Save a Ton of Electricity Just by Pressing One “Special” Button on Your Washing Machine — Many People Use It for Years Without Knowing

Have you ever noticed this button on your washing machine?

Today, washing machines are almost indispensable in most households, helping significantly reduce housework and maintain personal hygiene efficiently. However, if used incorrectly, they can consume far more electricity than necessary. That’s why understanding how to operate them properly is something many people care about — to keep clothes clean while lowering monthly electricity bills.

According to Lao Động, one of the most important factors affecting power consumption is the water temperature setting. Modern washing machines usually include a button labeled Temp — short for Temperature — allowing users to select the appropriate water heat level.

Even though hot water removes odors and bacteria more effectively, overusing it forces the machine to consume a large amount of electricity. Not only that, hot water can reduce fabric durability, cause shrinkage, or fade colors on sensitive materials. Therefore, hot water should only be used when truly necessary, such as for heavily soiled clothes or when sanitizing.

In most cases, cold water is more than sufficient for cleaning clothes while saving energy. Choosing cold water helps protect fabrics and reduces monthly electricity costs significantly. Users should check the temperature setting before every wash to avoid the machine automatically switching to hot water.

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Other Tips to Use Your Washing Machine More Efficiently and Save Electricity

According to EVN, besides temperature adjustment, washing efficiency also depends on loading the right amount of laundry. Washing too little wastes energy, while stuffing the drum too full reduces effectiveness and may damage the machine. The optimal load is about 70–80% of maximum capacity.

For clothes with stubborn stains on collars, cuffs, or hems, pre-scrubbing is recommended so the machine doesn’t need to run strong or extended wash cycles that waste water and electricity.

Many modern washing machines are equipped with energy-saving technologies such as Inverter motors, soil sensors, and automatic water-level adjustment. Making use of these features helps optimize operating costs. Additionally, the energy-efficiency label on the machine provides important information for buyers comparing different models.

Choosing the right wash program is also crucial.

• Quick wash is suitable for lightly soiled clothing.

• Hand-wash mode is ideal for delicate fabrics like wool or silk.

• Sports mode is designed for synthetic activewear.

• Special items like leather, bras, or clothing with zippers are often not recommended for machine washing as they can easily get damaged.

Selecting the correct program improves cleaning efficiency while reducing energy consumption.

The spin cycle also affects energy usage. Heavy items like bedding may require a strong spin to shorten drying time. In contrast, lightweight fabrics only need a gentle spin to save energy and protect the material.

Regular maintenance is essential as well. Detergent residue, bacteria, and mold buildup can reduce the machine’s performance, causing it to consume more electricity. Users should clean the drum as instructed by the manufacturer and leave the door open after each wash to release moisture and prevent bacterial growth.

Finally, unplugging the machine after each use is highly recommended. Leaving it plugged in continuously may shorten component lifespan and poses risks of leakage or short circuits. Though simple, this habit helps extend the machine’s durability and prevents unnecessary standby power consumption.

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In short, using your washing machine wisely not only protects your clothes and the appliance but also helps reduce household expenses significantly. Understanding how to adjust temperature, choose the right wash program, load clothes properly, and maintain the machine regularly are simple but long-lasting ways to improve efficiency.