These simple ideas will save you money…

Clothes washers use little energy if the cold water cycle is selected with the cost per cycle being as low as 3 cents per wash.
Choosing warm wash cycles significantly increases the energy use of clothes washers. The cost per cycle on a warm wash can be five times more than on a cold wash (assumes 3 star rating and 6kg capacity).
Front load washers use much less water than top loaders. If you choose to wash in warm water, front loaders washingIf you choose to wash in warm water, and only have cold tap connections to the washer, then it must heat the water internally. The electricity to heat the water is charged at the continuous supply tariff, which is relatively expensive.
If your hot water system is on a cheaper off peak tariff or is gas/solar/heat pump, you can save on energy costs by connecting the hot tap connection to the washer and drawing hot water from your main system.

To read more go to:  http://www.energyaustralia.com.au/State/NSW/Residential/Energy-efficiency-at-home/In-the-laundry.aspx