Washing machine Electricity Cost
Work out how much your washing machine costs to run per wash, per week and per year using your own tariff and how often you wash.
Washing machine running cost calculator
Example: 600 W. Average draw across a 40°C cycle. Heating the water uses most of the energy, so hotter washes use more.
e.g. 0.25 = 15 min
0 to 7
Example rate — enter your own tariff.
Estimated cost to run your washing machine
£0.22per day used
Uses 0.9 kWh on each day it's used (600 W × 1.5 h).
How it works: cost = power (kW) × hours used × price per kWh. Standing charges aren't included because you pay them whether or not the appliance is on.
Estimates only. Real consumption depends on the model, settings and how the appliance is used.
How washing machine electricity use is measured
A washing machine doesn't draw the same power for the whole cycle. It uses a lot while heating water and much less while tumbling, rinsing and spinning. The simplest way to estimate cost is to use the average power across a cycle, or the kWh-per-cycle figure in your manual or on the energy label.
How to calculate your washing machine running cost
Cost = power (kW) × hours used × price per kWh
Example only: at 600 W for 1.5 hours, a washing machine would use about 0.9 kWh, costing around £0.22 at 25p per kWh. Used 4 days a week, that's roughly 188 kWh and £46.93 a year. Your own figures may be quite different.
Why actual usage varies
- Wash temperature — heating water is the biggest part of the energy use, so 30°C uses noticeably less than 60°C.
- Cycle length — eco programmes often run longer but at lower temperatures, which usually means less energy overall.
- Load size — running full loads means fewer washes for the same amount of laundry.
- Machine efficiency — newer machines with a better energy rating generally use less per cycle.
Ways to reduce the cost
- Wash at 30°C where your clothes allow it.
- Use the eco programme for everyday loads.
- Wait until you have a full load.
- If you're on a time-of-use tariff, run washes during cheaper hours.
To include all your household use, try the electricity cost calculator, or price any other device with the appliance electricity cost calculator.