12 ways you're using white goods wrong

With essential bills, including energy and water, increasing at the start of the month, saving money is more important than ever.

Yet, millions of households are unknowingly wasting hundreds of pounds each year by using their white goods incorrectly.

Whether it’s washing machines, dishwashers, or fridges, simple mistakes could be draining your wallet without you even noticing.

Over 60% of households regularly overload their washing machines, leading to increased energy consumption and faster wear and tear. In fact, incorrect use of common household appliances could be costing people up to £500 a year in unnecessary energy bills, repairs, and replacements.

Here are 12 ways you might be using your appliances wrong - and how you can fix them to save money:

1. Washing clothes at too high a temperature

Washing your clothes at 40°C or 60°C may seem like the best option for a deep clean, but it's costing you more than you realise. Most laundry doesn’t need such high temperatures, and washing at 30°C is just as effective for everyday clothes. A typical wash at 60°C uses around 1.5 to 2 kWh of electricity, whereas a 30°C wash uses only 0.5 to 0.7 kWh.

Extra cost: If you’re washing clothes at higher temperatures four times a week, you could be spending £50 extra a year.

How to save: Switch to lower temperatures whenever possible. Your clothes will last longer, and your energy bill will be much lower.

2. Overloading the washing machine

It might seem like a good idea to shove in as much laundry as possible to avoid extra washes, but overloading the washing machine can reduce its efficiency. The drum can’t rotate properly, meaning clothes don’t get cleaned effectively. This also puts extra strain on the appliance, potentially leading to more frequent repairs or a shorter lifespan.

Extra cost: An overloaded washing machine can increase energy consumption by up to 15%, leading to £30 extra annually.

How to save: Stick to the manufacturer’s recommended load size. You’ll get better results and lower bills.

3. Leaving the dishwasher half-empty

Running your dishwasher when it’s not fully loaded wastes water and electricity. The energy used is roughly the same whether the machine is full or half-empty, so you’re paying for energy that’s being used inefficiently.

Extra cost: If you run your dishwasher half-empty twice a week, it could cost you an extra £20 a year.

How to save: Wait until your dishwasher is full before running it. You’ll save money on both water and electricity.

4. Using the dryer instead of air-drying

Tumble dryers are convenient, but they are also one of the most energy-hungry appliances in your home. Depending on the model, a dryer can consume 2.5 to 4.5 kWh per cycle. Using it frequently can quickly add up.

Extra cost: Frequent use of a tumble dryer could be adding £150 or more to your annual energy bills.

How to save: Whenever possible, air-dry clothes indoors or outdoors to save on energy costs.

5. Leaving appliances on standby

Many of us leave appliances such as TVs, microwaves, and even washing machines on standby mode, thinking that it doesn’t use much energy. But those small amounts of energy add up over time, especially if many devices are left plugged in.

Extra cost: Leaving appliances on standby can add £30-£50 to your annual energy bill.

How to save: Unplug appliances when not in use or use a smart plug to turn them off automatically.

6. Ignoring energy efficiency ratings

When buying new appliances, it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, but this can be a costly mistake in the long run. Appliances with lower energy ratings (e.g., A+ or lower) use significantly more energy, meaning higher running costs.

Extra cost: A less efficient appliance could cost you up to £100 more a year in electricity.

How to save: Choose energy-efficient appliances (look for the A+++ label) to cut your energy consumption.

7. Running the washing machine with the wrong detergent

Using the wrong detergent or too much detergent can lead to residue buildup in your washing machine. This residue makes the appliance less efficient, and you might find yourself running an extra cycle to clear it out.

Extra cost: You could be wasting up to £10-£15 a year on extra detergent and energy for additional rinse cycles.

How to save: Use the correct amount of detergent, and choose an eco-friendly detergent where possible. They are less likely to leave residue, are gentler on fabrics and perform well at lower temperatures, helping your machine run more smoothly. There’s several brands to choose from including Smol, Bion-D, Ecover, Faith in Nature and Tallow + Ash.

8. Not cleaning your fridge or freezer

A dirty fridge or freezer reduces its efficiency because dirt can block vents and make the appliance work harder to maintain the correct temperature. This results in higher energy consumption.

Extra cost: You might be wasting £20-£30 a year on excess energy due to dirty coils or vents.

How to save: Optimise your fridge or freezer performance by deep cleaning every 2-3 months. Do this by removing all contents and wiping down shelves and drawers. Use an antibacterial spray to help kill germs. You should also regularly clean the condenser coils to ensure they run efficiently. The coils are usually at the back or bottom of the fridge. Remove any panels and use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris. For safety, make sure you unplug the fridge before you do this.

9. Opening the oven door while cooking

While it’s tempting to check on your food, opening the oven door lets out heat, forcing the oven to use more energy to maintain the desired temperature. It can also cause uneven cooking and extend cooking times, adding to your energy bill.

Extra cost: Opening the oven door each time could increase energy consumption by up to 10%, potentially costing an extra £20-£30 annually.

How to save: Resist the temptation to open the oven door. Use the oven light to check on your food instead.

10. Running appliances during peak hours

Electricity prices are higher during peak hours, usually between 4 pm and 7 pm. Running your washing machine, dishwasher, or dryer during this time could be costing you more than running them in the early morning or late evening. Make sure you don’t run them after you go to bed, though, as this can be unsafe due to the risk or fire or water damage.

Extra cost: Running appliances during peak hours can increase your energy bills by 10-20%.

How to save: Use time-of-use tariffs to run your appliances during off-peak hours, saving you money on your energy bills.

11. Not using the right appliance for the job

Sometimes, using the wrong appliance for a task can waste energy. For example, boiling a small amount of water in a kettle can be more energy-efficient than using a saucepan, and a slow cooker uses less energy than an oven for some meals.

Extra cost: Using the wrong appliance can waste up to 15-20% more energy.

How to save: Be mindful of which appliance is best for the job. Use the most energy-efficient option available.

12. Failing to defrost the freezer

If your freezer is not defrosted regularly, it will require more energy to keep food frozen. Ice buildup makes the freezer work harder, increasing your energy consumption.

Extra cost: A build-up of ice can add £30-£50 to your annual energy bills.

How to save: Defrost your freezer regularly, especially if the ice is more than ¼ inch thick.

Small changes to how you use your appliances can lead to big savings. Being more aware of how you use your white goods not only reduces your energy bills, but it also helps them last longer, cutting down on repairs and replacements.