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Key Points
- Skip laundry from 4–9 PM to avoid peak energy rates.
- Evening drying can leave clothes musty in cool, humid air.
- Morning or midday is best for energy savings and faster drying.
Laundry is just one of those tasks that you’ll usually procrastinate doing throughout the day, and then just get over it without much thought for the time that you’re getting it done. You may never have considered that the longer you wait to do your laundry, the more it may cost you, and that can depend on a variety of factors such as climate and energy usage.
To find out if there’s a specific time of day to avoid, we reached out to a cleaning pro—and we’re glad we did.
Meet the Expert
Petya Holevich is a house cleaning expert and supervisor at Fantastic Services.
The Worst Time of Day for Doing Laundry
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.
“If you’re using an outdoor line in cooler or more humid climates, clothes won’t usually dry fully and can develop a musty smell,” Holevich shares.
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.
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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.
“If you’re using solar panels or line-drying outdoors, midday can be even better because of the stronger sunlight and better air circulation,” Holevich says.
