Six ways to cut bills this winter from dishwashers to washing machine hacks
As winter sets in, Brits are looking for simple hacks to cut their energy bills down - without compromising their daily routines.
Now, a brand new survey from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that 48% of Brits are cutting back on utilities usage, including gas and electricity, as a result of the rising cost of living. Coupled with the recent increase in the energy price cap, it’s crucial now more than ever to take the appropriate measures to reduce energy consumption in the household.
Vivien Fodor, Laundry Category Manager at home appliance brand Hotpoint, has offered valuable insider advice on how to save energy and money - while still being able to use those essential household appliances and not disrupting your daily routine.
Tumble dryer
Add dryer balls to your load
Vivien explains: "Place dryer balls into the drum and watch as they untangle your laundry, maximizing warm airflow for a quicker and more efficient cycle, whilst looking after your purse strings. Not only that, but they help to prevent your laundry from creasing, meaning less ironing and cheaper energy bills! "
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Make sure you remove lint from the filter
Laundry expert Vivien says: "It’s essential that you clean any lint build-up from your filter before turning on the dryer, as doing so will increase hot-air flow, resulting in faster drying times and, ultimately, a more cost-effective cycle. So, get your hands dirty (or dusty) and wipe away that lint, boredom notwithstanding."
Washing clothes on cold will save you money, a laundry expert has confirmed (Getty Images)Washing machine
Keep the temperature cold… and use lemons
"Cold washes strain your energy resources less, resulting in more pounds in your purse," explains Vivien. "If you’re worried that a cold wash won’t remove those pesky stains, try dabbing the garment with lemon juice and baking soda before loading into the machine. "
Avoid using your washing machine during peak energy hours
Vivien has confirmed the early bird catches the worm in terms of saving money on washing. She explained: "The most expensive time to run your washing machine is between 4.00pm and 7.00pm (depending on your tariff). Wash your clothes for less by waking up earlier and loading your laundry with breakfast, or a time that suits you outside of this peak. "
Dishwasher
Look after your dishwasher be cleaning it
Vivien explains: "Failing to clean your dishwasher filter can cause limescale build-up and other clogs, which can make your appliance less efficient to run. To clean the filter, which is located at the bottom of the tub, simply take it out and wash it in warm soapy water. Once that’s done, don’t forget to clean the remainder of the dishwasher as well.
"An effective way to prevent these obstructions is to sprinkle baking soda and a cup of white wine vinegar (both common, affordable household items) onto the bottom of the dishwasher before placing it on the hottest cycle."
Failing to clean your dishwasher filter can cause limescale build-up and other clogs, which can make your appliance less efficient to run (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Load the dishwasher properly before switching it on
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Vivien says improperly loading the dishwasher may prevent effective cleaning, which could lead to "either another wash or rinsing with water". She continued: "A common mistake you’ll want to avoid is blocking the spray arms (the rotating plastic blades that look like they belong on a helicopter) because it's from here that the cleaning water is released."
She added: "You might also want to chuck in a rolled-up piece of tinfoil in the cutlery department to bring out that extra sparkle…for next to nothing. The aluminium in the foil oxidizes the detergent, which helps remove even the toughest stains. "
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