One full load rather than two half ones

Short answer: A half-empty machine uses almost as much water and power as a full one. Two half loads therefore cost nearly double a full one. Fill the drum properly, but not to the brim, so the clothes come out clean and wear less.

Why half loads cost more

Water use and heating follow the machine programme rather than the amount of laundry. The same cost is therefore spread over fewer garments, and each one becomes dearer to wash. Over a year that adds up to many extra washes, which raise the bill and wear on both machine and clothes without making anything cleaner.

How full is full

The drum should be filled so that you can still lay a hand on top of the laundry. Packed tight washes worse, because the water cannot move between the garments and rinse out the detergent. The clothes also rub harder against each other, so the aim is a full drum, not a stuffed one.

How to fill it

Three baskets sorted by colour, and you wash when one is full. That way you do not wait until there is enough of everything, and you avoid mixing dark and light in the same load. Take a look at Bamboo Basics for an overview of everyday basics that cope well with frequent washing.

Sort into three baskets

One basket for light, one for dark and one for colours is enough for most homes. Put clothes straight into the right basket when you take them off, and you skip sorting on wash day. See bamboo clothing for women and bamboo hoodies for women for pieces that fit that routine.

What a half programme does

A half programme helps a little, but not as much as the name suggests. It still uses a good share of the water and heat a normal wash needs, because the machine has to rinse and heat however little is in the drum. Waiting for a full load is usually the better choice.

If you only have a little

If only a few items are dirty, wait for a full load or wash them by hand. A single garment can be rinsed in the sink with lukewarm water and a little mild detergent. Then hang it up to dry without wringing it hard, and it keeps its shape.

What overfilling does

Can you overfill a machine? Yes. The clothes do not come out clean, and the garments wear against each other more because there is no room to move freely in the water. Detergent can stay behind in the fabric and leave the garment stiffer and less pleasant after drying.

Check the care label first

Always read the care label before mixing garments in one machine. Some pieces need a lower temperature or a gentle programme and do not belong with heavily soiled workwear. If you are unsure, follow the temperature on the label and choose too low rather than too high.

Small habits that help

Close zips and buttons before the clothes go in, so they do not catch on other items. Turn sweatshirts and hoodies inside out to protect the surface. Take the laundry out as soon as the programme ends, so it does not sit damp and creased in the drum.