jeans.

5 Ways to Save Money When Doing Laundry | Consumer Reports

How often should you do laundry to save money?

In short, you can do two loads every day and still save on your electricity bill. But doing the washing less frequently will save you even more.

How often should I wash my bed sheets?

"Regular washing, or about once every one to two weeks, is recommended to maintain cleanliness and a healthy sleep environment," says Harris. Once a week if you don't use a top sheet. Once a month if you do. Once a week if you don't use a top sheet.

What is the most expensive time of day to do laundry?

4-9 p.m. are higher-priced (peak) times.

What day shouldn't you do laundry?

Why do some people avoid cleaning and laundry on New Year's? One of the many widely discussed New Year's myths forewarns that washing clothes or laundry could cleanse you of any good fortune for the next 365 days. Similarly, taking out anything from the home that day could remove any future prosperity.

Does a washing machine use a lot of electricity?

How much electricity does a washing machine use? On average, a washing machine uses 400 to 1,400 watts (W) of electricity, depending on the model. Most washing machines use between 5 and 15 amps and connect to a 120-volt outlet.

Is laundry cheaper on weekends?

This means it is best to do laundry during off-peak hours or when other households use energy less frequently. Generally, off-peak hours are between 11:00pm and 7:00am on weekdays and all day on weekends and holidays, but check with your local energy provider for more details.

Is it cheaper to do washing after 7pm?

Usually, yes – the cheapest times to use electricity tend to be from 10pm-8am. * With most people in bed during this time, energy is at its lowest demand.

What is the most expensive time to use electricity?

Generally, you can expect peak hours to start sometime in the afternoon and go into the evening when people return home after work and use more lights and appliances. And depending on the season and where you live, you'll usually pay higher rates on weekdays during certain hours.

What is the best day to wash clothes?

Get your laundry done on Sundays or special days. That is because, on these special days, the unit has lower consumption rates, giving your wallet a much-needed break. Don't worry if avoiding peak laundry times feels like a challenge.

What is the best time to save electricity?

Time-Of-Use (TOU) Rate Plans
  • Electricity prices are typically lower early in the day, overnight, and on the weekends.
  • Bills may be higher during the summer but overall annual energy costs can be lower.

How can I save money on washing clothes?

8 Tips to Save Money in the Laundry Room
  1. Use a High-Efficiency Washing Machine. Upgrading to a high-efficiency washing machine can help reduce water usage by up to 50%. ...
  2. Wash Full Loads Only. ...
  3. Adjust Water Levels. ...
  4. Use Cold Water. ...
  5. Fix Leaks. ...
  6. Skip the Pre-Rinse. ...
  7. Insulate Your Pipes. ...
  8. Wash Clothes Less Often.

Why can't you do laundry on Sunday?

Rooted in religious customs, this superstition stems from the idea that Sunday is a sacred day of rest, set aside for spiritual reflection and abstaining from work. Engaging in household chores, such as laundry, on this day is thought to disrupt the peace and sanctity of the day.

Why should you not wash clothes at night?

Cleaning clothes at night invites negative energy, affecting well-being. Reason: Water absorbs energies; wearing clothes washed at night might impact your mood.

How many days can you go without washing clothes?

Wash after two-to-three wears: jeans, pajamas and bras. Suits can be worn three to four times before dry cleaning. Bath towels can be hung to dry and used three to five times. Whites and silks should be washed every wear.

When to wash clothes to save energy?

The best time to wash clothes to save electricity is during low-demand hours. Check your electric plan to determine when peak hours are, and avoid running your washer during those times. It's usually best to wash your clothes early in the morning during the summer and late at night in the winter.

What is a good laundry schedule?

Here's what a simple laundry schedule (where you do laundry every day) could look like:
  • Monday: Whites.
  • Tuesday: Darks. ...
  • Wednesday: Lights.
  • Thursday: Delicates.
  • Friday: Towels and linens.
  • Saturday: Workout clothes and activewear.
  • Sunday: Rest day or catch-up.

How many times does the average person do laundry a week?

When looking at average household laundry rates, laundry load numbers get even higher. A two-person household is washing on average three to five loads a week. If you have four people under your roof, this increases to eight to ten loads of laundry every single week.

How often should I change my towel?

How often should I wash my bath towels? Dead skin cells, bacteria, and even sweat can accumulate quickly on your towels, so using a fresh one about every three days is a simple rule of thumb—for all kinds of towels. You can of course change them more often.

How often should you wash your car?

Keeping your ride clean helps keep it in good condition. If the weather's not too harsh where you live, washing your vehicle every two weeks is a good rule of thumb to help your car last longer. However, if you apply a coat of wax at the end of each cleaning session, you may be able to wash it less often.

How often do married couples change their sheets?

Men are more likely to wait longer between sheet changes than women (29.6 days vs. 19.4 days). On average, single people go 37 days before changing their sheets, while those in relationships go 21.8 days, and married couples go 19.9 days.

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