February 11, 2025, 3:49 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Today’s modern washing machines all have an energy-saving eco mode. This means you can save money with every wash and protect the climate at the same time. But how does the eco function manage to get your laundry sparkling white? myHOMEBOOK asked someone who knows all about it.
You’ve likely used the eco mode on your washing machine on multiple occasions. This washing program significantly extends the time before you can hang your laundry out to dry. Despite the extended washing time, garments such as clothes, shirts, bedding, and underwear emerge from the drum just as clean as they would with a standard wash program. How does it work? And how does the washing machine’s eco program manage to save money despite the prolonged washing time?
What Is the Secret of the Washing Machine’s Eco Program?
“The washing machine runs at a lower temperature and therefore takes longer to remove the dirt from the laundry,” explains Dr. Bernd Glassl from the Industrieverband Körperpflege- und Waschmittel e. V. (IKW) when asked by myHOMEBOOK. “You save energy because the washing machine requires less power for the motor that turns the drum. Heating the water to a specific temperature uses significantly more energy.”
Four factors work together in the energy-saving Eco program:
- the selected temperature
- the duration of the wash program
- the mechanics of the machine
- the chemicals used, i.e., the detergent
“Today’s washing machines have had to have an ‘ECO 40-60’ program for several years due to the EU’s eco-design requirements,” explains Dr. Bernd Glassl. This energy-saving washing program is intended for hard-wearing textiles that can usually withstand a washing temperature of 40 to 60 degrees.
Washing Temperature: It All Depends on the Load
Even if the program is called “ECO 40-60,” the water is heated to a maximum of 40 degrees, depending on the load. For instance, this occurs when the machine is fully loaded. As the load decreases, so does the temperature. At half capacity, the machine operates at approximately 35 degrees, and with a smaller load, it washes at just 30 degrees or lower.
How Much Money Can This Save?
How much money you can save by using less electricity depends on your washing habits. There is no clear guide value. The consumer magazine Ökotest has published a few sample calculations on its website. With around 100 washes a year in the Eco program, it says that you will save around 10 to 15 euros more in your wallet, depending on current electricity prices. While that may not seem substantial, the savings add up when combined with other energy-saving measures. The IKW also has an infographic on its website that you can use to estimate your own annual savings potential when doing the laundry.
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The eco program is not suitable for all items of clothing:
- A designated wool or special program is better suited for woolen sweaters and other delicate materials
- For delicate textiles like silk underwear, evening dresses, or curtains, it’s recommended to use a specialized delicate wash program
IKW expert Dr. Bernd Glassl has another important tip to avoid unpleasant odors in the washing machine: “Wash your clothes at least once a month on a program that reaches a water temperature of at least 60 degrees.” A heavy-duty detergent should be used for this. This contains bleach with a disinfecting effect. This process helps eliminate stubborn deposits in areas that are often hard to reach. Bleach reaches its full hygienic potential at temperatures of 60 degrees or above.