Best Time to Do Laundry to Save Money

Do your laundry before 9 a.m. or after 9 p.m. to save 20%–40% on energy costs during off-peak hours, especially avoiding 2–8 p.m. in summer. Use cold water-it cuts energy use by up to 90%-and always run full loads to save about 50 litres of water per wash. Modern detergents clean effectively in cold cycles, and pairing delay start with off-peak rates maximizes savings. Just don’t leave the dryer running overnight due to fire risks. There’s more to optimizing each step for even greater efficiency.

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Notable Insights

• Run laundry during off-peak hours, typically before 9 a.m. or after 8 p.m., to benefit from lower electricity rates.
• Use the delay start feature to schedule washes during off-peak time windows, especially in summer and winter.
• Wash with cold water to cut energy use by up to 90%, as heating water consumes most energy.
• Always wash full loads to maximize efficiency, saving up to 50 litres of water per cycle.
• Avoid running the dryer overnight due to fire risk; prioritize safety while optimizing for cost savings.

When Is the Best Time to Do Laundry to Save Money?

Ever wonder when your washer and dryer are costing you the most? The Best Time Of Day to run the washing machine is during off-peak hours, when electricity demand drops and rates fall. Under time-of-use (TOU) pricing, energy costs spike during peak times-like 2–8 p.m. in summer-so running the washing machine then gets pricey. Instead, save energy by doing laundry in the early morning or late evening. In summer, aim before 9 a.m.; in winter, wait until after 8 p.m. when heating demand eases. Off-peak hours can slash your bill-you might save $25 a year, even with just a few loads shifted. Some utilities charge nearly 23 cents/kWh at peak times, but less than 10 off-peak. Time it right, and you’ll save money without changing a thing about how you clean.

Wash in Cold Water and Full Loads to Cut Costs

When you wash full loads using cold water, you’re making the most of every cycle, since your machine uses nearly the same amount of water and energy whether it’s half-full or packed. You save money by reducing energy use up to 90%-heating water uses most of the energy in warm cycles. Washing in cold water works for everyday laundry and prevents excess strain on fabrics. Modern detergents are built to tackle stains without hot water, making cold-water washing just as effective. Full loads cut the total cycles you run, saving about 50 litres of water per wash. This efficient washing habit helps reduce energy and utility costs. Pair a high-efficiency washer with cold water cycles, and you could save $25 a year. You’ll maintain clothes longer and support sustainable practices-all while keeping your laundry clean, fresh, and cost-effective.

Can You Do Laundry at Night Safely and Quietly?

You’ve already cut costs by washing full loads in cold water, but timing your laundry right can save even more-just be smart about when and how you run it. Running laundry at night might save money outside of peak hours, especially if you’re on time-of-use (TOU) pricing, where off-peak hours usually run from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. But safety matters-never run the dryer overnight, as unattended operation increases fire risk. Though washing overnight is less dangerous, noise from spin cycles can travel through walls, especially in apartments. Use vibration pads or place machines away from shared walls to reduce disruption. A better time might be early in the morning or early afternoon using your washer’s delay start to finish inside off-peak hours. That way, you save money, respect quiet hours, and keep safety first. Doing laundry at the right time means balancing savings, noise, and safety.

How to Use Delay Start and Off-Peak Hours Together

Though timing your laundry right takes a little planning, using your machine’s delay start feature lets you tap into off-peak electricity rates-often 20% to 40% lower-without changing your routine. Set delay start to run loads during off-peak hours, like after 9 p.m. or before 7 a.m., when time-of-use (TOU) pricing drops, especially if you have a smart meter. In summer, avoid 2–8 p.m. peak rates; in winter, run cycles between 9 p.m.–8 a.m. or noon–2:30 p.m. ConEdison users save most between midnight and 7 a.m., when rates hit 2.49¢/kWh. Pair delay start with cold water cycles to boost energy savings-90% of wash energy goes to heating water. This smart laundry schedule helps reduce energy cost, ease grid strain, and land a lower energy bill.

On a final note

Wash full loads in cold water at night using delay start to cut energy costs, especially during off-peak hours. A high-efficiency detergent like Tide Coldwater Clean lifts stains without hot water. Testers saw 30% lower electricity use. For floors, use a microfiber mop with Bissell CrossWave, which combines vacuuming and washing, trapping dirt and spills fast. Clean surfaces weekly with a 70% isopropyl wipe to prevent germ spread and pest attractants.