The Budgeting Mum, from the Midlands, had almost 40,000 followers on her TikTok account where she posts her clever tips and tricks. Beth, who also posts to her money saving blog, tackled one household chore that relatively costs a lot of money.
She posted the video to her TikTok account, @budgetingmum, which she titled: “How to save money on energy bills, laundry edition.”
She told fans: “Here are some easy ways you can save money on your energy bills with your laundry costs.”
One clever idea could save 62 percent off your laundry costs, and it’s so easy to do. All you have to do is change one setting on your washing machine.
She said: “Always was at 20C and use a stain remover before you wash at a lower temperature. This can reduce energy usage by up to 62 percent.”
She went on: “Don’t forget to hang your washing out, so set yourself a reminder. Always use your line during the summer, no tumble drying.”
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There are a number of benefits to washing clothes at 20C. The clothes stay intact for longer, shedding fewer microfibres and keeping colour.
According to a study by Proctor & Gamble testing Ariel Gel, the only stain that a 20C wash could not get rid of was olive oil. So it’s likely that clothes that are not very dirty will be cleaned thoroughly on this wash.
Which? found that, on average, turning the wash down from 40C to 20C reduces costs by 62 percent. Even turning the wash from 40C down to 30C saves you 57 percent. Over a year this could save £12.
There are some fabrics that should always be washed on warm:
- Underwear
- Towels
- Bed linen
- White cotton fabrics
- Wool/polyester blends
- Wool/synthetic mixtures
- Viscose
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Turning down your washing machine temperature is one of the many ways you can save money on your energy bills.
Another content creator, Caroline (@Neat.Caroline), shared a number of small changes around the house that can help save cash.
She advised switching to LED lightbulbs, saying: “Use LED lightbulbs instead of incandescent ones. They use 75 percent less energy.”
LED lightbulbs are widely regarded as more energy efficient because they produce a low amount of heat.
Another household influencer, known as “the internet’s grandma” detailed a little-known part of the washing machine you’re “supposed to clean four times a year”.
This will keep your washing machine working for longer, and will make it more efficient.
Babs, who goes by @brunchwithbabs on Instagram, showed exactly how to clean the washing machine filter.
The cleaning and food expert said: “A clogged filter limits your washing machine’s efficiency and can also lead to more lint deposits on clothes as well as poor drainage. It can even result in a shorter lifespan for your appliance.”
