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Original poster

AIBU to ask if anyone uses the eco washing cycle

85 replies

Giddykiddy · 24/03/2025 16:36

DH just put on a small load of gently worn dark clothes that really only need a freshen up on the eco cycle which takes 3 hours. I would have washed on the 30 minute quick cycle at 30 or 40 degrees. Surely it can't be more economical to wash for 6 times longer and it must be hard in the clothes. i usually wash tumble gold and put away 4 loads of laundry in a day. Does anyone really use these mad eco cycles that take forever

OP posts:
11811B · 24/03/2025 17:54

I don't anymore because after much testing nothing was coming out clean but I think that's something to do with the way the samsungs do eco, they don't necessarily heat the water. It was too much wait time to get clothes out with marks still on them. Now I just use cotton wash at 40, not ideal but less clothes waste and tbh my kids need the higher temp to get rid of the mud and teen smell

BatteryHuman50 · 24/03/2025 17:52

I always use the Eco cycle - it uses less water and electricity.

I often put it on in the evening with the rinse hold option, turn it off overnight and then drain and spin (15 mins) in the morning just before hanging up.

I do a monthly (hot) drum clean wash and filter clean, use bio powder and no fabric conditioner so no smells build up in the machine.

VexedofVirginiaWater · 24/03/2025 17:44

YesHonestly · 24/03/2025 16:52

I thought that was more for tumble driers, although it does make sense.

Show quote history

Yes, I thought it was that both tumble dryers and washers were more at risk of fires rather than, say, fridges, and shouldn't be left unattended. I only found out over the last few years though. When I was working full time I often used to put them on at night or when I was at work.

kitchentablegardentable · 24/03/2025 17:42

faerietales · 24/03/2025 16:37

The whole point of the Eco cycle is that it soaks the clothes more and uses less power, even though it lasts longer. The quick wash is shorter but more powerful.

Yes, exactly this.

And what are you doing that needs 4 loads of washing a day? Thats a huge amount of washing, I’m guessing you are a very large family.

I wonder if there is someway you could reduce this? I know some people have got in the habit of washing things that don’t really need washed (jeans after one wear etc).

its a trend which is hopefully reversing.

varden · 24/03/2025 17:40

I'm on my own, retired and have very few actual dirty clothes that need a long thorough wash.

45 min cycle @ 40d does most things really.

I use the 15 minute express cycle for anything that needs freshening up only.

I would never even consider using the eco cycle. I want the stuff washed, spun and ready to hang by the time I've had my breakfast thanks. I wouldn't wait around for three + hours, no way, and I too have a fear of leaving the machine on and going out or even having it on overnight. Nothing you can say will make me feel it's ok.

offmynut · 24/03/2025 17:39

I have loads of settings on mine i only use from 18 mins to 45 mins.
No way would i want to wait 3 hours.

mikado1 · 24/03/2025 17:37

Giddykiddy · 24/03/2025 17:31

4 loads a week - 4 a day would be mental - though MIL seems to wash daily for her and FIL - she has a myriad of rules about things being washed seperately - that's a whole other convo - I happily put knickers with dishcloths but at 60 degrees - suspect I'm an MN minger

Show quote history

Ah sorry, I must have misread!

DisforDarkChocolate · 24/03/2025 17:36

Yes, when I'm washing overnight (we have economy 7 heating).

AMouseThereOnTheStair · 24/03/2025 17:34

My eco cycle on my washing machine uses less water.

Original poster
Giddykiddy · 24/03/2025 17:31

mikado1 · 24/03/2025 16:58

There are two of you and you do 4 loads a day?! You could surely cut back massively on that plus your dryer bills.

4 loads a week - 4 a day would be mental - though MIL seems to wash daily for her and FIL - she has a myriad of rules about things being washed seperately - that's a whole other convo - I happily put knickers with dishcloths but at 60 degrees - suspect I'm an MN minger

OP posts:
Miffyhasbigears · 24/03/2025 17:06

No. Ours (Siemens) soaks the clothes for that long in dirty water that they come out smelling damp and unclean. It's the third Siemens I've had, the othet two were faultless, on this there isn't program that is both convenient or cleans properly. No prewash either 😡 All supposed to be so eco efficient, yet I use more electricity trying to work round its failings.
I do use the eco program on the dishwasher overnight, it's long but cleans fine, although obviously I'm risking my house burning down!

Tangerinenets · 24/03/2025 17:00

Yes most days if I only have one wash to do. It goes on around 6/7am. If I’ve got more or it really is the kids just chucking stuff in the wash after wearing it a few hours I use the quick wash and reduce the time so it’s only 18 minutes.

mikado1 · 24/03/2025 16:58

There are two of you and you do 4 loads a day?! You could surely cut back massively on that plus your dryer bills.

FruitPolos · 24/03/2025 16:58

I don't use the eco cycle on my current machine because I've found that it makes my clothes really creased!

grannycake · 24/03/2025 16:56

I use it for everything but woolens. I put it on when I get up about 6:30 and it’s ready to hang out by 9:15. If I’m doing more than one load I can get another load on the line around lunchtime. I’m retired though so this works for me

AllThatFancyPaintsAsFair · 24/03/2025 16:55

Well to answer your original question of course it's more economical, the clues in the name 😂

Does driving your car with the pedal to the metal, braking and review use more fuel than doing the same drive at a steady 55mph?

Hoardasurass · 24/03/2025 16:55

Yes its the only cycle I use. I put it on when I get up and it's dome by the time I get back from the school run/dog walk ready to be hung up

Sparrow7 · 24/03/2025 16:53

Yes unless I'm in a hurry.

YesHonestly · 24/03/2025 16:52

VexedofVirginiaWater · 24/03/2025 16:44

I don't want to wait 3 hours plus for it, and I don't want to leave it unattended overnight while I'm asleep - aren't we advised against this anyway as washers and dishwashers can be a fire risk?

I thought that was more for tumble driers, although it does make sense.

Original poster
Giddykiddy · 24/03/2025 16:52

Waitingfordoggo · 24/03/2025 16:45

I do. I put it on the timer to finish at about 8am so it starts early.

You’re doing four loads a day?! Big family presumably!

I probably do 4-5 washes a week. Me, DH, two teenagers (plus pets so blankets and throws need fairly regular washes).

No just 2 of us at home - I just wash once a week - bedclothes, towels, lights and darks. Been into the utility about 5 times - not much soaking and loads of revolving going on. I'm going to try it again next week and properly monitor the soaking - honestly J do have a life!!

OP posts:
frenchnoodle · 24/03/2025 16:50

Yes but it's mainly just for ds's bedding.

mikado1 · 24/03/2025 16:49

4 loads a day plus time dryer? That's a lot!! I use eco every wash and dry on clothes horse or line. Probably on wash daily and ideally I do as pp, put it on late and hang out in morning. However, there are only 4 of us.

Waitingfordoggo · 24/03/2025 16:45

I do. I put it on the timer to finish at about 8am so it starts early.

You’re doing four loads a day?! Big family presumably!

I probably do 4-5 washes a week. Me, DH, two teenagers (plus pets so blankets and throws need fairly regular washes).

VexedofVirginiaWater · 24/03/2025 16:44

I don't want to wait 3 hours plus for it, and I don't want to leave it unattended overnight while I'm asleep - aren't we advised against this anyway as washers and dishwashers can be a fire risk?