Modern appliances may allow you to lower your water heater's thermostat.
The instruction manual for my Maytag wash machne says:
beginner or an expert. This washer has a heating element that automatically heats the water to the best temperature on select cycles.
My dishwasher also has a flow-through eater that heats water upon demand to a temperature of up to 161F
These are the only two appliances in my house that use hot water. Our only other use of hot water is showering. If that's the case in your house too, then you should be able to lower the thermostat of your hot water heater to your normal shower temperature and suffer no ill effects - The dishwasher and clothes washer will take care of their own hot water needs.
