‘Magic hour’ is the ‘best’ time to wash laundry and save significantly on energy bills

According to experts, many Britons are doing their laundry at the "most expensive time of the day" which is adding to energy bills.

By Sophie Harris, Senior Lifestyle Reporter

Girl helping her mother in laundry room

‘Magic hour’ is the ‘best’ time to wash laundry and save significantly on energy bills (Image: Getty)

According to the experts at Dr. Beckmann, lots of people are doing their dirty washing when energy is most in demand.

This tends to be between the hours of 8am and 10pm, whilst off-peak hours tend to be between 10pm and 8am, depending on your tariff.

The pros explained: “Depending on your energy tariff, the time of day you wash your clothes can drastically affect the cost to run your washing machine.

“Electricity suppliers usually increase their prices during peak times of day when energy usage is at its highest. In the summer this is usually between 8am and 10pm.”

Where possible, it is advised to avoid washing during this time, and instead opt to use the machine during the “magic hour”.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Household Hacks news Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

This is when energy costs are typically at their lowest, with Dr. Beckmann recommending using the appliance between 7am and 8am.

The pros said this is the “best time” to do your washing if you’re looking to save money on energy bills.

Chloe Baker, a spokesperson for the company, commented: “With households struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, a simple change like switching to the magic hour can make a real difference to your energy bills.

“We’ve highlighted this hour as 7am to 8am as we’d never recommend putting a load on before heading to bed, due to health and safety.

Closeup of beautiful young Asian woman doing laundry at home. Activity of daily living at house.

Washing between 7am and 8am can help to save on bills, depending on tariff (Image: Getty)

“The magic hour provides you with enough time to fill and empty your washing machine before heading out to work or for the school run.

“It’s also crucial to regularly service and clean our washing machines, to help reduce cost in repairing and replacing your white goods.

“By implementing these day-to-day actions, and washing at the magic hour, you can keep costs low while ensuring your clothes stay fresh and clean all year round.”

If looking to save even more on bills, ensure you are washing at a lower temperature. The higher the heat, the more energy is used to clean the washing.

Whilst a hot temperature should be used on items like towels and bedding, general clothing can be washed at 30C or even lower.

Reducing your washing to 30C can help to cut bills according to the laundry experts, and washing at 20C can reduce costs even more, as much as up to 60 percent.

It is important to check whether or not the chosen detergent can tackle germs at low temperatures before opting for a cool wash.

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?