At a Glance:
How Many Gallons of Water Does a Washing Machine Use?
How Much Water Does a Washing Machine Use Per Cycle?
How to Use Less Water in a Washing Machine
Top Water-Efficient Washing Machines
From showering to washing your hands, the daily routine is full of moments where simple tasks require a considerable amount of resources. That’s no exception when it comes to the washing machine, and homeowners have caught on to the fact and are continuously searching for ways to reduce water consumption. The silver lining is manufacturers have aligned with buyers’ needs, and these days, buyers have access to the largest selection of eco-friendly washers than ever before.
Even then, knowing how a machine works is a great way to ensure the washer you buy isn’t a water hog. Use this guide to answer “How much water does a washing machine use?” and discover top high-efficiency washer options to help reduce your daily water consumption.
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Shop NowHow Many Gallons of Water Does a Washing Machine Use?
The number of gallons of water that a washing machine uses depends on its design. For instance, a top-load washing machine uses around 20 gallons of water, while a front-load model uses closer to 14 gallons. Top-load washing machine water consumption is significantly higher because of the deep tub. Front-load washing machines use gravity to tumble your clothes in and out of the water, while top-load washers soak your clothes completely and spin them in a horizontal circle.
When considering which washer uses less water, front-load models beat top-load appliances every time. Energy Star-certified front-load washers, in particular, use 45% less electricity and 50% less water than most top-load models. Front-load water consumption is optimal for any family that wants to save water while still washing the same number of loads.
How Much Water Does a Washing Machine Use Per Cycle?
It is hard to answer exactly how much water does a washing machine use because it varies by brand, model, and even cycle. Similarly, it is difficult to identify which washing machine uses the most water because consumption varies by cycle.
Ultimately, your appliance user manual should give you an idea of the washer water consumption per cycle so you can optimize your water usage. With that said, here is the average water consumption of a washing machine by cycle to give you an idea of which settings are more water-dependent.
- Normal Wash Cycle: This cycle uses the standard water usage, which can range from 14 to 20 gallons depending on the machine.
- Heavy Duty Wash Cycle: This cycle uses more than 14 gallons of water to provide a deeper clean for heavily soiled clothes.
- Spin Cycle: This cycle spins clothes to removing water, meaning it doesn’t use water at all.
- Rinse Cycle: This depends on the type of rinse cycle. A spray rinse will use less water than a deep fill rinse, which will use more water.
- Deep Water Wash Cycle: The deep fill setting fills the washer to the max with water with water levels above 14 gallons
How to Use Less Water in a Washing Machine
After learning how much water does a washing machine use, you can take additional steps to reduce your consumption and run more efficient loads. If you notice your washing machine using too much water, start with a few behavioral changes. Here are a few best practices to follow if you want to consume less water over time.
✅ Take advantage of your washer’s capacity. A washer uses the same amount to wash full loads as half loads, so make the most of the water by filling your machine to the top.
✅ Adjust your water levels. If you need to run a small load of laundry, choose a lower water level so you use less.
✅ Pretreat stains. Use stain removers or soak your clothes to work out stains before washing the garments. This way you won't need to choose the deep fill or high power options.
✅ Choose eco options. Some washers have eco cycles built in that reduce the amount of water you consume.
Top Water-Efficient Washing Machines
Following best practices to reduce water usage and understanding the difference between top-load vs. front-load washing machine water consumption can help you make smarter choices when doing laundry. For example, it can empower you to choose better washing machines when it is time to replace your current model. These appliances are a great place to start if you want to find the best washing machine for saving water. Not only are they efficient, but they are reliable and highly rated by other customers.
LG 5.0 Cu. Ft. Black Steel Front Load Washer
Shop This LG Front Load Washer
This Mega Capacity washer from LG allows you to run fewer loads, resulting in lower water usage overall. The AI fabric sensors identify how soiled the clothes are and adjust the water level and temperature appropriately. You can also explore different cycles through the ThinQ® app and choose ones that use the least amount of water. This is a great fit if you are looking for a low water consumption washing machine with cutting-edge features.
⭐Featured LG WM4200HBA Review:
“It has so many handy features that it makes doing laundry a breeze. It is so quiet. Having the app on my phone to remind me when the cycle is complete really helps me. Scheduling start times is also a great feature.”
Bosch® 500 Series 2.4 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Compact Washer
Shop This Bosch Front Load Washer
Bosch is known for its great washing machine water efficiency ratings, making this washer ideal for the consumption-conscious homeowner. The AquaStop® Plus feature also identifies any leaks and alerts you to the issue. This way your water is never wasted. Ideal for smaller households, this front load washer was names as one of the ENERGY START Most Efficient of 2024, confirming this machine was made to save water while delivering amazing results.
Miele 24" Lotus White Front Load Washer
Shop This Miele Front Load Washer
Along with asking how much water does a washing machine use, you can also determine a washer’s efficiency by evaluating its electricity consumption and durability. Miele tests its washers to make sure the motor lasts up to 10,000 hours (that’s 20 years, FYI). This helps buyers save money by investing in washers that last. This Energy Star-certified washer minimizes water usage. Plus, it features the exclusive Capdosing system, which dispenses the exact amount of detergent for every load for additional ways to save on laundry.
ASKO Classic 2.1 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Washer
Not only does this ASKO appliance have an impressive washing machine water capacity, but it is made with an hourglass design to minimize wear on your clothes. There are more than 15 different programs you can choose that will adjust your water levels accordingly. This is an optimal machine if you want to protect your clothes but also need to get stains out. You have complete control over how this washer runs.
Electrolux 4.5 Cu. Ft. Glacier Blue Front Load Washer
Shop This Electrolux Front Load Washer
Not only is this an efficient washing machine, but it is also stylish. The glacier blue exterior can't be beat and will elevate your laundry room. The Adaptive Dispenser™ determines how much detergent you need so you never overuse it, but the most impressive upgrade is the LuxCare Wash system that enhances water temperature and agitation for a better wash. Over 8,300 buyers agree this modern front load washer is a 5/5.
⭐Featured Electrolux ELFW7437AG Review:
“My new washer is great! It is very quiet compared to my last washer (different brand). Our laundry room is on the second floor and this one seems to control the vibration/shaking which is wonderful.”
The initiative to save water in the laundry room benefits both the user and the environment, which is why understanding how much water a washing machine uses and how to promote water conservation is an essential part of today’s laundry routine. At Albert Lee, we’re glad to help you get on track to a greener laundry regimen with our selection of efficient washers and dryers.Visit one of our Puget Sound appliance stores to have our appliance experts help you on your search!
FAQs
What Is a high-efficiency washer?
A high-efficiency washer is designed to minimize the amount of water and electricity that the appliance uses. Upgrading to one of these models can reduce your utility bills, especially if you do a lot of laundry throughout the week.
Can I use regular detergent in my high-efficiency washer?
Regular detergent may create too many suds if you use it in a high-efficiency washer. Instead, choose high-efficiency detergents that are designed specifically for these appliances. This will also protect the quality of your clothes and prevent them from feeling oily after you clean them.
How can you conserve water when washing clothes?
They're multiple ways to conserve water while doing laundry. Either fill your washer to the top so you run a full load or adjust the water level so it is lower. You can also invest in a front-load washer, which uses significantly less water than top-load models. Pretreating stains can also eliminate the need for you to use heavy-duty or deep-fill cycles.
Why Trust Albert Lee?
Since 1939, Albert Lee Appliance, a three-generation, family-owned business, continues to grow and serve the greater Pacific Northwest with quality products you can count on and service you can trust. We are proud to have served this community for so long and wouldn’t be here without our loyal customers. There is a reason why we are Washington’s largest independent appliance dealer, and it’s not a secret. Simply put: We have the experience. We have been the original appliance experts for over eight decades (and counting).
Shop High Efficiency Washers at Albert Lee
At Albert Lee Appliance, we provide quality name-brand appliances for great prices. Shop laundry appliances online or visit us today at one of our six locations in the Pacific Northwest. In the meantime, browse our website to shop the latest launry appliances and check out Albert Lee appliance reviews online to ensure every purchase is an informed one. More available than ever, our experts at Albert Lee Appliance are always happy to help you answer all your questions about laundry, including how much water does a washing machine use, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Contact us today!
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