British Gas, OVO, EDF, Octopus, EON customers warned 'turn washing machine on at 7am'

British Gas, OVO, EDF, Octopus and Eon Next customers have been told to follow a "magic hour" rule to run your washing machine. Using a washing machine in certain hours could ensure you are slashing your energy bills, experts have warned.

Peak hours are typically between 8am and 10pm, while off-peak hours are from 10pm to 8am. Energy experts at Dr. Beckmann warn: "Depending on your energy tariff, the time of day you wash your clothes can drastically affect the cost to run your washing machine."

And households are urged to wash clothes in the "magic hour", between 7am and 8am. Chloe Baker, for Dr. Beckmann, said: "With households struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, a simple change like switching to the magic hour can make a real difference to your energy bills."

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She added: "We've highlighted this hour as 7am to 8am as we'd never recommend putting a load on before heading to bed, due to health and safety." She added: "It's also crucial to regularly service and clean our washing machines, to help reduce cost in repairing and replacing your white goods.

"By implementing these day-to-day actions, and washing at the magic hour, you can keep costs low while ensuring your clothes stay fresh and clean all year round." Dr. Beckmann Service-it Deep Clean Washing Machine Cleaner removes 99,99% of bacteria, viruses and fungi from inside your washing machine, ensuring a hygienically clean washing machine.

To quickly get rid of odours in your washing machine, use 60ml of bicarbonate of soda to 60ml of white vinegar, pour into the dispenser and run an empty cycle, experts at the brand have said. To double up, add 2 cups of white vinegar to the drum and run a hot cycle for extra fresh clothes, the experts also go on to say.