Best Time to Do Laundry: A Repeatable Care Routine
Best Time to Do Laundry: A Repeatable Care Routine
You want to know the best time to do laundry. Maybe you want to save energy, reduce your electric bill, or find a time when the laundry room is free. The best time to do laundry depends on your goals: saving money, saving energy, or saving time. Here’s a repeatable care routine for the best time to do laundry.
The best time to do laundry is when energy rates are low, demand on the grid is low, and you have time to move clothes from the washer to the dryer promptly. Energy rates are lower during off-peak hours (early morning, late evening, weekends). Running the washer and dryer during off-peak hours saves money and reduces strain on the power grid.
To find the best time to do laundry, check your utility’s off-peak hours, run the washer and dryer during those hours, wash full loads, use cold water when possible, and move clothes to the dryer promptly. Don’t wash during peak hours (4 to 8 PM on weekdays), don’t overload the washer, and don’t leave wet clothes in the washer.
What Works
Run During Off-Peak Hours
The best times to do laundry are during off-peak hours when energy rates are lowest:
| Time Slot | Energy Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Early morning (6 to 8 AM) | Low | Wash loads |
| Late evening (8 PM to midnight) | Low | Wash and dry loads |
| Weekends (all day) | Low | Full laundry day |
| Midday (10 AM to 4 PM) | Medium | Quick loads |
| Peak (4 to 8 PM weekdays) | High | Avoid |
Check Your Utility’s Off-Peak Hours
Check your utility company’s website for time-of-use rates. Some utilities offer lower rates during specific hours. Plan laundry around those hours.
Wash Full Loads
Wash full loads to save energy and water. A full load uses the same amount of energy and water as a partial load. Don’t overload, which reduces cleaning.
Use Cold Water
Use cold water for most loads. Cold water washing uses 90% less energy than hot water washing. Use hot water only for whites, towels, and heavily soiled items.
Use the Right Detergent
Use Tide Free and Gentle for all loads. It works in cold water and has enzymes that break down stains.
Move Clothes to the Dryer Promptly
Move clothes from the washer to the dryer as soon as the wash cycle ends. Leaving wet clothes in the washer causes mildew and odors.
Use the Right Products
Detergent: Tide Free and Gentle
Stain removers: OxiClean Max Force Spray, Dawn Ultra Dish Soap, Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam
Odor absorber: Arm and Hammer Baking Soda
Machine cleaner: affresh Washing Machine Cleaner
Laundry sanitizer: Lysol Laundry Sanitizer
Ink remover: Amodex Ink and Stain Remover
Clean the Machine Monthly
Use affresh Washing Machine Cleaner monthly to keep the machine running efficiently.
Dry During Off-Peak Hours Too
The dryer uses more energy than the washer. Run the dryer during off-peak hours for maximum savings.
Air Dry When Possible
Air dry clothes when possible. Air drying saves energy and is gentler on clothes. Use a clothesline or drying rack.
The Repeatable Laundry Routine
If you want a repeatable weekly routine, try this schedule:
| Day | Time | Task |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 8 AM | Sort and pre-treat |
| Saturday | 9 AM | Wash load 1 (whites, hot water) |
| Saturday | 10 AM | Wash load 2 (darks, cold water) |
| Saturday | 11 AM | Wash load 3 (colors, warm water) |
| Saturday | 12 PM | Dry all loads |
| Sunday | 1 PM | Fold and put away |
Step 1: Sort and Pre-Treat (Saturday 8 AM)
Sort clothes by color, fabric, and soil level. Pre-treat stains with Dawn dish soap or OxiClean.
Step 2: Wash Whites (Saturday 9 AM)
Wash whites in hot water with Tide Free and Gentle, oxygen bleach, and baking soda.
Step 3: Wash Darks (Saturday 10 AM)
Wash darks in cold water with Tide Free and Gentle and baking soda.
Step 4: Wash Colors (Saturday 11 AM)
Wash colors in warm water with Tide Free and Gentle and baking soda.
Step 5: Dry (Saturday 12 PM)
Dry all loads. Air dry when possible. Use the dryer on medium heat.
Step 6: Fold and Put Away (Sunday 1 PM)
Fold and put away all clothes. This prevents wrinkles and keeps clothes organized.
What to Avoid
Don’t wash during peak hours. Peak hours (4 to 8 PM weekdays) have the highest energy rates. Wash during off-peak hours.
Don’t overload the washer. Overloading reduces cleaning and increases wear on the machine. Fill no more than 3/4 full.
Don’t leave wet clothes in the washer. Leaving wet clothes causes mildew and odors. Move to the dryer promptly.
Don’t wash partial loads. Partial loads waste energy and water. Wait for a full load.
Don’t use hot water for all loads. Hot water uses more energy. Use cold water for darks and colors.
Don’t forget to clean the machine. A dirty machine reduces cleaning efficiency. Use affresh monthly.
FAQ
What is the best time to do laundry? The best time to do laundry is during off-peak hours: early morning (6 to 8 AM), late evening (8 PM to midnight), or weekends. Energy rates are lowest during these times.
What time is cheapest to do laundry? The cheapest time to do laundry is during off-peak hours, typically early morning, late evening, and weekends. Check your utility’s time-of-use rates.
Can you do laundry at night? Yes. Late evening (8 PM to midnight) is a good time to do laundry. Energy rates are low and the laundry room is usually free. Don’t leave the dryer running while you sleep for safety.
How often should you do laundry? Do laundry once or twice a week for a family, once a week for a single person. Wash full loads to save energy and water.
Does cold water save energy? Yes. Cold water washing uses 90% less energy than hot water washing. Use cold water for darks and colors. Use hot water for whites, towels, and heavily soiled items.
References
- Energy Star. “Laundry Energy Guide.” energystar.gov.
- Consumer Reports. “Laundry Energy Guide.” consumerreports.org.
- Tide. “Laundry Tips.” tide.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “Laundry Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
