What's an environmentally-friendly washing machine?

Written by Rowan

Edited on

7 October 2025

·

10:00

What's an environmentally-friendly washing machine?

If you're looking for an environmentally-friendly washing machine, you need to consider a couple of things. An environmentally-friendly washing machine isn't just energy-efficient. It also has a long lifespan and automatic detergent dosing. You can read what requirements an environmentally-friendly washing machine meets and how they benefit you here.

Environmentally-friendly: 4 criteria

A washing machine is environmentally-friendly when it meets the following 4 criteria:

  • Energy label: A or more efficient.
  • Build quality: mid-range or high-end.
  • Washing quality: mid-range or high-end
  • Automatic detergent dosing: always present.
Environmentally-friendly: 4 criteria

Environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient washing machine

  • You save detergent, water, and energy because you automatically dose your detergent.
  • You're done ironing faster thanks to the smartFinish steam function that reduces wrinkles.
  • You can wash a large load of bedding at once.
  • The steam function isn't suitable to freshen up musty laundry.
Siemens WG44G2F20
Siemens WG44G2F20
Review is 8,0 out of 10, based on 1 review.
9kg load capacity | 1400RPM | A energy label | Build quality: high-end
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Energy label washing machine

Energy label: A or more efficient

For a washing machine to be called environmentally-friendly, it needs to have an A or more efficient energy label. The lower the energy consumption, the less harmful it is for the environment. Generating energy releases CO2, which causes global warming. That's why you should keep an eye on the energy label when you choose an environmentally-friendly washing machine. The good news is that the current models are even more energy-efficient than 10 years ago. That makes buying an energy-efficient washing machine now a good choice.

How much energy do you save with a new washing machine?
Build quality washing machine

Build quality: mid-range or high-end

In addition to an energy label, an environmentally-friendly washing machine also has a mid-range or high-end build quality. That means the washing machine lasts longer on average than a basic washing machine. An environmentally-friendly washing machine has sturdy parts, like a brushless motor. The washing machine wears less quickly, so it lasts longer before it needs to be replaced. This is better for the environment, because it doesn't require as much new raw materials.

Washing machine drum

Washing quality: mid-range or high-end

The washing quality of an environmentally-friendly washing machine is either mid-range or high-end. This keeps your laundry good as new for longer. Choose a steam function that reduces wrinkles and freshens up your clothes, for example. This way, you don't have to run a cycle and your favorite shirt will last longer. All environmentally-friendly washing machines have a laundry-care drum that reduces wear. In addition, the load sensor automatically shortens the cycle when you have less laundry. As a result, the cycle doesn't run longer than necessary and you save energy.

Miele TwinDos automatic detergent dosing

Automatic detergent dosing

And finally, an environmentally-friendly washing machine always has automatic detergent dosing. The washing machine automatically adds the right amount of detergent and fabric softener. This way, you never use too much and the washing machine doesn't need as much water to rinse your laundry. Do you want an environmentally-friendly washing machine? Choose an energy-efficient washing machine with a mid-range or high-end build quality and automatic detergent dosing.

Energy label washing machine

Average or not environmentally-friendly

If the washing machine doesn't meet the criteria listed above, it's average or not environmentally-friendly. A washing machine is averagely environmentally-friendly when it doesn't have automatic detergent dosing, but it's still energy-efficient and has a mid-range or high-end build and washing quality. If the washing machine has a basic build quality, we don't call it environmentally-friendly. That's because the washing machine generally won't last as long and won't be energy-efficient.

Environmentally-friendly washing machine

Difference environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient

It's important to note that there's a difference between an environmentally-friendly and an energy-efficient washing machine. An environmentally-friendly washing machine is a more sustainable choice. In addition to an A or more efficient energy label, it also has a mid-range or high-end build and washing quality. Thanks to this, the washing machine lasts longer too. You can save on detergent as a result of the automatic detergent dosing. An energy-efficient washing machine only has an A or more efficient energy label. For a sustainable choice, go for an environmentally-friendly washing machine that's both energy-efficient and sturdy.

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Article by Rowan

Washing Machine Expert.

Rowan