Welcome to the Bio-D blog page. To enhance your reading experience, our blog has been organised into categories. Company News provides updates on developments at Bio-D, offering insights into the latest happenings and behind-the-scenes stories. Hints & Tips deliver practical advice on sustainable living and adopting eco-friendly practices. Finally, Products & Ingredients reveal the story behind Bio-D’s products, highlighting their ingredients and contribution to a greener world.
Why You Should Use the Eco Button on Your Washing Machine — Even If It Takes Longer
If you’re trying to reduce your environmental impact at home, the laundry room is a great place to start. Swapping to plant-based detergents, washing at lower temperatures, and using your machine’s eco setting are all small choices that can make a big difference.
But if you’ve ever pressed the eco button and noticed the cycle time jump from 45 minutes to nearly three hours, you might have asked yourself: Is this really saving energy?
The short answer? Yes.
It may seem counterintuitive but longer doesn’t always mean more expensive at least not when it comes to washing machines. In fact, eco cycles are specifically designed to reduce energy and water usage, even if they take longer to do the job.
In this blog post, we’ll explain exactly how the eco setting works, why it’s better for both the planet and your utility bills and how combining it with Bio-D’s laundry range can help you build a truly sustainable laundry routine.
What Does the Eco Button Actually Do?
On most modern washing machines, the eco button activates a low-energy cycle that’s engineered to use:
By reducing the need to heat large amounts of water, which is one of the biggest energy demands in any wash cycle, the eco mode can cut energy use by up to 30–60%, depending on the machine and load size.
However, to compensate for the lower temperature and gentler mechanical action, eco cycles take longer to thoroughly clean your clothes. That extended time allows your detergent to work more effectively, loosening dirt and stains without the need for heat or heavy agitation.
So, while it might not be quicker, it’s far more energy efficient and far better for delicate fabrics too.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eco Wash Settings
Not necessarily. The majority of a washing machine’s energy consumption comes from heating water, not from how long it runs. Eco modes keep water temperatures low (usually around 30–40°C), which significantly reduces energy use even over a longer period.
No, in fact, it usually uses less. Eco settings are designed to optimise both energy and water efficiency. The extended time helps clean your clothes with a reduced amount of water.
Yes, especially if you’re not dealing with heavily soiled items. For everyday loads, an eco cycle combined with a quality, plant-based detergent. like Bio-D’s Laundry Liquid or Washing Powder is more than enough. For tougher stains, we recommend pre-treating with Bio-D’s Laundry Bleach or Laundry & Stain Remover Bar.
Eco mode is generally safe for most everyday fabrics, but you should always check the garment care label. For delicates, it may be better to use a dedicated low-spin cycle.
Eco Mode + Bio-D: A Greener Laundry Routine
To get the most out of your washing machine’s eco setting, it’s important to use products that are designed to work effectively at lower temperatures. That’s where Bio-D comes in.
Our laundry range is specifically formulated to perform brilliantly even at 30°C, without relying on harsh chemicals, optical brighteners..
Here’s how it fits into your sustainable laundry routine:
Bio-D Laundry Liquid
Made with 100% naturally derived ingredients, this non-biological detergent works powerfully at low temperatures while being gentle on skin and fabrics. Choose from Cotton Fresh, Lavender, Juniper or Fragrance Free.
Bio-D Washing Powder
Ideal for whites and colourfast items, our powder is biodegradable, and safe for septic tanks. It’s also packaged in fully recyclable cardboard, no plastic scoops or wrappers in sight.
Bio-D Laundry & Stain Remover
Tackle tougher marks before your eco wash with our concentrated Laundry & Stain Remover Bar, perfect for collars, cuffs, or food spills.
Bio-D Fabric Conditioner
Softens naturally using plant-based conditioning agents. Available in Cotton Fresh, Lavender, Juniper or Fragrance Free, it helps reduce static and keeps clothes fresh.
Bio-D Laundry Bleach
Perfect for whitening whites and lifting tough stains without harsh chemicals.
Proven effective at just 18°C, almost tap water temperature, it’s ideal for energy-saving cold washes.
Why Low-Temperature Washing Matters
Washing at 30°C instead of 60°C can cut your energy use in half. Combine that with the eco button, and you’re looking at a major reduction in your laundry’s carbon footprint, all without sacrificing cleanliness.
And when you pair your machine’s eco setting with Bio-D’s low-temperature formulas, you’re creating a genuinely sustainable laundry system that doesn’t compromise on performance.
Bonus Tip: Skip the Tumble Dryer
We’ve said it before line drying is the ultimate eco choice. If weather and space allow, air drying your clothes is another way to reduce household energy use. If you do need to tumble dry occasionally, check out our eco tumble drying hacks
It’s Not Just About One Button
Choosing the eco setting is just one small change, but it’s part of a much bigger picture. It’s about rethinking how we wash, what we use, and why it matters.
At Bio-D, our goal is to make sustainability practical, affordable, and effective. So, the next time you do laundry, press that eco button, set the temperature to 30°C, and let our naturally derived products do the rest.
Explore Bio-D’s Full Laundry Range
From family-sized 5L refills to zero-waste Washing Powder, we’ve got everything you need for a cleaner, greener laundry routine.
