Notify me when the washer is done
Don’t forget wet clothes in the washer. Get notified when the cycle completes so you can transfer to the dryer promptly and avoid mildew.
Use cases
Efficiency
- Transfer to Dryer Promptly - Be reminded when washer finishes
- Start Next Load - Know when machine is available
- Laundry Flow - Keep laundry moving efficiently
Convenience
- Avoid Forgetting Clothes - No more wet clothes sitting for hours
- Multi-Tasking - Get alerted while doing other things
Products needed
Essential Equipment - Option 1: Power Monitoring (Recommended)
Power Metering Smart Plug
Popular brands: TP-Link Kasa, Shelly, Zigbee power monitoring plugs
Real-time wattage measurement • 15A rating minimum • Plug washer into smart plug
Real-time wattage measurement • 15A rating minimum • Plug washer into smart plug
Essential Equipment - Option 2: Contact Sensor (Alternative)
Contact Sensor or Multi-Sensor
Contact sensor on washer door OR Multi-sensor with vibration detection
Optional Enhancements
Smart Light
In laundry room for visual alert when done
Voice Announcement
On smart speaker for audio notification
Automation setup - Power monitoring
IF washer power < 10W for 3 minutes
AND washer was running
THEN send notification \"Washer done - move to dryer!\"
AND set washer_running to false
💡 Learn Power Consumption Pattern First
- Plug washer into power monitoring plug
- Run a full cycle and note the power levels:
- Idle: < 5 watts (or 0W)
- Running: 100-500 watts (varies by cycle phase)
- Done: < 5 watts
- Key insight: Washing machines cycle through different phases (fill, agitate, spin) with varying power use. Detect when power drops and STAYS low.
Step 1: Detect Washer Start
Triggers
- Power consumption rises above 50 watts (washer starts)
Actions
- Set variable "washer_running" to true
- OR turn on virtual switch
- Optional: Start timer
Step 2: Detect Washer Done
Triggers
- Power consumption drops below 10 watts for 3 minutes
Conditions
- Variable "washer_running" is true (confirms washer was actually running)
Actions
- Send notification: "Washer is done!"
- Set variable "washer_running" to false
- Flash laundry room light (optional)
- Update dashboard tile
Platform-specific examples
Home Assistant
Start
Power > 50W → Turn on "washer_running" helper
Done
Power < 10W for 3 min AND helper on
Action
Notify, Turn off helper, Flash light
SmartThings
Start
Power > 50W → Virtual switch on
Done
Power < 10W for 3 min AND switch on
Actions
Notify, Switch off, Flash light
Hubitat
Start
Power > 50W → Virtual switch on
Done
Power < 10W for 3 min AND switch on → Notify
Setup: Use Rule Machine with power monitoring plug
Apple HomeKit
Limitation
Limited power monitoring support
Workaround
Use Home Assistant or Hubitat for logic
Alexa
Start
Power > 50W → Virtual switch on
Done
Power < 10W AND switch on
Action
Notify phone, Alexa announces
Google Home
Limitation
Limited native support
Workaround
Use Home Assistant for power monitoring
Automation setup - Door sensor (alternative)
Less reliable but works if power monitoring not available:
Triggers:
- Washer door closes
Actions:
- Set variable “washer_may_be_running” to true
Then create second automation:
Triggers:
- No vibration detected for 5 minutes (if using multi-sensor)
- OR door closed for 60 minutes (basic timer method)
Conditions:
- Variable “washer_may_be_running” is true
- Washer door is still closed
Actions:
- Send notification: “Washer appears done”
- Set variable to false
Advanced features
Escalating reminders
Don’t let clothes sit too long:
Create three automations for progressive alerts:
- First notification (immediate): When power drops below 10W for 3 minutes, send “Washer done” notification and set “washer_needs_emptying” flag
- Reminder (30 min later): If “washer_needs_emptying” still on after 30 minutes, send high-priority “REMINDER: Washer still needs emptying!”
- Urgent (2 hours later): If flag still on after 2 hours, send urgent “Clothes in washer for 2+ hours - mildew risk!”
Dashboard integration
Show status tile:
Create template binary sensor with these states:
- Running: Blue washing machine icon (when washer_running is on)
- Done - needs attention: Red alert icon (when washer_needs_emptying is on)
- Empty: Gray off icon (when both are off)
Reset when door opens
Automatically reset when clothes removed:
Create automation with these elements:
- Trigger: Washer door sensor opens
- Condition: “washer_needs_emptying” flag is on
- Action: Turn off “washer_needs_emptying” flag
Troubleshooting
Issue: False “Done” Notifications During Cycle
Causes:
- Power drops briefly between cycle phases
- Threshold too high (triggering during low-power phases)
- Delay too short
Solutions: ✅ Increase delay to 5 minutes instead of 3 ✅ Lower threshold (5W instead of 10W) ✅ Monitor full wash cycle to understand power pattern ✅ Use template trigger that requires sustained low power for 5 minutes
Issue: No notification when done
Causes:
- Washer never detected as “starting”
- Power threshold incorrect
- Washer uses very little standby power
- Smart plug lost connection
Check:
- ✅ Verify washer_running variable was set to true
- ✅ Check automation logs - which step is failing?
- ✅ Monitor power consumption during actual cycle
- ✅ Test smart plug connectivity
- ✅ Verify sensor.washer_plug_power entity exists and updates
Fix:
- Adjust start detection threshold based on actual usage
- Add debugging notifications at each step
- Verify smart plug can handle washer load (15A minimum)
Issue: Notification even when washer not used
Causes:
- Washer running variable stuck “on”
- Power monitoring detecting other devices
- Plug measuring wrong outlet
Solutions: ✅ Add auto-reset: Turn off variable after 3 hours max ✅ Verify only washer plugged into smart plug ✅ Add manual reset button on dashboard ✅ Check for power spikes from other sources ✅ Add auto-reset automation: If “washer_running” stays on for 3 hours, automatically turn it off
Related automations: