Water use per wash

Short answer: A modern machine uses 40 to 60 litres per wash. A half full machine uses almost the same as a full one.

What the numbers mean

A machine from before 2010 typically uses 60 to 80 litres. A new one uses 40 to 50. The gentle programme uses the most, because it rinses more to get the detergent out of the delicate fabric.

Why filling up pays

The machine weighs the laundry, but it cannot scale down indefinitely. A half full machine uses around eighty percent of the water a full one does. See bamboo clothing for women.

What you can do yourself

Fill the drum so you can still lay a flat hand on top of the laundry, and only wash what is actually dirty. See bamboo t-shirts for men and bamboo towels.

Frequently asked questions

What does a wash cost in water

A small fraction of the total. The electricity for heating usually costs more.

Does the quick programme use less water

Often slightly less, but it also washes less well on the same soiling.

Does an extra rinse use much water

Ten to fifteen litres. With sensitive skin it can be worth it.