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But it is not difficult to reduce the consumption of this electrical appliance if it is used with a full load, on economical cycles and at a low temperature. To start with, it is important to know that a washing machine in energy class A, the most efficient category, can consume less than half the energy of one in class G, the least efficient. During its lifetime it can save more money in electricity costs than it actually cost to buy.

In the last decade, due to the increased comfort in homes, the demand for energy in the household and services sector has gone up by about 2% per year. However, it is possible to consume less energy at home without reducing comfort. It comes down to encouraging sensible energy use in the home. What’s more, reducing the electricity bill helps to protect the environment at the same time. 

Reasonable loads
Consequently, it is still necessary to follow certain guidelines, such as those below, which enable you to use the washing machine in a more efficient manner:

- The energy consumption of a half-full washing machine is practically the same as that of a full one, furthermore, the greater the amount of clothing you place in the drum, the less loads you do. You save between 1 and 2kWh of energy and 100 litres of water for every load you don’t do.

- Nowadays it is possible to choose the most suitable products for each type of clothing whilst respecting the environment. There are more products on the market every day which are suitable for each type of clothing. In recent years there has been an increase in the use of liquid detergents, nevertheless the traditional powdered detergent and tablets continue to monopolise the market. Generally, powdered detergent is more effective on stains at high temperatures. Meanwhile, liquid soaps respect fabrics more, dilute better, allow pre-wash treatments, take up less room and are softer and more fragrant. Detergent in tablet form offers the advantage of being highly concentrated and very convenient because it takes up very little space. It is important to measure the amount of detergent used carefully. Not only is it a pollutant but if too much is used the excess foam makes the washing machine motor work harder. The motor works less if you use liquid detergent.
 
- There is no need to use cold water all the time, but it is sensible to choose the lowest temperature required to do the washing properly and to choose the shortest cycle possible to clean the clothes. In this way, energy consumption drops.  80% of the electricity used in a cycle is used to heat the water and only 20% to power the motor. Selecting a 60ºC cycle instead of a 90ºC cycle reduces the energy consumed by half. Furthermore, short, economical programmes save a lot of water. 

- A master spin is much more effective and consumes almost the same as a slower spin.

- Regularly cleaning the washing machine filter means that it will work better and save energy. 

Environmentally-friendly habits
Environmentally-friendly habits when doing the washing help protect the environment. From buying the machine to buying the detergent and switching it on, a series of important decisions are made: type of appliance, packaging, washing cycles, water temperature, quantity and type of clothing, etc.

The International Association of Soaps, Detergents and Similar Products (AISE) launched a Good Environmental Practice Code years ago in order to lessen the environmental impact of washing detergents wherever possible. This initiative requires the manufacturer’s commitment and consumers’ collaboration in order to reduce energy and detergent consumption. Its objectives include reducing the amount of packaging and increasing the biodegradability of active materials.

The AISE summarises consumer recommendations in five points: 

• Recycle waste packaging. 
• Separate clothes before washing. 
• Do not put the washing machine on with a small load. 
• Measure out the detergent depending on how dirty the clothes are and how hard the water is. 
• Wash clothes using the lowest recommended temperature.