Shirts in water inside washing machine

HOW MUCH WATER DOES A WASHING MACHINE USE?

Washing machine water usage depends on many factors including the type of washing machine you have and what you are washing. A standard, washing machine that is not high-efficiency uses 19 or more gallons of water per load, while the highest rated high-efficiency (HE) machine is capable of getting clothes clean with only 7 gallons.

HE machines are available as top loading agitator, top loading impeller and front loading models. They use specially formulated detergent and are designed to clean clothes efficiently with less water than standard machines.

According to ENERGY STAR, an ENERGY STAR® certified washer uses 14 gallons of water per load. The average American family washes about 300 loads per year, so that means an ENERGY STAR certified washer can save more than 2,000 gallons of water every year.

Watch the video or read on for more on how washing machine water usage has evolved to be more effective and efficient.

WASHING MACHINE WATER USAGE COMPARISON

The amount of water your washing machine uses will depend on many factors such as whether it is a front or top loader, whether it has an agitator or impeller, if it is high-efficiency or not, the size of the load and the age of the washing machine. The water usage is also dependent on the cycle and settings you choose. Check out the washing machine water usage comparison chart below to see how different models stack up.

WASHING MACHINE WATER USAGE COMPARISON CHART
WASHING MACHINE TYPE AVERAGE GALLONS OF WATER PER LOAD
Top-load washing machine with agitator
19 gallons
High-efficiency top-load washing machine 13 gallons
High-efficiency front-load washing machine
7 gallons
Maytag® washer and dryer side by side Maytag® washer and dryer side by side

HOW DO WATER EFFICIENT WASHERS WORK?

Water efficient washers are able to determine load size and the amount of water to use. Less water allows for increased friction between the fabrics and optimal cleaning. Specially formulated HE detergent works best with less water where it is less diluted, allowing for more concentrated cleaning.

These factors working together allow your water-efficient washing machine to use less water than a standard machine while still providing the washing power you need.

Water pouring into Maytag® washing machine Water pouring into Maytag® washing machine

1. Auto-sensors determine load size & water level

Thanks to auto sensing technology, most washing machines know the right water level to use. As the cycle starts, the machine determines your load size and adds the right amount of water to best clean your clothes.

Agitator moving clothing in washer Agitator moving clothing in washer

2. Less water creates optimal wash action

Front load and impeller washers rely on the friction of clothes rubbing against each other. Less water separating clothes means more friction between fabrics, creating optimal wash action.

Top load washing machines can have either an impeller or an agitator. In washing machines with an agitator, the agitator rubs against clothes to remove soils. Water efficient washing machines come in both top load and front load models.

Maytag® washing machine detergent and fabric softener compartment Maytag® washing machine detergent and fabric softener compartment

3. Concentrated Detergent Drives Efficient Cleaning

Less water also means concentrated cleaning. Rather than diluting detergent as done in traditional-style deep fill washers, low water levels help target hard to clean soils and stains. HE detergent is designed for today’s washing machine water use. It uses a different formula that relies on low water levels to be most effective.

Maytag tip icon

Maytag Tip: Using HE Detergent

Use HE detergent to work with your low water levels. If you have an HE washing machine, non-HE detergent generates more suds than needed and can lead to longer cycle times. Too much detergent can leave behind residue. Follow the recommended usage for your load to see optimal results.

The Smart Way to Wash

Swash® Laundry Detergent, recommended by Maytag brand, is 8x concentrated, so you need less than regular detergent.

Swash® Laundry Detergent makes it easy to use the right amount of detergent for your load. It features a Precision Pour Cap that dispenses the detergent for you, so you only pour what you need. As an added benefit, Swash® laundry detergent can be used in HE and non HE washing machines.

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Shop Swash® Laundry Detergent

White front-load washer and dryer in modern laundry room White front-load washer and dryer in modern laundry room

HOW CAN YOU CONTROL WASHING MACHINE WATER USAGE?

You can control washing machine water usage by choosing the correct wash cycle for your load and by using extra rinse settings only when necessary. If your washing machine has an auto-sensing feature, it will determine how much water is needed based on the size of the load.

TIPS TO REDUCE WASHING MACHINE WATER USAGE

Taking just a few steps can help you reduce your washing machine water usage and help you continue tackling laundry day efficiently.

Close-up image of Maytag® wash cycles Close-up image of Maytag® wash cycles

1. SELECTING WASH CYCLES

Some wash cycles will use more water than others. For example, bulky cycles and cycles for white fabrics often use more water.

Sometimes all you need is a rinse and spin instead of a full wash, and utilizing this setting can help reduce your washing machine water consumption, as well. 

To ensure that you use the right amount of water, follow use and care guides for cycle and option selections and choose the cycle that most closely suits your load. Learn more about wash cycles, when to use them, and how they work.

Maytag® washing machine settings and cycles Maytag® washing machine settings and cycles

2. SELECTING WASHING MACHINE SETTINGS

If you want to add extra water, some washers offer settings that let you increase the water level when you want, like the Maytag® Deep Fill option. You also have the option to add an extra rinse if your washing machine’s water level still seems too low. 

If you are battling a super heavy or extra soiled load, cycles that use more water might be beneficial, and some washing machines include settings for soil level. Longer cycles or those with higher water levels may increase the energy and water usage.

Maytag® washing machines are equipped with an extra power button to provide the powerful cleaning and stain-fighting you need. You can depend on the extra power when you need it, but use your normal cycle without extra water for conquering everyday loads.

Person rinsing garment under water flow in Maytag® washing machine Person rinsing garment under water flow in Maytag® washing machine

3. PRE-TREATING HEAVILY SOILED ITEMS

When you are battling tough stains and heavily soiled fabrics you might need to utilize settings like the Maytag® Extra Power Button or the Maytag® Deep Fill option. However, if you pre-treat your soiled fabrics before putting them in the washing machine, you may be able to use a normal wash cycle and less water. Acting on potential stains quickly can increase your chances of successfully removing them as well as your ability to carry on with your load of laundry as usual.

Garments in water around Maytag® agitator Garments in water around Maytag® agitator

4. WASHING ONLY FULL LOADS

Although it might be tempting to do laundry as the piles appear, you can save water by waiting until you have a full load. Only washing items once the load is full may be able to reduce your overall washing machine water usage and conserve energy.

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MAYTAG TIP: CHECK THE WATER TEMPERATURE

Your water level may not be the only thing affecting cleaning results—temperature is also a consideration. Different fabrics and different stains may require varied temperatures for best results.

 

Learn how to choose hot or cold water for stains with this quick guide.

 

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SHOP MAYTAG® WATER EFFICIENT WASHERS

Maytag® washing machines are designed with water and energy efficiency in mind, without sacrificing the power and dependability you rely on to conquer all of life’s laundry challenges.

MORE INFO TO BOOST YOUR LAUNDRY GAME

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1. Swash® and the recommended brands are owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.