Save water in the kitchen & utility
From doing the dishes, to washing your clothes, and even cleaning the car – our top tips will help you use every drop carefully.
Use a bowl for washing up
A nice simple one to start. Washing up under a running tap is super wasteful – with litres of hot water (and money) literally going down the plug hole. Grab a washing-up bowl and fill it with just as much water as you need.
Also try to only wash up when you have a good amount to do.
Always wash a full load
Washing machines use a lot of water and energy. You can save on your water and electricity bills if you make sure your machine is good and full when you put it on.
And remember the 'half load' setting doesn't mean using half the amount of water or power!
Fill up your dishwasher
If you use a dish washer, try to make sure that it's washing as many cups, bowls, plates, knives and forks as possible. Just make sure everything can still wash properly so you don't have to put it through again.
Over a year this will mean fewer loads, saving you water and electricity.
Lose the hose, grab a bucket
If your car is in need of a wash, please don't waste water hosing it down. Run a nice warm bucket of soapy water and show it some true TLC.
Not only will you find you do a better job by hand, you'll use a fraction of the amount of water.
More kitchen & utility water saving tips
Water your garden
Reuse leftover water in your glass, water used for boiling veg or collect the water while your taps running to warm up/cool down and use it to keep your plants hydrated.
Wash the cleaner things first
Don't get your lovely clean washing up water dirty straight away, wash the cleaner items like glasses or cups first and tackle the greasy ones last. You'll be less likely to need to run another bowl.
Get rid of grease and food scraps
Use a cake spatula or knife to scrape your plates into your food waste bin. You'll keep your washing up water cleaner for longer, need to washout your dishwasher filter less often – and help tackle the dreaded fat-bergs in the drains.
Upgrade your machine
Time for a new washing machine? When you're upgrading make sure you get one that's water efficient as well as energy efficient. Same goes for your dishwasher!
A free wash!
Why waste tap water cleaning the car? If you've got a water butt, you could use the free rain water to clean and rinse your car – especially in winter when your garden doesn't need so much.
Water your garden
Reuse leftover water in your glass, water used for boiling veg or collect the water while your taps running to warm up/cool down and use it to keep your plants hydrated.
Wash the cleaner things first
Don't get your lovely clean washing up water dirty straight away, wash the cleaner items like glasses or cups first and tackle the greasy ones last. You'll be less likely to need to run another bowl.
Get rid of grease and food scraps
Use a cake spatula or knife to scrape your plates into your food waste bin. You'll keep your washing up water cleaner for longer, need to washout your dishwasher filter less often – and help tackle the dreaded fat-bergs in the drains.
Upgrade your machine
Time for a new washing machine? When you're upgrading make sure you get one that's water efficient as well as energy efficient. Same goes for your dishwasher!
A free wash!
Why waste tap water cleaning the car? If you've got a water butt, you could use the free rain water to clean and rinse your car – especially in winter when your garden doesn't need so much.
Water your garden
Reuse leftover water in your glass, water used for boiling veg or collect the water while your taps running to warm up/cool down and use it to keep your plants hydrated.
Wash the cleaner things first
Don't get your lovely clean washing up water dirty straight away, wash the cleaner items like glasses or cups first and tackle the greasy ones last. You'll be less likely to need to run another bowl.
Get rid of grease and food scraps
Use a cake spatula or knife to scrape your plates into your food waste bin. You'll keep your washing up water cleaner for longer, need to washout your dishwasher filter less often – and help tackle the dreaded fat-bergs in the drains.
Upgrade your machine
Time for a new washing machine? When you're upgrading make sure you get one that's water efficient as well as energy efficient. Same goes for your dishwasher!
A free wash!
Why waste tap water cleaning the car? If you've got a water butt, you could use the free rain water to clean and rinse your car – especially in winter when your garden doesn't need so much.
FREE water saving devices
Discover our range of free water saving devices are easy to install and help you to reduce the water you use in your home.
Our other top water saving tips
We've put together a list of changes you can make to save water. They're broken down into 3 levels, something easy everyone can do, something that takes a bit more work, and a tip if you're dedicated to saving every drop.
Shower shorter, shower smarter…
Easy win ⭐
Knock a few minutes off your shower time. The average shower uses 10 litres of water a minute, so by halving your shower time from 10 minutes to 5 minutes, you'll save around 50 litres a day!
A bit more work ⭐⭐
The soap and rinse technique. Turn the shower on and get wet, then turn it off whilst you lather up with soap. Finally, hop back in and turn on the shower to rinse off. It can take a bit of getting used to, but you’ll soon be trying to set personal bests for how quickly you can shower.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Skip a day. If you’re planning a duvet day, then going without a shower will help you to save buckets of water. Just pick a day where you don’t need to be red carpet ready and relax, safe in the knowledge that you've done your bit to save water.
With baths, less is definitely less…
Easy win ⭐
Less is more. Ok, less is less, but if you can shave an inch or two off the depth of your bath you can save plenty of water and we promise you won't notice the difference.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Switch for a shower. Sometimes nothing beats a soak in the tub, but if you’re a regular bather and you switch half of your baths for a 5-minute shower, you’ll see those water bills tumbling.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
If you have treated yourself to a relaxing bath, don’t touch that plug! If your kids are small enough to fit in, or maybe your pets need a pamper, re-use the water - sharing's caring.
If sharing just isn’t for you, you can still make a bath go further by grabbing your watering can and using the leftover water to keep your garden looking lush!
Flush smart and check for leaks…
Easy win ⭐
If you’ve got a dual flush loo, make sure you use it! Use the small flush for number 1s, and the larger flush for number 2s!
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Check your loo isn’t leaky. Push flush cisterns are notorious for developing leaks – is there water trickling down the back of the bowl? If so, you may need to get it fixed. Read our tips for spotting a leaky loo.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Ok, we know this won't be for everyone, but if you’re truly an aspiring eco warrior, remember these wise words – if it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down!
Lose the hose, get a butt!
Easy win ⭐
Put the hosepipe down and grab a watering can. It takes a bit longer with a watering can, but you’ll find you waste a lot less water, targeting only the areas that need watering.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Get a water butt – or better still get two! They give you a plentiful supply of free rainwater to keep your plants hydrated, help you to save on your bills (if you have a water meter) and you can even link multiple butts together using butt lining kits. What’s not to love?
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Make sure that your garden uses water as efficiently as possible. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can create a water efficient sanctuary in no time. Take a look at our water saving garden tips.
Adopt a water saving culture
Easy win ⭐
Create a water saving culture for staff and customers that asks them to follow some simple rules, like turning off taps after use, using the correct dual flush button and not washing up under a running tap.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Develop a water efficient environmental policy that includes appointing a water saving ambassador/officer, a recurring review of your water usage, and sets deadlines and targets for improvements.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Invest in water saving technology that will have a long-term impact. Install dual flush efficient cisterns, low flow taps and shower valves, and automatic or push self-closing taps, that can really help save water in the long run.
Your winter water health check
Easy win ⭐
An unexpected spell of cold weather is often the time people find out their boiler or heating system has a problem. Get it serviced at the start of winter and you’ll know it’s fighting fit and working efficiently to keep you warm all winter.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
If you’re going on holiday or visiting relatives for Christmas and leaving the house empty, don’t forget to keep your heating on low (min 14ºC). This will help to stop your pipes freezing.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Look after pipes that are in locations exposed to cold air – the garage, loft or outdoors. Wrap them up with lagging or fit pipe insulation to help prevent them freezing and bursting.
Shower shorter, shower smarter…
Easy win ⭐
Knock a few minutes off your shower time. The average shower uses 10 litres of water a minute, so by halving your shower time from 10 minutes to 5 minutes, you'll save around 50 litres a day!
A bit more work ⭐⭐
The soap and rinse technique. Turn the shower on and get wet, then turn it off whilst you lather up with soap. Finally, hop back in and turn on the shower to rinse off. It can take a bit of getting used to, but you’ll soon be trying to set personal bests for how quickly you can shower.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Skip a day. If you’re planning a duvet day, then going without a shower will help you to save buckets of water. Just pick a day where you don’t need to be red carpet ready and relax, safe in the knowledge that you've done your bit to save water.
With baths, less is definitely less…
Easy win ⭐
Less is more. Ok, less is less, but if you can shave an inch or two off the depth of your bath you can save plenty of water and we promise you won't notice the difference.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Switch for a shower. Sometimes nothing beats a soak in the tub, but if you’re a regular bather and you switch half of your baths for a 5-minute shower, you’ll see those water bills tumbling.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
If you have treated yourself to a relaxing bath, don’t touch that plug! If your kids are small enough to fit in, or maybe your pets need a pamper, re-use the water - sharing's caring.
If sharing just isn’t for you, you can still make a bath go further by grabbing your watering can and using the leftover water to keep your garden looking lush!
Flush smart and check for leaks…
Easy win ⭐
If you’ve got a dual flush loo, make sure you use it! Use the small flush for number 1s, and the larger flush for number 2s!
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Check your loo isn’t leaky. Push flush cisterns are notorious for developing leaks – is there water trickling down the back of the bowl? If so, you may need to get it fixed. Read our tips for spotting a leaky loo.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Ok, we know this won't be for everyone, but if you’re truly an aspiring eco warrior, remember these wise words – if it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down!
Lose the hose, get a butt!
Easy win ⭐
Put the hosepipe down and grab a watering can. It takes a bit longer with a watering can, but you’ll find you waste a lot less water, targeting only the areas that need watering.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Get a water butt – or better still get two! They give you a plentiful supply of free rainwater to keep your plants hydrated, help you to save on your bills (if you have a water meter) and you can even link multiple butts together using butt lining kits. What’s not to love?
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Make sure that your garden uses water as efficiently as possible. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can create a water efficient sanctuary in no time. Take a look at our water saving garden tips.
Adopt a water saving culture
Easy win ⭐
Create a water saving culture for staff and customers that asks them to follow some simple rules, like turning off taps after use, using the correct dual flush button and not washing up under a running tap.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Develop a water efficient environmental policy that includes appointing a water saving ambassador/officer, a recurring review of your water usage, and sets deadlines and targets for improvements.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Invest in water saving technology that will have a long-term impact. Install dual flush efficient cisterns, low flow taps and shower valves, and automatic or push self-closing taps, that can really help save water in the long run.
Your winter water health check
Easy win ⭐
An unexpected spell of cold weather is often the time people find out their boiler or heating system has a problem. Get it serviced at the start of winter and you’ll know it’s fighting fit and working efficiently to keep you warm all winter.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
If you’re going on holiday or visiting relatives for Christmas and leaving the house empty, don’t forget to keep your heating on low (min 14ºC). This will help to stop your pipes freezing.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Look after pipes that are in locations exposed to cold air – the garage, loft or outdoors. Wrap them up with lagging or fit pipe insulation to help prevent them freezing and bursting.
Shower shorter, shower smarter…
Easy win ⭐
Knock a few minutes off your shower time. The average shower uses 10 litres of water a minute, so by halving your shower time from 10 minutes to 5 minutes, you'll save around 50 litres a day!
A bit more work ⭐⭐
The soap and rinse technique. Turn the shower on and get wet, then turn it off whilst you lather up with soap. Finally, hop back in and turn on the shower to rinse off. It can take a bit of getting used to, but you’ll soon be trying to set personal bests for how quickly you can shower.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Skip a day. If you’re planning a duvet day, then going without a shower will help you to save buckets of water. Just pick a day where you don’t need to be red carpet ready and relax, safe in the knowledge that you've done your bit to save water.
With baths, less is definitely less…
Easy win ⭐
Less is more. Ok, less is less, but if you can shave an inch or two off the depth of your bath you can save plenty of water and we promise you won't notice the difference.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Switch for a shower. Sometimes nothing beats a soak in the tub, but if you’re a regular bather and you switch half of your baths for a 5-minute shower, you’ll see those water bills tumbling.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
If you have treated yourself to a relaxing bath, don’t touch that plug! If your kids are small enough to fit in, or maybe your pets need a pamper, re-use the water - sharing's caring.
If sharing just isn’t for you, you can still make a bath go further by grabbing your watering can and using the leftover water to keep your garden looking lush!
Flush smart and check for leaks…
Easy win ⭐
If you’ve got a dual flush loo, make sure you use it! Use the small flush for number 1s, and the larger flush for number 2s!
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Check your loo isn’t leaky. Push flush cisterns are notorious for developing leaks – is there water trickling down the back of the bowl? If so, you may need to get it fixed. Read our tips for spotting a leaky loo.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Ok, we know this won't be for everyone, but if you’re truly an aspiring eco warrior, remember these wise words – if it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down!
Lose the hose, get a butt!
Easy win ⭐
Put the hosepipe down and grab a watering can. It takes a bit longer with a watering can, but you’ll find you waste a lot less water, targeting only the areas that need watering.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Get a water butt – or better still get two! They give you a plentiful supply of free rainwater to keep your plants hydrated, help you to save on your bills (if you have a water meter) and you can even link multiple butts together using butt lining kits. What’s not to love?
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Make sure that your garden uses water as efficiently as possible. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can create a water efficient sanctuary in no time. Take a look at our water saving garden tips.
Adopt a water saving culture
Easy win ⭐
Create a water saving culture for staff and customers that asks them to follow some simple rules, like turning off taps after use, using the correct dual flush button and not washing up under a running tap.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Develop a water efficient environmental policy that includes appointing a water saving ambassador/officer, a recurring review of your water usage, and sets deadlines and targets for improvements.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Invest in water saving technology that will have a long-term impact. Install dual flush efficient cisterns, low flow taps and shower valves, and automatic or push self-closing taps, that can really help save water in the long run.
Your winter water health check
Easy win ⭐
An unexpected spell of cold weather is often the time people find out their boiler or heating system has a problem. Get it serviced at the start of winter and you’ll know it’s fighting fit and working efficiently to keep you warm all winter.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
If you’re going on holiday or visiting relatives for Christmas and leaving the house empty, don’t forget to keep your heating on low (min 14ºC). This will help to stop your pipes freezing.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Look after pipes that are in locations exposed to cold air – the garage, loft or outdoors. Wrap them up with lagging or fit pipe insulation to help prevent them freezing and bursting.