How Much Water Does Your Washing Machine Use?

By Jane Anderson

March 08, 2025

So your water bill has risen again, and you’re wondering what caused the spike. Surely, it can’t be those oh-so-relaxing tub soaks. Maybe it was having the kids home for school break with all the extra showers and laundry that accompanied them?

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Just how much water does a washing machine use anyway, and is there a way to reduce water consumption?

How Many Gallons of Water Does a Washing Machine Use?

Data gathered for the Environmental Protection Agency shows that the average washing machine uses about 31 gallons of water per load. Of course, this is only an average, with several factors affecting the actual amount, which can range from as low as 13 gallons to over 40. Other factors include:

Size. The larger the machine and load size, the more water it uses.
Manufacturer and model. Each individual machine has unique specifications.
Design. Front and top loaders use different amounts of water, as do agitator vs. impeller models.
Age. Newer washing machines typically use less water than older ones.
Energy efficiency. Energy Star-certified washers use less water than other options.

Can You Reduce the Amount of Water Your Washing Machine Uses?

You can adjust laundry habits to save water if you’re not in the market for a new machine. Start by reading over your machine’s product guide. It can advise you on choosing the best load size and wash cycle.

Selecting the right load size ensures you’re not wasting large amounts of water on small loads. It’s equally important to avoid overfilling your washer, as overly full loads can stress the machine and result in less-than-clean clothes.

Pick the eco-wash setting, if available on your model, and skip the extra rinse cycle unless it’s necessary for the items inside.

Finally, make sure you’re not washing clothes and towels out of habit. Put items away that don’t require washing instead of into the hamper.

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Does a Front- or Top-Load Washer Use More Water?

If you haven’t purchased a washing machine in a while, you may be surprised at the available choices. One of the more obvious differences between washing machines is how you fill them with laundry. A front-loading model takes in clothes through a door on the front surface of the machine, while a top-load washer has an upper access panel. Each has benefits depending on your lifestyle.

However, if you’re concerned about how much water your washing machine uses, your first question should be, "Do front-load washers use less water?" The answer is yes, Energy Star-certified front-load washers use less water than a traditional top-load washing machine, even the newer impeller types.

Due to the design, a front-load washer doesn’t need to fill completely to get your clothes clean. The clothes are swished through the water over and over rather than submerged.

How Much Less Water Do Efficient Machines Use?

When comparing the same type of washing machines, Energy Star water-efficient washers use 30% less water per load, helping slash your water bill. The savings is multiplied when you switch from a traditional agitator machine to a front-loading washer. You may end up reducing laundry water usage by 50%. While the savings potential isn’t as high, switching from a top-loading impeller to a front-load model is also more energy-efficient.

In addition to saving gallons of water per load, water-efficient washing machines have these beneficial features:

Machines without an agitator have more room for bulky items and are gentler on your clothes.
Less water used means less water to heat, saving you money on heating bills.
Front-loading machines come in a wide range of sizes and can be stacked or placed on a pedestal for easy access.
Newer energy-efficient models typically have specialized cycles that save you even more time and money.

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