| Today’s washing machines typically use 20 to 40 gallons of water per load, while high-efficiency (HE) machines range from 12 to 17 gallons for top-loaders and 7 to 10 for front-loaders. Depending on water rates, washing machine water costs typically range from $0.15 to $0.25 per load. |
Wondering how much water your washing machine uses? You’re in the right place!
Understanding the average water usage and cost of your washing machine can help you determine if you need to look for more efficient washers or try other water-saving strategies to cut down your high water bill.
As leaders and innovators in water management, we at Bluebot are passionate about helping you use water more efficiently.
So, we’ve put together this post to give you the essential details you need.
From understanding how much water your washing machine uses to implementing simple tips for reducing consumption, this guide will help you save both water and money in your household.
Let’s dive in.
These days, standard washing machine options can be broken down into two major categories: top-load washers and front-load washers.
Front-loading washers are definitely more water-efficient than top loaders, using as few as 7 gallons per load.
When it comes to cutting back on the amount of water your household uses, updating your washing machine could be one of the best steps you can take.
As some of the most-used household appliances, washing machines have a huge impact on your water bill.
Older washing machine models, in particular, burn through egregiously more water and energy than newer models:
New clothes washers can use a third of the energy and half of the water used by older machines. By far, the majority of energy consumption for clothes washers comes from heating the water, though, rather than actually running the machine.
If you’re looking to upgrade from an older model to a new high-efficiency washer, know that both front-loader and top-loader HE washers cut back on home water use—but not in equal measures.
Recent testing found that HE top-loaders use between 12 and 17 gallons of water per wash.
In the same tests, front-load washing machines performed much better than top-loaders, using 7 gallons of water per load.
Naturally, there are multiple factors affecting the water usage of your household washing machine.
Far and away, the age and model of your washing machine are the single most influential factors in how much water your machine uses per load.
Older machines use much more water than newer models, and as we’ve seen above, not all newer models work the same way.
If you’re looking to conserve water, a new, front-loading efficiency model may be your top choice.
Load size is also a major factor in how much water your washing machine uses.
While it’s true that some newer, more sophisticated machines have a sensor to detect the load size and adjust the amount of water accordingly, running many small loads throughout the week will still use more water than running one full load.
While you must be careful not to overload your machine—which could lead to other problems—running larger loads whenever possible will reduce both water use and energy consumption.
Washing machines typically have a wide variety of washer cycles, including:
Obviously, some of these options use more water than others—the extra rinse cycle in particular.
Taking time to mindfully choose the most efficient cycles can greatly increase your water efficiency.
Related: How Much Water Does Your Dishwasher Use?
Whether or not you choose to invest in a HE washing machine, there are still steps you can take to ensure that you’re reducing water usage with every load.
Water usage varies by wash cycle.
Being mindful, considering exactly what your load needs, and adjusting the load setting before hitting “start” could be game-changers.
Whenever possible, choose the most efficient cycle your unit offers.
Fortunately, many of today’s washing machines have clearly labeled eco-friendly cycles that use less water and energy while still keeping your laundry fresh and clean.
In addition to selecting efficient cycles, using the correct amount of laundry detergent (particularly HE detergent for high-efficiency machines) can help reduce water usage.
Using too much detergent can lead to excess suds, requiring additional rinsing and water consumption.
It’s also worth mentioning here that though it won’t affect your water use, when it comes to energy efficiency, choosing the “cold” wash setting whenever possible will definitely lower your energy bill since the energy it takes to heat the water accounts for the largest amount of energy involved in running a washing machine.
Taking good care of your washing machine by performing regular maintenance will help maximize efficiency over the long haul.
First, be sure to always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for washer uses. Using your washing machine in ways other than recommended can cause breakdowns and lead to expensive repairs.
Second, regularly inspect the washing machine’s hoses:
Your washing machine has a hot water hose, a cold water hose, and a drain hose. Check these hoses monthly for cracks or brittleness. The best time is right after running the washing machine, as you’ll be able to see if anything is leaking.
Though often overlooked, this second step is vital. Leaks not only ramp up your water use but can also lead to property damage and costly home repairs down the road.
Third, keep your washing machine clean. Keep the door open for good air circulation to avoid mold. Regularly wipe down the machine, and keep the lint filter clear.
These simple tasks will make a big difference in the efficiency and overall life cycle of your washing machine.
Because an HE machine can reduce your water usage by anywhere from 13-30 gallons per load of laundry, upgrading to a high-efficiency model such as an ENERGY STAR-certified washer is one of the best steps you can take to reduce washing machine water usage in your household.
Reducing washing machine water usage calls for an investment of time, energy, attention, and funds.
Choosing the best investment requires finding a new washer that helps you meet your goals and suits your current budget.
Depending on the model you choose, buying a new washing machine could set you back anywhere between $400–$1,500.
But if reducing your water consumption is one of your goals, cost can’t be your only consideration.
Look for Energy Star-certified machines to maximize water and energy savings, remembering to balance the upfront cost with the long-term water and energy savings you’ll enjoy over time.
Once you’ve narrowed down your Energy Star-certified options, next consider whether a front-loader or top-loader better suits your space and laundry needs.
Then, choose a machine size that fits your household’s laundry load to avoid water wastage from too many small loads.
While a washing machine could cost you over $1,000, the whole home Bluebot Mini smart water meter and leak alarm start at just $199, plus live data streaming.
Thanks to a quick and simple clamp-on installation, you can set up the smart water monitor without professional help and start saving right away.
With the Bluebot Mini, you can:
With our Bluebot Mini WiFi water meter, you can start saving on your water bill today.
In addition to detecting inefficiencies and leaks, you’ll gain the ability to track and optimize water usage with a budget, arming you with all the data you need to use less water in the laundry room.
With Bluebot, you can ensure that every washing machine load is efficient and cost-effective—all without the need for an expensive washing machine upgrade.
