It might come as a surprise to you, but turns out there actually is a worst time to do laundry—and it’s probably the time that you do yours. According to Petya Holevich, house cleaning expert and supervisor at Fantastic Services, the worst time to do laundry is during peak energy usage hours, typically between 4 PM and 9 PM.
This is typically the time that most households are using their appliances, heating or air conditioning, and lighting all at once—so the energy demand is high. Running your washer or dryer during this time can lead to higher utility bills in the long run.
But higher utility bills aren’t the only reason why you shouldn’t do your laundry in the evening: your machines could actually be less effective.
According to Holevich, many modern washers and dryers adjust cycle performance based on incoming voltage and water temperature. So, if you’re running your machines during peak times, the fluctuating voltage could impact how thoroughly your clothes are rinsed and dried.
The Best Time of Day for Doing Laundry
If you’re guilty of doing your laundry during the evening and want to switch to a better time, you’re in luck.
For both energy efficiency and better results, Holevich recommends doing your laundry in the morning because the temperatures are usually moderate, the humidity is lower, and electricity demand is still relatively light.
