Washing your clothes in cold water isn’t just a trend. Experts have been saying for years that it’s a smart, simple way to cut down on energy usage every week. See, most of the energy your washing machine uses goes toward heating the water. So by skipping the step of water heating, you're cutting energy consumption by up to 90%. That’s not only better for your utility bill, but also better for your clothing fibers and the planet.
Cold vs. Hot Water: The Energy Impact Is Huge
“Heating water accounts for about 90% of the energy used in a typical hot wash," shares Vinnie Campo, Co-Founder & CEO of Haven Energy. "Cold water cycles use the same mechanical action, just without the heating, so you get cleaner clothes with a fraction of the energy cost.”
A GE Appliances report backs that up—opting for a cold wash cycle can cut your clothes washer's energy use by up to 90%. Most people don’t take advantage of that. In fact, GE found that almost 4 out of 5 households are missing out on savings simply by not using cold water cycles.
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends using cold water with cold-water detergents when possible. It’s not just about buying a high-efficiency washer to reduce power bills; cold water washing is also easier on your clothes. It helps preserve colorful fabrics, reduces fabric shrinkage, and is gentler on delicate materials. That means your clothes look better, longer (even synthetic fabrics).
Time Your Loads for More Savings
Electricity isn’t priced the same all day. Campo explains that power is most expensive when demand is highest—mornings and evenings, especially in summer and winter. That’s when people are using air conditioning or heating, spiking demand.
To save more money on your electrical bill, run your laundry during off-peak hours, like at night, or midday when demand drops. Some washers even let you delay the start, making it even easier to run a laundry load overnight that's ready for the dryer in the morning.
Many energy providers also have time-of-use (TOU) pricing. Some even offer discounts for running appliances during low-demand times.
Things to remember:
- Off-peak hours are usually from midnight to 7 a.m., or around midday in winter
- Some washers let you schedule loads in advance (I know firsthand that Samsung models have this feature)
- Utility companies in states like California, New York, and Texas offer TOU plans
Plus, if you have solar panels or a home battery, timing your loads to match peak solar output—usually midday—can help you use more of your own energy and rely less on the grid.
Why Full Loads Matter More Than You Think
A half-full washer still uses almost the same amount of water and electricity as a full one. “By waiting until you have a full load, you maximize each wash and significantly reduce energy waste,” notes Campo.
Running full loads is one of the easiest ways to find energy savings at home. And, it's truly a sustainable behavior. It’s not just about fewer trips to the laundry room, it’s about getting the most out of each cycle to maximize the energy per load.
FAQ
Can I really get my clothes clean with a cold wash?
Yes, and we're really pleased with how far cold-friendly laundry detergents have come (liquid detergents, powder laundry detergents, and laundry detergent strips alike).
Unless you’re dealing with tough stains or oils, cold has always been able to get our dirty clothes fresh and clean (even delicate items). And even then, pre-treating stains before washing goes a long way.
Is it bad to always wash in colder water?
Not at all. Most loads of laundry can be done in tap or cold temperatures. We used to use warmer water for items like sheets and towels, thinking it would help with sanitization, but (hate to tell you) even the hot water cycle is not that hot. Use a laundry sanitizer during the rinse cycle instead, or use it to pre-treat stains or garments as necessary.
