Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
Honon · 24/03/2025 16:43

Yes I always use it. I wfh most of the week so there's no rush for the washing to be ready.

Boomer55 · 24/03/2025 16:41

I don’t. I’ve got better things to do than wait for an overlong washing cycle. 🤷‍♀️

AimlessWandering · 24/03/2025 16:40

I used to as if theyre true the money saving stats were crazy.
I now work from home and don't want to listen to it for 4 hours.

ObstreperousCushion · 24/03/2025 16:39

I do. I looked it up for my machine - the eco cycle uses less water and less electricity, so I just wash overnight on the timer and hang up to dry in the morning.

I use quicker washes if I need to, but generally eco at 40 is fine. It was breezy here today, so I put one wash on the line first thing, and another around lunchtime today.

IkaBaar · 24/03/2025 16:39

If I’m organised I use the eco cycle the night before. I rarely use the quick wash cycle.

The eco cycle should be cheaper and more environmentally friendly. It takes longer as the clothes are left to soak for longer instead of being agitated to get rid of the dirt.

GeorgeMichaelsCat · 24/03/2025 16:38

I use it. Not sure what it saves though

Sinkintotheswamp · 24/03/2025 16:38

Only in a proper heatwave. It takes over 3hrs.
For 51 weeks a year I need it washed in an hour and drying on the line.

PinkHotelPlease · 24/03/2025 16:38

Our eco cycle uses less energy because it soaks the clothes for longer instead of moving them about. So uses less energy and probably less wear on the clothes.

I don't use it often though because I usually put on washes in the evening and don't want to wait 3 hours to hang it up!

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.

Easterbunnygettingsorted · 24/03/2025 16:36

Our eco cycle has a reduce time option...