At a Glance
Factors Affecting Water Usage in a Washing Machine
Best Water-Efficient Washing Machines
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Have you ever wondered, "How much water does a washing machine use?" The answer is a lot, especially if your machine is an older, top-loading model. Unfortunately, in many households, washing machines are the biggest "water guzzlers" among household appliances.
In Arizona, water scarcity is a significant issue. Long-term drought and climate change have severely impacted the Colorado River, a major water source, causing the water level in Lake Mead to dwindle.
This makes having a water-efficient washing machine especially beneficial for Arizona households. Not only does it help with water conservation, but it also reduces water bills for many families.
Before you shop, it's important to understand how water usage impacts your laundry habits. This knowledge will help you make better choices for conserving water and managing your laundry more efficiently.
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Shop High-Efficiency WashersWater Usage Breakdown
Washing machines consume a lot of water in a household. They can outpace showers, toilets, and even dishwashers regarding water consumption per use.
So, how much water does a washing machine use? The average is between 15 and 40 gallons per load. This wide range depends on several factors, but the key difference lies in what you have.
Top Load Washer
A traditional top loading machine consumes more water than other models. These machines, especially the ones with agitators, are water guzzlers. They rely on filling a large tub with water to clean clothes. A top-load washing machine water usage is between 30 to 40 gallons per load.
Meanwhile, the newer HE top-loaders are more water-conscious. A top-load HE washer uses around 15-20 gallons of water by filling only the bottom of the tub and tumbling clothes through it.
Impeller Top Load Washers
Top-load washers using impellers offer a balance between water efficiency and cleaning style. They differ from traditional agitator models by using a low-profile fin or disc that spins and creates water currents, which move clothes around the drum. This model uses around 15-20 gallons of water per load.
Agitator Top Load Washers
The ones with agitators are the least water-efficient options. They rely on a central agitator that spins back and forth. This is why the tub needs to be full of water to clean clothes effectively. It usually requires at least 30 gallons of water per load.
Front load washer
If you really want to save water, front-load washers are the champions of water efficiency. Their sealed drum design uses only enough water to saturate the clothes for cleaning, significantly reducing water usage.
Front-load washers generally use 10 to 15 gallons of water per load, but some HE models can use as little as 7 gallons.
If reducing washer water consumption and conserving water usage is your top priority, a front-load washer is your best option.
The difference between front-load and top-load washers can be seen in detail in the following table:
| Washer Type | Water Usage (gallons per load) | Energy Usage (kWh per load) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front-Load High Efficiency (HE) | 7-10 | 0.5 - 1.5 | Gentle on clothes, low water usage, quiet |
| Front-Load | 10-15 | 1.0 - 2.0 | Efficient cleaning, various cycle options |
| Impeller Top-Load | 15-20 | 0.8 - 1.5 | High spin speed, gentle wash, compact design |
| Traditional Top-Load (Agitator) | 30-40 | 1.5 - 2.5 | Powerful cleaning, short cycle times |
The next time someone asks, “How much water does a washing machine use?” you’ll know the answer simply by referencing the above table.
Factors Affecting Water Usage in a Washing Machine
How much water does the washing machine use per load? Here is the breakdown of those factors:
- Load Size: This is a major factor. You assume larger laundry loads require more water to clean all clothes effectively. But if you wash only small loads multiple times, you’d consume more water. Instead, always try to wash full loads whenever possible to maximize water efficiency.
- Wash Cycles: Different wash cycles require different amounts of water. Washing on a heavy-duty cycle (usually for towels and bed sheets) uses water most. A regular cycle uses only a moderate amount of water. A quick wash consumes the least water, enough for lightly soiled clothes.
- Washer Age: Newer models are more water-efficient. High-efficiency washers are the new standard, as they use less water than older models. Nothing is more efficient for clothes washer water consumption than the modern HE models, which can wash with as little as 7 gallons of water per load.
You might also like to contemplate additional factors affecting water usage in washing machines, such as:
- Machine Capacity: A larger washing machine drum will use more water to fill, even with automatic water level control. Choosing a washer whose capacity meets your needs precisely without being excessively large is better.
- Washer Features: Some washers have features that optimize water usage. Features like “eco wash” or “quick wash” help you save water. Automatic water level control also optimizes water usage.
Features of Water-Conscious Washing Machines
Many washing machines these days have water-conscious features. These are the machines that when you ask, “How much water does a washer use?” – you can answer with “Not much.” Look out for these features when browsing for a washer for your home.
HE Washers
HE washers are the cornerstone of water-saving washers. They’re designed to use significantly less water compared to traditional models. These machines can achieve a clean wash with a lower volume of water. They have a wide range of water volume per load, between 10 and 30, but some models use as little as 7 gallons.
Automatic Water Level Control
This feature reduces the guesswork of how much water a washing machine uses for your laundry load. It automatically weighs the clothes in the washer and adjusts the water level accordingly so that you won’t use more water than necessary, even with smaller loads.
Sensor Technology
A modern washing machine often comes equipped with various sensors that contribute to water efficiency. Water level sensors ensure the correct amount of water for the load size. Meanwhile, soil level sensors detect how dirty your clothes are. A water flow sensor monitors the water usage throughout the wash cycle and adjusts it if any leaks or inefficiencies happen.
Energy Star Certification
An Energy Star washers are bound to meet stricter water usage standards. They’re also certified to be more energy-efficient, contributing to overall environmental benefits.
Best Water-Efficient Washing Machines
Tired of getting asked, “How much water does a washing machine use?” If yes, you should consider getting one of these washing machines:
GE Profile 5.0 Cu. F.t Diamond Gray Top Load Washer
Shop GE Profile 5.0 Cu. F.t Gray Top Load Washer
The main reason we like this top-load washer is its water-filling option. With the touch of a button, you can control the water level. Its smart technology optimizes cleaning power and fabric care, ensuring your clothes are well cared for.
This Energy Star-certified GE Profile washer also features advanced antibacterial capabilities. Microban technology prevents odor-inducing bacteria, and the Oxi sanitize function ensures the machine stays as clean as your clothes.
⭐Featured #PTW600BPRDG Review:
"This washer works great and is pretty quiet. I will always choose GE appliances after having an awful experience with the previous brand new washer (Starts with M...). Thanks GE for making a quality washer."
Samsung 5.4 Cu. Ft. Brushed Navy Top Load Washer
Shop Samsung 5.4 Cu. Ft. Navy Top Load Washer
This Energy Star washer features a built-in water faucet for pre-treating heavily soiled or stained clothes. It fills the tub efficiently as needed for soaking and washing larger loads.
Through the SmartThings app, you can select various wash cycles and monitor your laundry. Additionally, this Samsung top-load washer is excellent for pet owners, as it effectively removes pet hair from clothes.
⭐Featured #WA54CG7150AD Review:
"I bought this washer about a month ago and I'm very glad I did. With two dogs and a cat in the house I never thought my clothes would be super clean again. Think again, because they are. Clothes come out fresh, and the pet hair is gone. No more washing clothes twice to get them clean!"
Miele W1 White Edition 2.3 Cu. Ft. Lotus White Front Load Washer
Shop Miele 2.3 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Washer
This Energy Star-certified Miele washer is designed to save both energy and water. It includes automatic load recognition and multiple wash cycle options.
The SingleWash mode is perfect for economically washing small loads, while the IntenseWash mode uses Spin&Spray technology to clean efficiently at very low water levels, saving heating energy.
Additional Tips for Water Conservation
It’s not solely how many gallons of water a washing machine uses that you should care about. But it’s also what you do to conserve water with your laundry habits.
Do more to conserve water in your area by cultivating a set of water-conscious laundry habits. Consider the following:
- Wash Full Loads: Avoid running the washer with small loads. If you must wash a small load, adjust the water level setting. A full load optimizes water usage considerably.
- Choose the Right Cycle: Stop wasting water for heavy-duty cycles on lightly soiled clothes. Use water-saving cycles whenever possible, as they use less water for shorter wash times.
- Pre-treat Stains: If you address stains before putting the clothes in the washer, you can use a gentler wash cycle with less water.
- Don’t Be in a Hurry to Wash: Are your clothes lightly worn and not soiled? Did you wear your clothes indoors without staining much of them? Wear your clothes again instead of washing them immediately. This can reduce the number of wash cycles needed.
- Air Dry Clothes: When the weather is good and there’s sunshine aplenty, skip the dryer and hang clothes to dry instead. This saves water drying and can be gentler on your clothes.
- Clean Your Washer Regularly: A clean washer functions more efficiently and may use less water. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your washer. If needed, call the pros for thorough maintenance from time to time.
Why Trust Arizona Appliance & Home?
At Arizona Appliance & Home, we're committed to providing the best selection and service to our customers. Whether you're a homeowner embarking on a remodel, a builder, or a designer, we have the expertise and resources to meet your needs.
With showrooms in Scottsdale, Tucson, and Phoenix, including a dedicated builder design center, we've proudly served the Arizona community since 1944. Visit one of our appliance showrooms to explore an unparalleled collection of refrigerators, dishwashers, cooking, laundry, and outdoor appliances.
Shop High Efficiency Washers at Arizona Appliance & Home
Our team of experts are more than just appliance professionals – they're skilled, knowledgeable, and wonderful to work with. With years of experience under their belts, they understand how each appliance works and are passionate about helping customers make informed decisions. Whether you have questions about washers or need advice on choosing the best high-efficiency washers, our team is always happy to lend their expertise and provide personalized guidance. Contact us today to see how we can help you find the perfect appliance for your home.