How much does it cost to run a washing machine?

The answer starts from the official energy figure on the energy label. This page uses the median of every washing machine registered for sale in the UK in our dataset, then scales it to your usage and your electricity price. Change the assumptions to match your home.

Short answer. The median washing machine registered for sale in the UK has 42 kWh per 100 cycles on its label. At 4 washes a week and 26.32p/kWh, that is about £63 a year including water. Half of the models on the market fall between £60 and £66 at the same usage.

Where to find the numbers

kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle are on the energy label and the product information sheet. Your electricity price is the unit rate on your bill (p/kWh).

What the figure is based on

The label figure is kWh per 100 cycles on the eco 40–60 programme at a weighted mix of full and partial loads. Hot washes use several times more per cycle. Water is metered water plus sewerage.

What changes the cost

• Wash temperature: heating water is most of the energy; a 60 °C cotton wash uses roughly twice the energy of the eco 40–60 programme and several times a cold wash.
• Load size: the machine uses almost as much for a half load, so fewer, fuller washes cost less.
• Spin speed: a faster spin uses a little more electricity but leaves less water for a dryer to remove.
• Programme length: quick programmes are not always lower energy because they heat water faster rather than less.
• Water price: metered water and sewerage add to the electricity figure.

Compare washing machines by energy use and running cost to see every model behind this figure, or find the cheapest washing machine to run for your size.

For a specific model or any other appliance, use the electricity cost calculator.