Water Consumption for Laundry Washing

How Can We Save Water?

At London Dry Cleaning Company, we know that laundry is part of everyday life. But here’s the truth: laundry uses a lot of water. In fact, washing machines are responsible for about 22% of all water use in the average UK home. That’s a massive amount for a resource that is becoming more limited every year.

With climate change, growing populations, and water shortages, saving water at home is no longer optional — it’s necessary. And the laundry room is one of the best places to start.

This blog explains why water conservation is essential, provides practical tips to reduce water use, dispels some laundry myths, and demonstrates how professional dry cleaning can help minimise water waste while keeping clothes in excellent condition.

Why Water Conservation Matters

Freshwater supplies are limited, and we are using them faster than nature can replace them. Every time we run a load of laundry, we put more pressure on already stressed water systems. London often sees water shortages in the summer, and experts warn that demand could exceed supply in the near future.

Water is also connected to energy. Heating water for laundry cycles requires electricity or gas, so cutting down on water use directly reduces energy consumption and lowers your household’s carbon footprint. In the UK, the average family could save hundreds of litres a week simply by adopting mindful laundry habits. Imagine the difference if every household in London did the same.

When we save water at home:

• We pay less for water and energy bills.

• We use less energy to heat and move water.

• We protect rivers, lakes, and wildlife habitats.

• We make sure there is enough water available for future generations.

• We reduce the strain on treatment plants and city infrastructure.

Even small changes in laundry habits — like choosing the right cycle or skipping unnecessary washes — can add up to major results when practised across many households.

7 Practical Ways to Save Water When Doing Laundry

1. Choose a Water-Efficient Washing Machine

• Look for machines with a low Water Factor (WF) rating — lower numbers mean better efficiency.

• Front-loading machines usually use 40% less water than top-loaders.

• The newest machines can use as little as 33 litres per wash, compared to older ones that may use 70–100 litres.

• Energy labels can also guide you toward models that are efficient with both water and electricity, saving you money over time.

2. Wash Full Loads

• Running a machine half full wastes water, detergent, and electricity.

• Wash fewer, fuller loads to be efficient and reduce your water footprint.

• If you must wash a small load, use eco or half-load settings so the machine adjusts its water use.

• Group similar fabrics together to make balanced loads that maximise water use and avoid repeat cycles.

• Think about timing: waiting an extra day or two until you have enough clothes for a full load can save dozens of litres each week.

• As an example, a typical older machine might use 70 litres per wash. By avoiding two half-loads and running just one full cycle, you can save around 35 litres in a single laundry session.

3. Pick the Right Cycle

• For lightly dirty clothes, use quick wash or lower-temperature cycles. These are designed to use less water and energy while still cleaning effectively.

• Avoid extra rinse cycles unless they are absolutely needed, as each rinse can add up to 20 litres of water use.

• Be aware that synthetic cycles can use up to 50% more water than cotton cycles, so select carefully depending on the fabric.

• Modern machines often have eco modes that balance cleaning power with lower water use — use them whenever possible.

• Read your machine’s manual to learn about speciality cycles, like mixed fabric or eco-quick washes, that may offer further savings.

• Remember that heavily soiled clothes might need a longer cycle, but everyday wear rarely requires the longest wash. Adjusting to shorter, targeted cycles can save significant amounts of water over time.

4. Pre-Treat Stains

• Rewashing clothes because of stains wastes water.

• Treat stains with a remover or detergent before washing.

• One properly prepared wash is better than two careless washes.

• Keep a small brush or sponge nearby to scrub out spots before they set quickly.

• Act quickly: the sooner you treat a stain, the easier it is to remove without a complete wash.

• Different stains need different treatments: for example, grease may require a small dab of dish soap, while ink might respond better to rubbing alcohol.

• Pre-treating not only saves water but also protects fabrics, since constant rewashing can weaken fibres over time.

• Keeping a “stain kit” with a few basics like white vinegar, baking soda, and a mild detergent can help you handle problems right away.

5. Wash Clothes Only When Needed

• Washing too often wastes water and shortens the life of your clothes.

• Towels can be used 3–4 times before washing if they are appropriately dried.

• Jeans, jackets, and sweaters can often be worn several times before needing a wash.

• Hang clothes to air out or steam them to stay fresh.

• For school uniforms or work clothes, try alternating items across the week so each piece lasts longer between washes.

• Remember that frequent washing also causes colours to fade and fabrics to wear out more quickly, so waiting until clothes are actually dirty helps them last longer.

• Spot-cleaning small areas can often replace a complete wash, saving water while still keeping clothes looking neat.

• Using garment freshening sprays or lightly steaming items can refresh clothing between washes and extend the time before laundry is needed.

• Keeping a clear laundry schedule helps you avoid automatically tossing items in the wash after a single wear when it isn’t necessary.

6. Use the Right Detergent

• High-Efficiency (HE) detergents create fewer suds, which means less rinsing.

• Using too much detergent makes clothes harder to rinse and wastes water.

• Always measure detergent correctly.

• Powder and liquid detergents can both be effective, but follow the instructions on the label carefully.

• Concentrated detergents are designed to work with smaller amounts, so using them properly can save water, money, and packaging waste.

• Avoid fabric softeners that produce extra suds — they can require extra rinse cycles.

• Eco-friendly detergents are available that work effectively in cold water, further saving energy and reducing your overall footprint.

• Choosing the right product for your machine (HE detergents for modern washers) ensures maximum cleaning power with minimum water use.

7. Try Professional Dry Cleaning

Here’s something many people don’t realise: dry cleaning doesn’t use water. Instead, it uses eco-friendly solvents like:

• Hydrocarbons are commonly used because they are gentle on fabrics and effective at dissolving oils and grease.

• Liquid CO₂ – a modern, environmentally friendly option that uses pressurised carbon dioxide to clean without water.

• Silicone-based cleaners – mild, biodegradable solvents that are safe for delicate fabrics and reduce environmental impact.

Dry cleaning gives clothes a deep clean without water. It’s beneficial for delicate fabrics, bulky items, or clothing that might shrink in a washing machine. Choosing dry cleaning for some items can help reduce water use at home. It also extends the life of garments because it is gentler on fabrics and prevents damage from repeated washing cycles.

Another benefit of dry cleaning is that it handles complex garments with beads, sequins, lace, or mixed fabrics that would be ruined in a standard wash. Professional cleaners also inspect every garment by hand, treating stains individually so clothes don’t need to be washed multiple times. Many modern dry cleaners, like us at London Dry Cleaning Company, now use biodegradable solvents and advanced machines that recycle cleaning fluid, further reducing environmental impact.

For households trying to lower their water footprint, shifting just a few loads per month — like heavy coats, curtains, or business suits — from the washing machine to professional dry cleaning can save hundreds of litres of water over a year while keeping garments looking their best.

Extra Tips for Water Savers

• Reuse greywater: Some households reuse lightly used laundry water for cleaning or gardening (only when safe). Installing a simple greywater system can help redirect wastewater to lawns or outdoor plants instead of sending it down the drain.

• Check for leaks: A small leak in hoses or taps can waste hundreds of litres every year. Regularly inspect washing machine hoses, connections, and nearby taps. Replacing worn-out parts is a cost-effective alternative to the long-term waste.

• Cold washes: Using cooler water not only saves energy but also reduces water usage on specific cycles. Many detergents now work effectively in cold water, so you don’t need hot cycles for everyday clothes.

• Plan laundry days: Instead of washing whenever, batch your laundry into bigger, efficient loads. Planning also helps you separate fabrics properly, reduce emergency washes, and avoid wasting water on partial loads.

• Line drying when possible: Although it doesn’t directly save water in the machine, line drying reduces wear and tear, which means clothes last longer and require fewer washes in the long run.

• Upgrade accessories: Using mesh bags for delicates can prevent damage, so you don’t need to rewash items that snag or tear.

• Educate the household: Share water-saving habits with family members or housemates so everyone contributes. Simple rules like “check before you wash” or “spot clean instead of rewashing” make a big difference.

Small Changes, Big Results

Saving water doesn’t mean giving up clean clothes. It means adopting smarter habits and being more aware of how you use resources. For example:

• Using your machine more efficiently by filling it correctly and choosing the right cycle

• Treating stains before washing so you avoid running the same load twice

• Washing clothes less often and refreshing them with airing, steaming, or spot-cleaning

• Using dry cleaning for specific items that are water-intensive to wash at home, like suits, coats, and curtains

• Encouraging family members to follow the same habits so the savings multiply

• Tracking your water bills over time to see the positive impact of these adjustments

Even a few of these changes can lower bills, protect clothes, and shrink your water footprint. If every London household cut laundry water use by 10%, the city could save billions of litres each year.

Need Help Saving Water?

At London Dry Cleaning Company, we focus on eco-friendly cleaning. Our dry cleaning methods are safe, sustainable, and designed to save water while keeping clothes in perfect condition. We also offer same-day pickup and delivery across London, so it’s easy to care for clothes and the planet.

 Want to save water and protect your wardrobe? Book your collection in under 2 minutes.

Final Thought

Water is valuable, and laundry is one of the easiest ways to start saving it. By making wise choices, upgrading machines, and using professional dry cleaning, you can keep your clothes looking great while protecting the environment.

Every drop counts, and every small step brings us closer to a sustainable future.