AIBU to ask if anyone uses the eco washing cycle

[Giddykiddy]

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

I use the eco mode for the dishwasher where possible - over three hours but does a fine job cleaning everything.

I never use it. Don’t use it on dishwasher either.

Batteries for solar panels are really expensive, we don't have one either. I work from home so its no bother me running the dishwasher / washing machine during daylight hours. A young child also means we usually eat really early in an evening so most of the cooking gets done in daylight too. I think in a few years the battery technology will improve / become more widely used and so the cost will come down. I'll look into it in a few years.

We also didn't have room in our loft for the tank required for solar heating (low pitched roof on a bungalow) so couldn't have that.

We get a quarterly payment back from the energy company for what we put back into the grid. Its not a huge amount but it does make a difference.

I only use the Eco setting, it takes 4 hours. I'd feel guilty to waste resources only to appease my own impatience, so I don't.

Yes, I put it on to finish as I’m getting in from work. I have solar panels so it is more economic to do it during the day whilst I’m at work.

I do but usually on a timer so it's on overnight or while I'm out.

I used the eco cycle a few times but my clothes smell horrible and not fresh after they've been in a eco wash though, so I'm back to a minimal iron short cycle.
I do however use the eco cycle for the dishwasher with no adverse effects

Use it all the time. 30 mins. Job done. Cheaper too

Fortunately I have an elderly but wonderful AEG machine that doesn't do 3 hour plus cycles. I definitely wouldn't want my clothes floating around in murky water for several hours either, even if I had the option.
I use mainly 40 sometimes 50 or 30 degrees and every load lasts between 20 mins and 1.30. I often reduce washing times if there's a rare dry day in winter to get as much out on the line as possible. I rarely use a tumble dryer.

I don't because eco is a 30-40 wash and I wash lots of items that say wash at 30 and I don't want to damage them.