The Best Eco Washing Machines
Which washing machine brands are the most ethical and sustainable? For the answer, see our Ethical Washing Machines Ratings Table to compare brands’ ethical scores.
Why it is important to buy an eco washing machine?
Doing the laundry may be dull, but it is an essential part of the weekly routine for most households. In fact, 98% of UK households owned a washing machine in 2018. With more consumers than ever concerned about water and energy usage, the eco washing machine sector is big business. But which model is the most ethical? Find out in our quick guide.
It is important to purchase an eco washing machine, due to the environmental impact of washing machines. According to In The Wash, washing machines heat and use roughly 50 litres of water per hour. It is therefore important to ensure you are doing your laundry efficiently and sustainably, so you do not waste water or money. We discuss tips and tricks for more efficient ways to do your laundry later in this article.
Additionally, washing machines use a significant amount of energy. Washing machines can also cost up to 80p of electricity per hour. If you choose an inefficient model, you may be wasting lots of electricity, not only increasing your carbon footprint but also racking up the cost of your energy bill. You can reduce your energy consumption by choosing an eco washing machine with an A-rating for energy efficiency. Washing machines are resource-guzzlers!
How to find a good second hand washing machine
Ethical consumers should only ‘buy new’ as a last resort. A significant percentage of a washing machine’s carbon footprint is generated during manufacturing and delivery. Therefore, always repair before replacing or buy second hand. When buying a second hand washing machine, look for sellers who are moving house, having a new kitchen put in or is someone who you know and trust. Good quality, second hand washing machines can be hard to come by.
Sometimes though, our household appliances really do give up the ghost. Fortunately, our Ethical Washing Machines Ratings Table shows you the most ethical washing machine brands to choose from for the very best eco washing machine.
Our research findings: The ethical issues with many washing machine brands
The Good Shopping Guide’s latest research into washing machines has revealed some persistent and disturbing issues. Numerous washing machine brands are involved in human rights abuses.
The Australian Strategic Policy Institute criticised several leading washing machine brands for profiting from the exploitation of Uyghurs in China. The Uyghur people are an ethnic group native to the Xinjiang region of China. Their treatment at the hands of the Chinese government has been called a genocide. Uyghurs are sometimes subjected to forced labour in factories and work for dozens of global brands.
Dirty Laundry: The human rights abuse associated with washing machines
Companies found to be using Uyghur forced labour include popular washing machine brands owned by Haier, Robert Bosch, Hisense, and Electrolux. As a result, brands owned by these companies have been marked down under the Human Rights category in our research. If you want to avoid giving your money to these companies, avoid washing machine brands owned by them by checking a brand’s parent company in our Ethical Washing Machines Ratings Table.
Moreover, we were concerned to see the number of washing machine brands that do not have a robust Supplier Code of Conduct. A Supplier Code of Conduct helps set standards for the fair treatment of workers within the supply chain. Out of a total of 24 brands assessed, only half received a top rating for their Code of Conduct. Choose from one of the brands who have a detailed Code of Conduct. This Code demonstrates a company’s commitment to workers’ rights.
Fortunately, there are also ethical options, such as CDA, the first kitchen appliance brand to gain Ethical Accreditation from The GOOD Shopping Guide. CDA’s table-topping score reflects
Our advice: How to find an eco washing machine?
By following these simple tips, you can reduce energy and water consumption, which not only helps the planet but also saves you money off your next utility bill. (And as the cost of living rises, these are tips that we could all do with!)
Once you have identified the most ethical washing machine brands in our ethical comparison ratings table, you can find the best eco washing machine for energy efficiency amongst these brands. Luckily, UK and EU regulations demand that all washing machine brands display an energy label on their products. Energy labels display a grade from A-G, with A being the most efficient and G the least efficient. To find an eco washing machine, look out for products with an A rating.
Our advice: How to do laundry more sustainably?
But after you’ve chosen an eco washing machine, what else can you do to help the planet and your pocket? Wash your laundry at a lower temperature, as this reduces the amount of energy required to run your machine. Make sure your machine is fully loaded before use. A barely loaded washing machine will use the same amount of water and CO2 but won’t wash as many items.
Check which clothes need regular washing and which do not. Underwear and socks should be washed after each wear. Pyjamas can be washed at least once a week. But outer clothes such as jumpers, jeans and skirts will only need to be washed if they are stained, dirty or sweaty. Rather than wash your jacket, could you spot clean it by hand instead? Denim aficionados even advise not to wash your jeans more than every two months, as this can damage the material and make them wear through faster. And hey, it’s a good excuse to skip the laundry, right?
How to maintain my washing machine
Finally, it is important to maintain your washing machine so it lasts as long as possible. You can do this by regularly cleaning it and making sure that no loose items, such as coins or headphones (eek!) end up in the washing machine, as this may damage the machine. Lastly, try to avoid tumble dryers and instead opt for electricity-free alternatives, such as using a clothesline or an indoor drying rack. As our electricity bills rise, using electricity-free options are key for budgeting. You can find an amazing range of space-saving drying racks that can hang from ceilings or fold up onto your wall.
Not only does purchasing eco washing machines benefit the environment, it also benefits you and your finances in the current economic climate.
See our Ethical Washing Machines Ratings Table to compare brands
The Good Shopping Guide has investigated thousands of brands, and ranked and rated these for their consideration and action for the Environment, Animals and People. The Good Shopping Guide has written articles on every single brand that appears on our Ethical Ratings Tables. We have assessed and analysed the business ethics, sustainability certifications and claims from thousands of brands. Click on any brand name to read more.
Miele, Amica, CDA, Logik, Smeg, Swan, AEG, Belling, Electrolux, Prima, Stoves, Zanussi, Beko, Hisense, Hotpoint, Indesit, Whirlpool, Bosch, Gaggenau, Neff, Siemens, Baumatic, Candy, Hoover, LG and Samsung.
Why is it important to buy an eco washing machine?
With 98% of UK households owning a washing machine, the collective environmental impact of this appliance is enormous. Washing machines use roughly 50 litres of water per cycle and can cost up to 80p of electricity per hour to run. Choosing an eco washing machine with a high energy efficiency rating reduces both your carbon footprint and your energy bills. It is equally important to consider the ethics of the brand you purchase from, as some manufacturers are linked to serious environmental and human rights concerns.
Which washing machine brands have been linked to human rights abuses?
The Australian Strategic Policy Institute criticised several major washing machine brands for profiting from the exploitation of Uyghur people in China, who have been subjected to forced labour in factories. Brands owned by Haier, Robert Bosch, Hisense, and Electrolux were among those identified. As a result, these brands have been marked down in The Good Shopping Guide’s Human Rights category. Consumers wishing to avoid these companies can check a brand’s parent company in the Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table.
Why is a supplier Code of Conduct important for washing machine brands?
A Supplier Code of Conduct sets standards for the fair treatment of workers throughout a company’s supply chain. The Good Shopping Guide’s research found that only half of the 24 washing machine brands assessed received a top rating for their Code of Conduct, indicating that many brands fail to demonstrate a credible commitment to workers’ rights. Consumers who care about supply chain ethics should look for brands that score well in this category when consulting the Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table.
How do I find the most energy-efficient washing machine?
UK and EU regulations require all washing machine brands to display an energy efficiency label on their products, graded from A to G with A being the most efficient. When shopping for an eco washing machine, look for models with an A rating to minimise energy consumption and reduce running costs. Once you have identified ethical brands using The Good Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table, comparing energy labels within those brands’ ranges is the logical next step.
How can I do my laundry more sustainably?
Several simple habits can significantly reduce the environmental impact of doing laundry. Washing at lower temperatures cuts energy use, and always running a full load ensures water and electricity are used efficiently. Not all clothes need frequent washing; outer garments such as jumpers and jeans can often be worn multiple times before washing. Avoiding tumble dryers in favour of a clothesline or indoor drying rack eliminates additional energy use entirely and helps extend the life of your garments.
Which washing machine brands are the most ethical?
CDA tops The Good Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table and was the first kitchen appliance brand to achieve Ethical Accreditation from The GOOD Shopping Guide, reflecting a recognised commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices. Amica and Miele also score strongly above the benchmark. Consumers can consult the full table to compare all brands across criteria including environmental reporting, human rights, codes of conduct, and armaments involvement.
Is CDA an ethical Washing Machines brand?
CDA sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table, performing well across most assessed categories, though its Environmental Report and Brand/Product Ethics both receive acceptable rather than top ratings. Holding Ethical Accreditation reflects the brand’s recognised commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices — CDA is the first kitchen appliance brand to achieve this accreditation from The GOOD Shopping Guide.
Is Amica an ethical Washing Machines brand?
Amica sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Code of Conduct, Animal Welfare, and Human Rights credentials, though it falls short in its Environmental Report. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide a meaningful and recognised way to formally demonstrate Amica’s commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Miele an ethical Washing Machines brand?
Miele sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table, performing well across most assessed categories including its Environmental Report, Code of Conduct, and Human Rights credentials, though it falls short in its Political Donations rating. Without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could offer Miele a meaningful and recognised means of formally validating its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
Is Smeg an ethical Washing Machines brand?
Smeg sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Animal Welfare, Fossil Fuels, and Human Rights credentials, though it falls short in its Environmental Report and its Code of Conduct receives an acceptable rather than top rating. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide Smeg with a recognised way to formally validate its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
Is Logik an ethical Washing Machines brand?
Logik sits at the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table, performing well across most assessed categories including its Environmental Report, Code of Conduct, and Fossil Fuels credentials, though its Human Rights rating and Other Criticisms are both acceptable rather than top. Without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could offer Logik a recognised means of formally demonstrating its commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices.
Is Prima an ethical Washing Machines brand?
Prima sits at the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Animal Welfare and Human Rights credentials, though it falls short in both its Environmental Report and Code of Conduct ratings. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide Prima with a recognised means of formally validating its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
Is Swan an ethical Washing Machines brand?
Swan sits at the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Animal Welfare and Human Rights credentials, though it falls short in both its Environmental Report and Code of Conduct ratings. Without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could offer Swan a recognised means of formally demonstrating its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Stoves an ethical Washing Machines brand?
Stoves falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Code of Conduct rating, and its Environmental Report and Human Rights credentials both receive acceptable rather than top ratings. Consumers seeking washing machine brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is AEG an ethical Washing Machines brand?
AEG falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table. While its Environmental Report receives a top rating, the brand falls short across several other areas, with its Code of Conduct, Political Donations, Human Rights credentials, and Other Criticisms all receiving acceptable rather than top ratings. Those seeking washing machine brands that do meet the ethical benchmark are encouraged to explore The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table for better-rated alternatives.
Is Electrolux an ethical Washing Machines brand?
Electrolux falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table. While its Environmental Report receives a top rating, the brand falls short across several other areas, with its Code of Conduct, Political Donations, Human Rights credentials, and Other Criticisms all receiving acceptable rather than top ratings. Consumers seeking washing machine brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Hotpoint an ethical Washing Machines brand?
Hotpoint falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table. While its Environmental Report, Fossil Fuels, and Code of Conduct all receive top ratings, the brand falls short in its Political Donations category and has attracted Other Criticisms. Shoppers seeking washing machine brands that do meet the ethical benchmark can explore The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Indesit an ethical Washing Machines brand?
Indesit falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table. While its Environmental Report, Fossil Fuels, and Code of Conduct all receive top ratings, the brand falls short in its Political Donations category and has attracted Other Criticisms. Those seeking washing machine brands that do reach the ethical benchmark are encouraged to consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table for better-rated alternatives.
Is Whirlpool an ethical Washing Machines brand?
Whirlpool falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table. While its Environmental Report, Fossil Fuels, and Code of Conduct all receive top ratings, the brand falls short in its Political Donations category and has attracted Other Criticisms. Consumers seeking washing machine brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Zanussi an ethical Washing Machines brand?
Zanussi falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table. While its Environmental Report receives a top rating, the brand falls short across several areas, with its Code of Conduct, Political Donations, Human Rights credentials, and Other Criticisms all receiving acceptable rather than top ratings. Shoppers seeking washing machine brands that do meet the ethical benchmark can explore The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible options.
Is LG an ethical Washing Machines brand?
LG falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Armaments rating and has attracted Other Criticisms, while its Human Rights credentials receive an acceptable rather than top rating. Consumers seeking washing machine brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Beko an ethical Washing Machines brand?
Beko falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Fossil Fuels and Armaments ratings, while its Code of Conduct, Human Rights credentials, and Other Criticisms all receive acceptable rather than top ratings. Those seeking washing machine brands that do meet the ethical benchmark are encouraged to consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table for better-rated alternatives.
Is Bosch an ethical Washing Machines brand?
Bosch falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table. While its Environmental Report and Code of Conduct both receive top ratings, the brand falls short in its Political Donations and Human Rights credentials, and has attracted Other Criticisms. Consumers seeking washing machine brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Neff an ethical Washing Machines brand?
Neff falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table. While its Environmental Report and Code of Conduct both receive top ratings, the brand falls short in its Political Donations and Human Rights credentials, and has attracted Other Criticisms. Shoppers seeking washing machine brands that do meet the ethical benchmark can explore The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible options.
Is Siemens an ethical Washing Machines brand?
Siemens falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table. While its Environmental Report and Code of Conduct both receive top ratings, the brand falls short in its Political Donations and Human Rights credentials, and has attracted Other Criticisms. Those seeking washing machine brands that do meet the ethical benchmark are encouraged to consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table for better-rated alternatives.
Is Baumatic an ethical Washing Machines brand?
Baumatic falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Code of Conduct and Political Donations ratings and has attracted Other Criticisms, while its Environmental Report and Human Rights credentials receive acceptable rather than top ratings. Consumers seeking washing machine brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Candy an ethical Washing Machines brand?
Candy falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Code of Conduct and Political Donations ratings and has attracted Other Criticisms, while its Environmental Report and Human Rights credentials receive acceptable rather than top ratings. Shoppers looking for washing machine brands that do meet the ethical benchmark can explore The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible options.
Is Hisense an ethical Washing Machines brand?
Hisense falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Environmental Report and Human Rights credentials and has attracted Other Criticisms, with its Code of Conduct receiving an acceptable rather than top rating. Those seeking washing machine brands that do reach the ethical benchmark are encouraged to consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table for better-rated alternatives.
Is Hoover an ethical Washing Machines brand?
Hoover falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Code of Conduct and Political Donations ratings and has attracted Other Criticisms, while its Environmental Report and Human Rights credentials receive acceptable rather than top ratings. Consumers seeking washing machine brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Samsung an ethical Washing Machines brand?
Samsung falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short across multiple areas, including its Fossil Fuels, Armaments, Political Donations, and Human Rights credentials, and has attracted Other Criticisms. Those seeking washing machine brands that do meet the ethical benchmark are encouraged to consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Washing Machines Ethical Ratings Table for better-rated alternatives.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation complement other accreditations?
The GOOD Shopping Guide doesn’t replace existing certifications, it ensures your ethical credentials are clearly recognised so they are trusted by consumers. By appearing in our comparison tables, your brand reaches an audience that is actively seeking genuinely ethical options, while also being referenced by Google and AI search tools to enhance credibility and discoverability.
How is The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation different from other accreditations?
Unlike many accreditations that focus mainly on compliance or internal audits, The GOOD Shopping Guide provides scored, research-led assessments across environment, people and animals. Our tables are consumer-facing and freely accessible, making it easy for shoppers and AI tools to compare brands based on verified performance, not just promises.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide choose who is eligible for accreditation?
The GOOD Shopping Guide audits brands for their ethical impact across a variety of criteria in the human, animal and environment categories. We research the records of brands and their parent companies, and rate them across those criteria. If they are found to be above our benchmark, they are eligible to apply for Ethical Accreditation.
How can I apply for Ethical Accreditation?
You can apply for Ethical Accreditation if your brand is assessed as above our benchmark. Click on this link to fill out our online form, and our researchers will assess your brand’s viability for Ethical Accreditation.