Safe & Sensible Household Money-Saving Tips

Use appliances efficiently

Only run the dishwasher when it’s full to save water and electricity.

Clean the dishwasher filter once a month so it washes properly and uses less energy.

Use eco or low-temperature cycles whenever possible — modern machines clean well without high heat.

Get more from your oven

Batch cook by filling the oven with multiple dishes at once, such as casseroles, traybakes or roasts.

Use the fan setting for even cooking and better heat efficiency.

Avoid opening the oven door unnecessarily, as heat escapes quickly.

Kettle and hot water savings

Boil only the water you need in the kettle — this saves more energy than reheating leftover hot water.

If you’ve boiled extra, use it for washing up or cleaning rather than letting it cool.

Laundry done properly

Wait until you have a full load before running the washing machine.

Wash at 30°C — it saves energy and protects clothes.

Use the correct amount of detergent; more does not mean cleaner.

Use limescale remover occasionally in hard water areas to keep machines efficient.

Dryer and fire safety

Clean the tumble dryer filter after every use to improve efficiency and reduce fire risk.

Avoid using dryer lint as a fire starter, as it can contain synthetic fibres and chemicals.

Dishwashing without damage

Use proper dishwasher salt if your machine requires it — it protects the built-in softener.

Use rinse aid sparingly or choose an eco-friendly brand designed for dishwashers.

Avoid vinegar inside the machine, as it can damage seals over time.

Skin care on a budget

Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) is an effective, low-cost moisturiser for very dry hands and skin.

Apply a small amount to damp skin for best results.

General energy-saving habits

Turn appliances off at the plug when not in use.

Air-dry clothes when possible instead of using a tumble dryer.

Fix dripping taps — even slow drips waste water and money.