The Best Eco Washing Machines
Which washing machine brands are the most ethical and sustainable? For the answer, see our Ethical Washing Machines comparison table to compare brands’ ethical scores.
Why is it 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 own a washing machine. With more consumers than ever concerned about water and energy usage, the eco washing machine sector is big business. The GOOD Shopping Guide has been independently researching and rating brands on ethical criteria since 2001, making our Ethical Washing Machines comparison table one of the most trusted resources for ethical washing machine brands UK consumers can rely on.
It is important to purchase an eco washing machine, due to the environmental impact of washing machines. Washing machines heat and use roughly 50 litres of water per cycle. 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 and can cost up to 80p of electricity per hour to run. 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 energy efficient washing machine UK households can find by looking for models with an A-rating. The Energy Saving Trust provides free, independent guidance on choosing and using energy-efficient appliances, including washing machines. For a full breakdown of how we assess washing machine brands across environmental, human rights and governance criteria, visit our How We Rate page.
It is also worth noting that approximately 90% of the energy used by a standard washing machine goes towards heating the water rather than running the motor. This means that simply switching from a 60°C wash to a 30°C wash can reduce a washing machine’s energy consumption per cycle by up to 57%. Over a year of regular use, this represents a significant saving on both energy bills and carbon emissions — without requiring any change of machine.
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. The UK Government’s Right to Repair regulations now require manufacturers of certain appliances, including washing machines, to make spare parts available for up to ten years — making repair a more viable option than ever. When buying a second-hand washing machine, look for sellers who are moving house, having a new kitchen put in, or someone you know and trust. Certified refurbished washing machine UK suppliers are another increasingly popular option, offering independently tested appliances with warranties at a fraction of the price of new.
Sometimes though, our household appliances really do give up the ghost. Fortunately, our Ethical Washing Machines comparison table shows you the most ethical washing machine brands to choose from for the very best eco washing machine. When longevity matters, Miele stands out — its W1 Series washers are independently tested to last 20 years or 10,000 wash loads, making them one of the most durable and therefore sustainable washing machine options on the market.
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 abuses 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 comparison table. For a full explanation of our rating methodology, visit our How We Rate page.
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 demonstrates a company’s commitment to workers’ rights.
Fortunately, there are also ethical options. CDA was the first kitchen appliance brand to gain Ethical Accreditation from The GOOD Shopping Guide, and tops our Ethical Washing Machines comparison table. Miele and Amica also score above our ethical benchmark, performing strongly across environmental reporting, animal welfare and governance criteria. Find out more about the benefits of Ethical Accreditation.
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.
Once you have identified the most ethical washing machine brands in our Ethical Washing Machines comparison table, you can find the best eco washing machine for energy efficiency amongst these brands. UK and EU regulations demand that all washing machine brands display an energy label on their products. Energy labels display a grade from A to G, with A being the most efficient and G the least efficient. To find a sustainable washing machine UK households can use year after year, look out for products with an A rating. The UK Government’s energy efficiency labelling guidance provides further detail on how to interpret energy labels across household appliances. Many modern washing machines also include dedicated eco wash programmes, which reduce both water and energy consumption by extending the wash cycle at a lower temperature — a useful feature to look for when comparing models.
Our advice: How to do laundry more sustainably
After you’ve chosen an eco washing machine, there are further steps you can take 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?
It is also worth being aware of the microplastics released during every wash cycle. When synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon and acrylic are washed, they shed thousands of tiny plastic microfibres that pass through most washing machine filters and enter the water system, eventually reaching rivers and oceans. Around half a million tonnes of microfibres from synthetic textiles are released into the world’s oceans each year due to washing. The Marine Conservation Society has identified washing machine microfibres as one of the most significant sources of microplastic pollution in UK waterways. A UK Parliamentary Bill has been introduced with cross-party support to require all new washing machines to be fitted with microplastic-catching filters — a development that reflects the growing urgency of this issue. Choosing natural fibre clothing where possible, washing at lower temperatures and speeds, and using a microfibre-catching laundry bag or filter are all practical steps to reduce this impact.
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 end up in 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.
Not only does purchasing eco washing machines benefit the environment, it also benefits you and your finances in the current economic climate. Your choice of washing machine sits within a broader set of ethical household decisions. See our Ethical Vacuum Cleaners comparison table, our Ethical Dishwashers comparison table, and our Ethical Cleaning Products comparison table for further guidance on sustainable choices across your home. For brands that have earned The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Ethical Accreditation across every household appliance category, visit our Top 200 Ethical Businesses page.
See our Ethical Washing Machines comparison 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.