A washing machine is one of the most frequently used appliances in UK homes, with the average household running 4–5 cycles per week. While each individual wash is relatively affordable compared to high-wattage appliances like kettles and tumble dryers, the cumulative annual cost adds up — and the temperature you wash at makes a significant difference to your electricity bill.
Quick Answer: Washing Machine Running Costs
Based on the UK average electricity rate of approximately 24.5p per kWh:
| Wash Temperature | Energy Per Cycle | Cost Per Cycle | Annual Cost (5 washes/week) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30°C | 0.35 – 0.5 kWh | 9p – 12p | £22 – £32 |
| 40°C | 0.5 – 0.7 kWh | 12p – 17p | £32 – £45 |
| 60°C | 1.2 – 1.8 kWh | 29p – 44p | £76 – £115 |
| 90°C | 2.0 – 2.5 kWh | 49p – 61p | £127 – £160 |
Key takeaway: Washing at 30°C instead of 60°C can save you £50–£80 per year. Modern detergents are formulated to work effectively at lower temperatures, so there's rarely a cleaning benefit to washing hotter than 30°C for everyday clothes.
Why Temperature Matters So Much
Around 80–90% of the energy a washing machine uses goes to heating the water. The motor, drum rotation, pump, and electronics use relatively little power. This is why temperature has such a dramatic impact on running costs:
- A 30°C wash uses roughly one-third the energy of a 60°C wash
- A 60°C wash uses about half the energy of a 90°C wash
- Cold washes (20°C) use even less — typically 0.2–0.3 kWh per cycle
The only times higher temperatures are genuinely needed are for heavily soiled items, towels and bedding (occasional 60°C washes help kill bacteria), and to run a maintenance wash (empty 90°C cycle monthly to prevent mould in the drum seal).
How We Calculate the Cost
Washing machine energy use is measured per cycle rather than by wattage alone, because the power draw varies throughout the cycle — high during heating, low during spinning. The EU energy label gives a standardised "kWh per cycle" figure for a full load at the rated temperature.
Formula: Cost per cycle = kWh per cycle × Price per kWh
For example, a modern A-rated machine running a 40°C cotton cycle:
- Energy used: 0.6 kWh per cycle
- Cost per cycle: 0.6 × £0.245 = 15p
- Annual cost (5 washes/week, 260 cycles): 260 × £0.15 = £38
You can also calculate costs using our energy cost calculator — enter the wattage and cycle duration for a quick estimate.
Running Costs by Energy Rating
The energy rating of your washing machine significantly impacts annual costs. Here's how different ratings compare for a standard 40°C programme, based on 5 washes per week:
| Energy Rating | kWh Per Cycle (40°C) | Cost Per Cycle | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| A (new 2021+ label) | 0.45 – 0.55 kWh | 11p – 13p | £29 – £35 |
| B | 0.55 – 0.65 kWh | 13p – 16p | £35 – £42 |
| C | 0.65 – 0.8 kWh | 16p – 20p | £42 – £51 |
| D | 0.8 – 1.0 kWh | 20p – 25p | £51 – £64 |
| E–G (older machines) | 1.0 – 1.5 kWh | 25p – 37p | £64 – £96 |
What About Water Costs?
If you're on a water meter, the water used by your washing machine also adds to costs. A typical modern washing machine uses 40–60 litres per cycle. At average UK water rates (approximately £4.50 per 1,000 litres including sewerage), that's about 18p–27p per wash in water costs.
Combined with electricity, the total cost per wash at 40°C on a metered supply is typically 30p–45p including both energy and water.
Standby Power Drain
Many washing machines consume 1–5W of power when plugged in but not running. While small, this adds up over 8,760 hours per year:
- 1W standby: 8.76 kWh/year = £2.15/year
- 3W standby: 26.28 kWh/year = £6.44/year
- 5W standby: 43.8 kWh/year = £10.73/year
Switching your washing machine off at the wall between uses eliminates this hidden cost. Use our standby power calculator to check other appliances too.
Tips to Reduce Washing Machine Costs
- Wash at 30°C as standard — modern detergents clean effectively at low temperatures. Reserve 60°C for towels, bedding, and heavily soiled items.
- Always run full loads — a half-load uses almost the same energy as a full load. Wait until you have enough laundry.
- Use the eco programme — eco modes use less energy by washing at lower temperatures for longer. They may take 3+ hours but use 30–40% less electricity.
- Increase spin speed — a higher spin speed (1400rpm vs 1000rpm) removes more water, saving significant tumble dryer time and cost.
- Avoid quick washes for full loads — quick cycles heat water faster (higher peak power) and often clean less effectively, encouraging re-washing.
- Maintain your machine — run a monthly empty hot wash (60°C or 90°C) to prevent mould and odour buildup that contaminates clothes.
- Consider off-peak washing — if you have a time-of-use tariff, running the machine overnight can halve the electricity cost.
- Replace old machines — a 10+ year old washing machine may use 2–3 times more energy per cycle than a new A-rated model.
When Should You Replace Your Washing Machine?
If your machine is over 8–10 years old and you use it frequently, replacing it with a new A or B-rated model can save £30–£60 per year in electricity alone. With machines lasting 10–12 years on average, a new efficient model typically pays back its energy savings within its lifetime.
Signs it's time to replace: excessive noise or vibration, cycles taking significantly longer than they used to, clothes not coming out clean, water leaks, or error codes appearing frequently.
Calculate Your Exact Costs
To calculate what your washing machine costs based on your specific electricity rate and usage pattern, use our free energy cost calculator. Check your machine's energy label for the kWh per cycle figure, or look up the model specifications on the manufacturer's website.