How Much Water Does a Washing Machine Use?

Laundry: the one chore nobody loves but everyone has to do. But have you ever thought about how much water your washer uses? 

With water conservation becoming increasingly important, understanding your washing machine’s efficiency can help you make more eco-friendly choices while saving on your utility bills. This blog explores washing machine water usage and the best washers at Queen City—let’s get started!

Why Water Efficiency Matters

Water is a limited resource. While it might not seem critical now, global water supplies are dwindling, and conservation is vital to making sure future generations have access to fresh water. 

Reducing water usage in laundry not only conserves a vital resource but also lowers utility bills. High-efficiency washers can lead to significant savings over time, making them a smart investment for both the environment and your wallet.

💡 Looking for more climate-friendly inspiration? Read our blog: How To Make My Home More Eco-Friendly

Average Water Usage of Washing Machines

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), older, traditional washing machines use 27 to 54 gallons of water per load. In comparison, newer high-efficiency (HE) washers have drastically reduced water usage to under 27 gallons per load.

Here’s a general breakdown of washer water usage by washer type:

• Standard Top-Load Washers: Typically use 20–25 gallons per cycle.

• Standard Front-Load Washers: Use approximately 15–20 gallons per cycle.

• High-Efficiency Top-Load Washers: Use approximately 12–17 gallons per cycle.

• High-Efficiency Front-Load Washers: The most water-efficient, averaging about 7 gallons per cycle.

Front-load washers are particularly efficient due to their design, requiring less water to achieve effective cleaning. This efficiency conserves water and reduces energy consumption, as less water needs heating.

How to Find Water-Efficient Washing Machines

When shopping for a washer, look for the Energy Guide label—that yellow sticker you’ve probably seen on appliances. This guide provides essential details about the model, including:

• Manufacturer, model number, and size of the appliance.

• Estimated yearly operating cost based on national averages for electricity and water usage.

• ENERGY STAR® certification, indicating superior energy efficiency.

• Estimated yearly electricity consumption and water usage.

While the Energy Guide offers averages, actual water usage may vary depending on how often you use the machine and your local utility costs. Still, it’s an excellent tool for comparing models and finding the most efficient options for your needs.

Queen City’s Most Water-Efficient Washers

If you’re ready to upgrade to a water-efficient washing machine, here are some excellent options available at Queen City:

→ Bosch 500 Series Compact Washer 

This Bosch compact washer is perfect for households looking to save water without sacrificing cleaning power. It’s ideal for small spaces and features advanced technology for efficient and effective laundry care.

Features:

• Extra Spacious Drum: Wash large loads or bulky items like duvets with its 10kg capacity.

• SuperQuick 15/30™: Offers a fast wash cycle in 30 minutes, or just 15 minutes with the SpeedPerfect® option.

• ActiveWater™ Plus: Adjusts water consumption automatically based on load size for optimal efficiency.

• Stainless Steel Drum: Provides a gentle yet powerful wash with a wave-shaped structure.

• AquaStop® Plus: Protects against water damage with 24-hour leak detection.

• Interior Drum LED Light: Illuminates the drum for better visibility of your laundry.

• Home Connect™: Control and monitor cycles via your smartphone for added convenience.

• Model: WGB24600UC

→ LG 5.5 Cu. Ft. Mega Capacity Smart Top Load Washer

If you need something more robust than a compact front-load washer, consider this high-efficiency washer from LG! This top-load washer is designed for maximum capacity and high efficiency, making it a great choice for large families or anyone needing to tackle big laundry loads.

Key Features:

• AI Fabric Care: Built-in sensors detect fabric texture and load size, automatically adjusting settings for optimal care.

• Mega Capacity: With a 5.5 Cu. Ft. drum, it handles large loads, including king-size comforters.

• ezDispense® Automatic Dispenser: Holds detergent for up to 25 loads, releasing the perfect amount for each cycle.

• Ergonomic Design: The angled front and EasyUnload™ design make it comfortable to load and unload laundry.

• ThinQ® Technology: Control cycles remotely, download additional options, and receive maintenance alerts via the ThinQ app.

• Energy and Water Efficiency: ENERGY STAR® certified for eco-friendly performance.

• Model: WT8600CB

Washer-Dryer Combos: How Do They Compare?

A washer-dryer combo can be a great option if you're short on space. These machines handle both washing and drying in a single appliance, making them perfect for small homes, apartments, or RVs.

On average, washer-dryer combos use 20–25 gallons per cycle, similar to standard washers. However, water usage depends on the machine’s age and size.

→ Electrolux Laundry Tower Single Unit Front Load Washer & Dryer

This full-size, vertically stacked washer and dryer offers a compact solution for households needing to maximize laundry room space while maintaining top-tier performance. 

Features:

• Space-Saving Vertical Design: A stacked layout takes up half the floor space of traditional washers and dryers, freeing up room for extra storage.

• 15-Minute Fast Wash & Fast Dry: Quickly clean and dry essential items in just 30 minutes.

• Extra Large Capacity: Wash and dry large loads, including king-size comforters, with a 4.4 Cu. Ft. washer and 8.0 Cu. Ft. dryer.

• Prevent Over-Drying: Moisture sensors ensure clothes are gently tumbled and stop when perfectly dry.

• ENERGY STAR Certified: High-performance cleaning and drying with energy efficiency.

• Model: ELTE7300AW

Explore Water-Efficient Washers at Queen City

Investing in a water-efficient washing machine is good for the planet and your wallet. Modern washers use as little as 7 gallons per cycle, so upgrading to a high-efficiency model can significantly reduce your water and energy bills.

Ready to shop? At Queen City, we carry a curated selection of efficient laundry appliances. 

Contact us or visit one of our local Queen City locations across North Carolina to shop for a new water-efficient washer. Beyond LG, Bosch, and Electrolux, we offer top brands like Speed Queen, Maytag, Whirlpool, and more. Explore our selection at Queen City and experience an enhanced laundry day! 

Related readings from our blog:

• Speed Queen Vs. Maytag: Which Washer Is Best?

• Elevate Your Laundry: GE Profile 2-in-1 Washer & Dryer

• What Is Considered A High Capacity Washer?

FAQ: Washing Machine Water Usage

1. Do all washing machines use the same amount of water?

No, water usage varies by type, model, and age of the machine. HE models use less water compared to older, standard models.

2. How can I get my GE washer to use more water?

Some GE washers have settings like "Deep Fill" or "Bulky" cycles that allow for increased water levels. Refer to your user manual for specific instructions.

3. Does hand washing use less water than a washing machine?

Hand washing can use more water than an HE washing machine, especially if running water is used continuously. HE machines are designed for water efficiency.

4. Which washing machine uses the least amount of water?

High-efficiency (HE) front-load washers are the most efficient when it comes to washing machine water consumption, using approximately 7 gallons per cycle. Their design allows for effective cleaning with minimal water.

5. Does quick wash use less water?

Yes, quick wash cycles are designed for lightly soiled clothes and typically use less water and energy, making them an efficient option for small loads.

6. How many gallons of water does it take to do a load of laundry?

A load of laundry typically uses 20–25 gallons with a standard washer and 7–17 gallons with a high-efficiency washer, depending on the cycle and machine type.