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Water Consumption in Laundry: How to Save Water at Home

At London Dry Cleaning Company, we understand that laundry is a necessary part of daily life and consumes a lot of water. The water used by washing machines accounts for around 22% of total water use in the average household.

With water becoming an increasingly limited and valuable resource, it’s more important than ever to be aware of how to reduce our water footprint, starting in the laundry room.

In this blog, we’ll share practical tips for saving water while doing laundry and explain how professional dry cleaning can help conserve water and care for your clothes more efficiently.

💧 Why Water Conservation Matters

Water is vital for life, yet we use freshwater resources faster than they can replenish themselves. Responsible water use has become essential as populations grow and climate conditions change. By making minor adjustments to our laundry habits, we can significantly reduce water consumption, saving both money and the planet.

✅ 7 Tips to Save Water When Doing Laundry

1. Choose a Water-Efficient Washing Machine

If you’re upgrading your washing machine, look for models with a low Water Factor (WF) rating—the lower the number, the more efficient the machine. Always check the water icon on the energy label.

Front-loading machines generally use less water than top-loading ones.
The best machines can use as little as 33 litres per wash, compared to 72 litres or more for older models.

2. Wash Full Loads (When Possible)

Washing a full load is more efficient than washing multiple smaller loads. If you need to clean just a few items, use the half-load or eco mode.

Avoid overloading, which reduces effectiveness.
Fewer, fuller washes mean less water and energy waste.

3. Select the Right Cycle

Choose the most appropriate wash cycle for your laundry. Avoid extra rinse cycles unless necessary.

Synthetic programs use up to 50% more water than cotton washes.
A quick wash at lower temperatures is usually enough for lightly soiled clothes.

4. Pre-Treat Stains

Avoid rewashing clothes by properly treating stains before the wash.

Apply stain remover or detergent directly to the stain and let it sit.
This improves results and eliminates the need for repeat washes.

5. Wash Clothes Only When Needed

You don’t need to wash clothes after every wear.

Towels can be reused 3–4 times if allowed to dry completely.
Jeans, jumpers, and jackets can often be worn multiple times between washes.

Let clothes air out to stay fresh longer.

6. Use Efficient Detergents

Using the right detergent reduces the need for additional rinse cycles.

Choose high-efficiency (HE) or low-sudsing detergents.
Follow the recommended dosage—more detergent doesn’t mean cleaner clothes.

7. Consider Professional Dry Cleaning

Unlike traditional washing, dry cleaning uses no water. Instead, it uses advanced solvents like:

Hydrocarbons
Liquid CO₂
Silicone-based solutions

These environmentally friendly alternatives deep clean garments without water. Dry cleaning is especially effective for delicate fabrics and large or bulk items, and helps reduce overall water usage at home.

🌱 Small Changes, Big Impact

Adjusting your laundry habits and choosing professional dry cleaning when appropriate can significantly reduce water consumption, without sacrificing cleanliness or hygiene.

Every drop counts, and as water becomes more precious daily, it’s up to us all to make mindful choices.

📍 Need Help Saving Water?

Let London Dry Cleaning Company take care of your garments. Our professional dry cleaning services are eco-friendly, efficient, and available across London with same-day pickup and delivery.