When Is It Cheapest to Do Laundry and Save Money

Everyone · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What do you need before starting laundry to save money?

Before starting laundry with the goal of saving money, gather all necessary supplies and information to work efficiently and cost-effectively. First, have your laundry detergent, fabric softener (if you use it), and clean laundry baskets ready. Pre-sort your clothes by color, fabric type, and washing instructions during the day so you can start washing promptly when the time is right.

Next, check your utility bill or contact your electricity provider to find out if you have time-of-use (TOU) rates. These rates charge less for electricity during off-peak hours, which vary by location but often fall late at night or early morning. Knowing your exact off-peak hours helps you plan laundry loads when power is cheapest. If you do not have TOU rates, you can still save by using energy-efficient machine settings.

Have a reliable clock or phone alarm set to remind you when off-peak hours begin, so you don’t miss the opportunity to start laundry at the cheapest time. Finally, locate your washer and dryer’s manuals or settings and learn which cycles use the least water and energy. This preparation ensures you begin laundry efficiently, avoiding rushed decisions that can waste money.

When is the cheapest time to do laundry and why?

The cheapest time to do laundry depends on your utility provider’s electricity rate schedule, which often includes off-peak hours when energy costs less. Commonly, these off-peak hours occur late at night (for example, from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.) or early morning before peak demand starts. Some providers also have cheaper rates on weekends or holidays.

The reason off-peak hours are cheaper is that fewer people use electricity at these times, so providers lower prices to balance energy demand. Running your washer and dryer in these windows takes advantage of lower rates, reducing the electricity portion of your utility bill. For instance, if your electricity costs 20 cents per kilowatt-hour during the day but only 10 cents overnight, doing laundry overnight cuts your energy cost in half for those appliances.

If your utility does not use time-of-use pricing, energy costs remain flat throughout the day. However, even then, avoiding peak times can reduce strain on appliances and sometimes avoid higher demand surcharges on your bill. Checking your provider’s website or calling customer service can clarify when your cheapest laundry times are, so you can plan accordingly.

How do you do laundry at the cheapest time? Step-by-step guide

1. Check your utility rates and off-peak hours: Locate your utility bill or call your provider to confirm your off-peak electricity hours. Write them down or set a daily phone alarm to remind you when off-peak times begin.
2. Sort laundry during the day: Sort clothes by whites, colors, delicates, and heavy fabrics before your off-peak window. This way, you are ready to start washing immediately without delay.
3. Start washing at off-peak time: Begin your washer cycle as soon as off-peak hours start. For example, if off-peak starts at 9 p.m., load your washer and press start at 9:00 or 9:05 p.m.
4. Use cold water settings: Select cold water wash to avoid heating water, which saves considerable energy costs. Most detergents are effective in cold water for everyday clothes.
5. Choose energy-efficient or eco cycles: Many washers have an “eco” or “energy saver” mode that uses less water and energy, though these cycles might be slightly longer.
6. Dry clothes efficiently: After washing, transfer clothes to the dryer promptly. Use the moisture sensor or “auto dry” settings to avoid over-drying, which wastes energy. Alternatively, air-dry clothes on a rack or clothesline to eliminate drying energy costs.
7. Finish laundry before peak hours: Aim to complete your laundry cycle before peak electricity demand resumes, usually early morning. This prevents extra charges if your utility has dynamic pricing.
8. Repeat regularly: Establish a routine to do laundry consistently during off-peak hours, saving money each time.

For example, if you start a wash at 9 p.m. (off-peak time), use cold water with the energy saver cycle, then dry clothes using the moisture sensor, your energy cost for laundry could be significantly less than running the same loads mid-afternoon.

How do you know it worked—did you save money?

To assess whether your strategy to save money on laundry worked, begin by monitoring your electricity bills monthly. Compare the bills before and after you started doing laundry during off-peak hours. Look for a reduction in your overall electricity charges or a visible drop in kilowatt-hour usage during laundry days.

If your utility provides detailed hourly energy usage data online, review the energy consumption during your laundry times. You should see a spike during off-peak hours when you run your washer and dryer, but less cost impact due to lower rates. Additionally, check if your water bill drops by washing full loads and using eco settings, as these reduce water consumption.

On a practical level, observe whether your clothes come out clean and dry without needing extra wash or dry cycles. If you find yourself rewashing or overdrying often, energy savings shrink despite timing changes.

To track success more precisely, keep a laundry log noting when you washed, the settings used, and how long drying took. Over a few weeks, this helps spot patterns in energy use and costs. If bills are not dropping, revisit your schedule and machine settings for further adjustments.

What should you do if your laundry savings plan goes wrong?

If you don’t see savings or encounter problems, start troubleshooting step by step. First, double-check your off-peak hours. Utility providers sometimes adjust rates by season or local demand, so what was off-peak last year might change now. If you’re unsure, call customer support for the latest schedules.

Next, inspect your washer and dryer. Clean lint traps and detergent dispensers regularly, as blockages reduce machine efficiency and increase energy use. Consider running a cleaning cycle or descaling if your machines support it.

Evaluate your laundry habits — avoid running small loads frequently, as machines use a baseline amount of water and energy regardless of load size. Aim for full loads to maximize efficiency. If clothes feel less clean with cold water, try longer cycles or pre-soaking, but balance this against extra water use.

If drying takes too long, ensure your dryer vent is clear and the lint screen is clean. Over-drying wastes energy and shrinks clothes.

Should problems persist, consider contacting a technician or your utility provider for energy audit programs. Many utilities offer free advice or rebates for upgrading to energy-efficient appliances.

How can everyone adapt this advice to their own situation?

Whether you live in a single-family home, apartment, or use a laundromat, you can adjust these money-saving laundry tips. Apartment dwellers should check if communal machines have posted off-peak hours or lower prices at certain times. If so, plan laundry during those times.

Laundromat users can ask staff or look for posted price schedules, since some laundromats offer off-peak or loyalty discounts. Consider bringing your own detergent and controlling drying time carefully to avoid extra charges.

Families with busy schedules can assign laundry tasks to different household members who have flexible availability during off-peak hours. This makes laundry less of a single-person chore and ensures timing consistency.

If your utility provider doesn’t offer time-of-use rates, focus more on water- and energy-saving settings, washing full loads, and air-drying clothes when possible. These methods reduce overall energy consumption regardless of timing.

For people with mobility or scheduling challenges, use a timer plug on your washer or dryer to delay cycle start until off-peak hours. This automation helps avoid forgetting to start laundry at the right time.

What other tips help reduce laundry costs overall?

Beyond timing laundry for off-peak hours, consider these practical tips to lower costs:

• Wash full loads: Running machines with small loads wastes water and energy. Wait until you have enough clothes to fill the washer properly.
• Use the right detergent amount: Overusing detergent leads to excess rinsing and higher water use.
• Maintain appliances: Regularly clean lint filters, washer seals, and dryer vents to improve efficiency.
• Air-dry when possible: Using a clothesline or drying rack eliminates electricity costs and is gentler on fabrics.
• Use dryer balls: These reduce drying time by separating clothes and allowing better air circulation.
• Fix leaks: Check hoses and water connections for leaks to prevent wasted water and higher bills.
• Plan laundry days: Group laundry loads to avoid multiple cycles spread over days.

These habits complement off-peak laundry timing and can collectively save hundreds of dollars annually.

Frequently asked questions

Can doing laundry on weekends save money?

It depends on your utility provider’s rate plan. Some providers have cheaper electricity on weekends or holidays, making laundry less expensive then. Ask your provider or check your bill for weekend off-peak rates. Otherwise, late-night or early-morning weekday hours might offer better savings.

Is it cheaper to wash clothes in cold water?

Yes. Cold water washing uses no energy to heat water, which is a major energy consumer in laundry. Most detergents clean effectively in cold water, saving money without reducing cleaning quality.

How can I save money if I use a laundromat?

Laundromats often have peak and off-peak pricing or offer discounts during slower times. Visit early morning or late evening if possible, bring your own detergent, and watch drying times carefully. Ask about loyalty cards or promotions to reduce costs.

What if my utility provider doesn’t offer time-of-use rates?

Without time-of-use pricing, energy costs are uniform all day. Focus on washing full loads, using cold water, and energy-efficient cycles. Air-drying clothes and maintaining appliances also help reduce utility bills.

How does drying method affect laundry costs?

Dryers use a lot of electricity, especially on high heat or long cycles. Air-drying clothes costs nothing in energy and extends garment life. Using dryer moisture sensors or "auto dry" settings avoids over-drying and cuts energy use.

Are there tools to help schedule laundry at the cheapest times?

Some utilities offer apps or websites that show your off-peak hours and track energy use. You can also use a smart plug or timer to start your washer or dryer automatically during off-peak hours. Check your utility’s resources or customer service for tools available to you.