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Should I Unplug My Washing Machine When Not in Use? (Explained)

Many believe it is safer and more economical to unplug your washing machine when it is not in use. This might not be the case for some other people, creating confusion. 

This confusion has given rise to many controversies about this issue, so should you leave your washing machine plugged in when not in use or unplug it? 

It would be best for you to unplug your washing machine whenever it is not in use. By doing this, you will not only be saving energy but also saving money and preventing your washing machine from getting damaged. 

This article will explain why unplugging your washing machine when not in use is the best option. 

Also, I will enlighten you on several other appliances you should unplug when not in use.

Should You Unplug a Washing Machine When Not in Use?

Should I Unplug my Washing Machine When Not in Use

Unplug your washing machine whenever it is not in use. Many people want to save money; cutting electricity bills is the best way to achieve that. 

These washing machines are one of the most energy-consuming appliances you can find in the home. Once you disconnect it, you can save a few dollars for yourself. 

Unplugging your washing machine is different from turning it off. Turning off the device would have no positive effect; it is no better than leaving it on. 

You can leave your water supply on. That way, you wouldn’t have to worry about the growth of molds and mildews. 

If you must turn off your water supply, ensure that you use the washing machine at least once a week to reduce the chances of mold growth. 

How Long Can You Leave Your Washing Machine Without Using It? 

Many manufacturers of reputable washing machine brands like whirlpool say it is advisable to use your washing machine at leave once a week. But, in a real sense, it is up to the owner. 

There might be reasons why you would want to leave your washing machine unused for months or even years. But there are a few steps you can take to keep it strong. 

These steps are listed below; 

  • Clean your washing machine with a wet rag to get rid of dust. 
  • Disconnect the water supply and power line. 
  • If there is excess water in the tub, drain it properly. 
  • Ensure that you dry out the inner compartments of the washer before storing it. 

After doing all these, you can store your washing machine without worrying about mildews. 

Do Washing Machines Use Electricity When Not in Use? 

Yes, washing machines would also consume power when not in use. You can only stop that by unplugging it from the outlet and not just turning it off. 

There is something called  “standby electricity.” Standby electricity is the energy your appliance consumes when not in use but is still plugged in. 

Not only washing machines but a variety of other appliances consume a lot of energy when they are not in use—appliances like your TVs, smartphones, toasters, and lamps.

Below is a table with appliances you can find in most homes and the standby electricity they consume.

AppliancesStandby Power
Televisions 48. 5W
Cable boxes 30.6W
DVS or blu ray players 10.58W
Video game consoles 63.74W
Stereos 5.44W

Another category of devices you do not control with remotes but somehow still manage to waste electricity and power are listed below; 

Devices Standby Power 
Cable modems 8.62W
Wireless phones 4.89W
Clock 3. 61W
Answering machines 7.4W
Microwave 4.9W

The last table consists of appliances you would seldom expect to consume electricity even when they are turned off but not plugged in. this list includes; 

Appliances Standby Power
Computers 3.5W
Smartphone chargers 1W
Air conditioners1W
Electric toothbrushes 1W
Shaver 1W
Surge protector 6.3W
Musical instruments 4.2W

Does Unplugging a Washing Machine When Not in Use Save Money? 

Unplugging your washing machine when not in use can save you a few dollars. Simply turning these appliances off won’t save energy. You have to unplug them, also. 

You might think leaving your devices on standby mode helps prevent energy consumption, but it does not. It’s almost the same as just turning off your device or machine. 

How Do You Keep Your Electrical Bill Down? 

There are several ways to keep down your electricity bill, not only by plugging out your devices and machines. 

Some ways you can achieve this include; 

#1. Turn Off Standby 

By turning off the standby mode, you can save more energy than you imagine. You may think turning it on is an adequate money-saving scheme, but it is infected, the opposite. 

If you need help with this for a particular appliance, ensure you go through the manual effectively. You can save up to $64  by doing this. 

#2. Installing Draught Proof Windows and Doors 

It is normal to lose some heat through your windows, doors, chimneys, and cracks in your home, basically any space with an opening, but it is reduced if your home is just a new one. 

Installing draught-proof windows and doors would cost around $224, but in the long run, it is worth it as it would help you save about $124. 

You can also opt for DIY draught-proofing; it’s cheaper. 

#3. Do Not Leave Your Lights On

Turning off your lights in a particular room when it is not in use can help you save about $9 on your annual electrical bills. 

If you want to go further, you can install LED lights, which help save even more power and energy. 

#4. Use Your Washing Machine Wisely 

Using your washing machine wisely saves up to $34 a year. Making use of your washing on a 30-degree cycle and reducing the usage of your washing machine can help. 

#5. Reduce Using Tumble Dryer 

Instead of using tumble dryers, you can dry your washed clothes on racks inside or outside when the weather is warm. You can save up to $69 just by doing this. 

What Other Appliances Should Be Unplugged When Not in Use? 

Leaving several appliances plugged in when not running adds heavily to your electrical bill. This term is referred to as phantom or standby power. 

An estimate shows that using 40 appliances constantly adds about 10% to the total household electrical usage, up to about $100. 

To save that extra cash, unplug devices and machines when not in use. Some appliances you should unplug include; 

#1. Small Kitchen Appliances 

Certain small kitchen appliances don’t look like they need to be plugged out when not in use, but they do. 

Think of appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, electrical juicers, and even ovens; unplugging them when they are not in use can save you some extra money. 

#2. Chargers 

We should all be guilty of this charge. From phone chargers to laptop chargers, ensure that when your device is 100%, you unplug it. 

That extra time it stays plugged in adds to the electrical bill drastically. 

#3. Computers 

Turning on your screen saver or turning on sleep mode on your computer does not make the issue any better. All you have to do is turn your laptop on before sleep or not in use. 

Apart from saving electricity, unplugging your device can protect your laptop from severe damage. A power surge from lightning can also harm your plugged laptop. 

FAQs 

What Appliances Should Be Unplugged When Not in Use? 

Some gadgets and machines you should unplug when not in use include laptops, chargers, tablets, game consoles, ovens, and so on. 

What Electrical Appliances Do You Leave on Standby? 

Some electrical appliances you can leave on standby include microwaves, dishwashers, and anything that comes with an AC/DC charger, like phones, printers, and desktops. 

Does Unplugging the Washers and Dryers in Your Home Save Money? 

If you sum the energy cost from these devices when plugged in, it can sum up to about $200 a year. So unplugging washers and dryers saves money. 

How Do You Keep Washing Machine When Not in Use? 

It would help if you stored your washing machine upright when not in use; do not let other appliances lean on it. 

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, it would be best if you plugged your washing machine and other appliances out of the outlet after use to:

  • Save energy. 
  • Save money. 
  • Ensure the appliance last longer. 

You should always plug it out after use for your good and the good of your appliance. Doing this will not take more than two seconds.

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