Washing machine, which program for best efficiency.

[Fly]

We've sort of decided for ourselves, but would like to see your views, comments.

The new washer is rated 'A' for efficiency.
But, which program to use, to make it most efficient for a general wash.

Program          Time          Max Load
1 90degs         144m        6kg

2 60degs         155m        6kg
With Pre-Wash

3 60degs         162m        6kg

4 40degs         132m        6kg

5 40degs         109m        6kg
Eco-Wash

6 30degs         126m        6kg

7 30degs         33m          3kg
Quick-Wash

8 Cold             119m        6kg

9 40degs         97m          6kg

Program 3 looks Ok for a general hot wash, full load, but 162 minutes, that's over 2 and a half hours !!
I was thinking in terms of time, heating water etc, and the advancement in wash detergents.
Two smaller loads on program 7 would still be more economical and efficient than one on program 3.
One larger load on program 9 is still an hour shorter than program 3, just using cooler water.

[k4blades]

Depends on several factors. Is your machine cold fill only as many are these days. The most inefficient part of the cycle is getting the water hot, whether thats done by the machine or your heating system. If your machine is hot-filled, and you have gas central heating, its less of a major factor, if the machine is heating the water then the temperature and length of heat cycle comes into play much more. But having said that, unless you have the machine on all day every day, we aren't talkiing great sums of money.
Generally though, the advice is to go for shorter and cooler cycles.....but then you might spend a bit more on a better detergent to get the same results. Swings and roundabouts.

[Old Cruser]

This can get complicated   

The temp. on 3 is only half that as the one on 7 if you have stained clothes maybe they won't come out? Whites won't be as white if washed regularly on 30deg I don't think ----

I only use 30deg for clothes which just need freshening up or can't be washed on a higher temp?
But hey --- that's just me I am a bit picky with washing. 

[Fly]

Depends on several factors. Is your machine cold fill only as many are these days. The most inefficient part of the cycle is getting the water hot, whether thats done by the machine or your heating system. If your machine is hot-filled, and you have gas central heating, its less of a major factor, if the machine is heating the water then the temperature and length of heat cycle comes into play much more. But having said that, unless you have the machine on all day every day, we aren't talkiing great sums of money.
Generally though, the advice is to go for shorter and cooler cycles.....but then you might spend a bit more on a better detergent to get the same results. Swings and roundabouts.

Cold water fill, and used 2 -3 times a week.
So we're probably right, program 7 or 9. 3 if it's a 'dirty' load.

[Kent]

It Seems Fly, that your threads today are leading me to your issues.. read this

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2050239/How-washing-machines-familys-health-risk-Low-temperatures-mixed-loads-spreading-dangerous-bugs.html

[Fly]

Nice find Kent, but doesn't it make you believe, the hotter wash is better.
So my socks and undies get a program 3 in future, but not with other clothing.

Cost wasn't a factor in my post.
A 2 1/2 hour wash is, for an efficient 'A' related machine, not, very efficient :-)

[Old Cruser]

Have to agree with you Fly my daugher bought a new washer/dryer last May and to do a full wash /dry cycle on some settings it takes hours.

Ridiculous as nothing needs that much washing --- does it????