When Is the Best Time To Do Laundry?

Laundry, laundry, laundry. It can sometimes feel like a never-ending cycle. And if you've got a big household, or just kids of any age who seem remarkably incapable of keeping anything clean for more than five minutes, costs can quickly stack up. But the moment you learn to time it better, you begin to take control. From beating high electricity prices to avoiding that all-too-familiar weekday laundry pile-up, timing your wash can save money and cut waste. Why pay more to do something you’re already going to do? A couple of simple shifts in your schedule could make your wash routine easier, cheaper, and smarter, and that’s worth five minutes of planning, right? 

What Is the Cheapest Time of Day To Do Laundry?

Most people toss in a load of laundry whenever the laundry basket begins to stack up. Maybe just before breakfast, maybe around dinner, which seems logical, but it’s usually the most expensive time of day. Energy companies call it “peak demand” when everyone’s at home cooking, turning on the TV, running dishwashers, blasting heating or cooling, and doing laundry. Those rates can really spike.

If you want to beat the high costs, look for off-peak hours. That typically means early mornings, before 7 a.m., or later at night after 9 p.m. If your utility offers time-of-use pricing (though you might need to enquire about that), you could see a big difference in your bills. Some places even provide cheaper weekend rates since fewer commercial buildings draw power. Think of it like choosing to drive at midnight instead of through rush hour: you’ll save money and stress.

Smart Laundry Tips to Reduce Energy Costs

We don't often think of laundry as an energy drainer, but doing a load daily or every other day can quickly put a dent in your carbon footprint. Here’s how to reduce energy costs.

Wash With Cooler Temperatures

Hot water might feel powerful, but it’s expensive. Around 90% of your machine’s energy can go just to heating the water, which is an astonishing figure. Cooler washes protect colors, save cash, and reduce shrinking or fading.

Run Full Loads

Your mother or grandmother might have often preached this. Of course, you might panic when you run out of gym clothes midweek, but resist half-load washing if you can. Wait until there’s enough for a full drum, as this saves water, energy, and detergent and helps you cut your bills with fewer total cycles.

Use the Right Detergent Type

Liquid jugs? Often messy. Powder? Sometimes clumpy. Detergent sheets, like our dermatologist-tested Freddie sheets, are tidy, pre-measured, and designed to dissolve even in cold water. No more spills, and they come in recyclable cardboard packaging instead of bulky plastic jugs. Plus, they have an ingredients list free of harmful chemicals like bleach and dyes.

Maximize the Spin

Crank up the spin. More water wrung out in the washer means less time in the dryer, which burns through the most energy after the wash. Bonus: your laundry air-dries faster, too, and static is reduced.

Clean Your Appliances

If your washer is coated in detergent residue or your dryer’s lint trap is clogged, you're throwing money away. Machines work harder and use more power when they’re dirty. Keep them fresh with a regular cleaning routine—once a month is a good start—and clean that lint filter every single cycle.

Use Delay-Start Features

This is one of those hidden gems that we should all be doing. Modern washers often let you set a delay timer, so load up before bed and program a start for 2 a.m., and you’ll wake up to fresh laundry without paying peak rates or disturbing your household in the middle of the night by groggily loading the washing machine like a zombie. 

Air Dry When You Can

Tumble dryers might seem magical, but they cost a lot to run. If you’ve got the space, hang your clothes on a rack or a line. Less heat equals less wear on fabrics, fewer energy spikes, and, believe it or not, a lower chance of static cling.

Understand Energy Ratings

One of the smartest ways to shrink your laundry bill is by looking at the energy efficiency of your appliances. In the U.S., the ENERGY STAR label is the key indicator of efficiency. Certified washing machines and dryers use less energy and water than standard models, without sacrificing performance. Choosing an appliance with this label might cost more upfront, but you’ll save significant money on your electricity bills over time.

How Often To Wash Different Items

It’s easy to overdo laundry out of habit, and that’s money down the drain. Here’s a simple reference:

• After Each Use: Underwear, socks, workout gear, dishcloths
• Every Few Days: Pajamas, bath towels
• Weekly: Bed sheets, everyday clothes, kitchen towels
• Monthly: Mattress protectors, blankets
• Every 3 to 4 Months: Pillows (check care label), plush toys
• Once or Twice Per Year: Heavy comforters, curtains, seasonal coats

Do a sniff test when in doubt, but try to avoid overwashing. Too much laundering can wreck fabrics and chew up energy for no good reason.

Peak and Off-Peak Hours Affect Laundry Costs

Power providers reward you for doing chores when everyone else isn’t. Peak hours usually hit from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and sometimes during the breakfast rush. That’s when most people are home with the lights blazing, the oven running, the TV on, charging devices—you get the idea.

Off-peak hours are the opposite: mornings before work, late nights, or weekends. Many utility companies offer incentives or better rates for these times, so don’t hesitate to check with your supplier. You might score a better deal. Think of off-peak laundry like off-season travel: fewer crowds, cheaper costs, less stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Should You Not Do Your Laundry?

Avoid weekday evenings whenever possible. That’s when rates are highest, and the grid is most stressed. Plan loads for quieter times if you can, and you’ll help balance the energy system while trimming your bill.

What Time Is Too Late To Do Laundry?

It depends on where you live. Technically, you can wash anytime, but if you share walls with light sleepers, midnight spin cycles might spark complaints. Use a delay timer to run the load overnight while you sleep without annoying the neighbors.

What Is the Best Time of Day To Wash Clothes?

Early morning or late evening is the winner, hands down. Prices are lower, machines are under less stress, and you can dry your laundry on your schedule.

Laundry Timing Improves Efficiency and Saves Money

Your laundry habits have a ripple effect on your energy bill, the lifespan of your clothes, and even the strain on the power grid. Washing during off-peak times keeps rates down, while cold cycles protect fabrics and reduce energy use. Running full loads, maximizing the spin, and taking advantage of delay timers add up to big wins over time.

And the detergent? If you want less plastic waste and more convenience, check out Freddie’s dermatologist-tested laundry detergent sheets. They’re mess-free, pre-measured, and designed to dissolve in cold water, packaged in recyclable cardboard so you can finally skip the big plastic jug. 

Get smart, shift your schedule, and make the chore a little easier on your wallet and the planet’s resources. One tiny habit change, one smarter detergent swap. That’s how you build a laundry routine that actually feels good.