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APPLIANCE RUNNING COSTS · OCT–DEC 2026

How much does a washing machine cost to run?

A washing machine’s energy label shows the electricity for its eco 40-60 programme, which is usually well under 1 kWh a wash. At the GB average price-cap electricity rate of 26.32p per kWh for October–December 2026, a washing machine costs about 15p per wash.

Last updated 11 October 2026GB average price-cap rate, October–December 2026, Direct Debit, 0% VAT

PER WASH

15p0.57 kWh

PER WEEK

60p4 washs a week (assumed)

PER YEAR

£31118 kWh at the assumed use

Work out your own cost

Choose your region or type in your own unit rate, then change the energy per wash and number of washs to match your appliance and how you use it. It starts with a week at our assumed use.

The rate starts at the GB average price-cap electricity unit rate for October–December 2026 (Direct Debit, 0% VAT); replace it with the rate on your bill. Energy per wash is on the appliance’s energy label or product sheet.

Estimated running cost£0.60

2.3 kWh over 4 washs · about £0.15 per wash

How much electricity it uses

  • Current UK models are labelled at 0.40 to 0.59 kWh per eco 40-60 cycle: 0.396 kWh (Samsung WW90DB7U94GB, class A), 0.472 kWh (Bosch WAN28254GB, class A), 0.568 kWh (Indesit MTWE 91495, class B) and 0.590 kWh (Hotpoint NSWM 1045C, class B).
  • The label shows the same figure as kWh per 100 cycles (for example 57 kWh per 100 cycles for 0.568 kWh a wash).
  • Households ran a median of four washes a week in the 2011 Energy Follow-Up Survey; 59% usually washed at 40°C and 27% at 30°C.
Washing machine: running cost by energy useAt 26.32p per kWh (GB average price-cap rate, October–December 2026, Direct Debit, 0% VAT). Weekly use: 4 washs (assumed).
ExampleEnergy per washPer washPer year
Lower0.396 kWh10p£22
Typical0.568 kWh15p£31
Higher0.59 kWh16p£32

Usage assumption: Four eco 40-60 washes a week, the median number of loads in the 2011 Energy Follow-Up Survey. This is our illustration, not a measured average; change it in the calculator.

What drives the cost

  • Wash temperature: heating water is most of the energy.
  • Programme: quick or hot cotton washes can use more than the eco 40-60 label figure.
  • Load size: two half loads cost more than one full load.

How it compares

Cost per use comparedTypical figures from each appliance’s page, at 26.32p per kWh.
ApplianceTypical useEnergyCost
Washing machine1 wash0.57 kWh15p
Tumble dryer (heat pump)1 load1.44 kWh38p
Dishwasher1 cycle0.85 kWh22p
Heated clothes airer1 load, 4 hours1.20 kWh32p

Ways to spend less

  • The Energy Saving Trust says washing at 30°C and cutting one wash a week could together save about £26 a year in Great Britain.
  • It also advises avoiding half loads.

Unit rates vary by region: this period they run from 25.36p per kWh in East Midlands to 27.86p in Merseyside and Northern Wales. See every region’s rate →

Questions

How much does a washing machine cost per wash?

At 26.32p per kWh (the GB average price-cap rate, October–December 2026, Direct Debit, 0% VAT), 0.568 kWh per wash costs about 15p. Across the figures we cite (0.396 to 0.59 kWh) that is 10p to 16p.

How much does a washing machine cost to run a year?

It depends on how much you use it. Our assumption is four eco 40-60 washes a week, the median number of loads in the 2011 Energy Follow-Up Survey. At 26.32p per kWh that comes to about £31 a year (118 kWh). Change the hours or uses in the calculator to match your own.

Does washing at 30°C really save money?

Yes. Most of the electricity a washing machine uses goes on heating water, so a cooler wash uses less. The Energy Saving Trust includes switching to 30°C in its washing-machine savings estimate.

Does the cost depend on where I live?

Yes, a little. Price-cap electricity unit rates for October–December 2026 range from 25.36p per kWh in East Midlands to 27.86p in Merseyside and Northern Wales. Pick your region in the calculator, or enter the unit rate from your bill if you are on a fixed or time-of-use tariff.

About these figures

Running costs are energy used × unit rate. They exclude the daily standing charge, which you pay whether or not the appliance runs. Energy per wash comes from energy label or product data measured on a standard test programme; other programmes use more or less. Power ratings and energy figures are examples from the sources below, not a measured UK average.

Other appliances

Sources

  1. EPREL product information sheet: Samsung WW90DB7U94GB washing machine ↗0.396 kWh per eco 40-60 cycle, 9 kg, class A.
  2. EPREL product information sheet: Bosch WAN28254GB washing machine ↗0.472 kWh per eco 40-60 cycle, 8 kg, class A.
  3. EPREL product information sheet: Indesit MTWE 91495 W UK N washing machine ↗0.568 kWh per eco 40-60 cycle, 9 kg, class B, 3 h 40 min at rated capacity.
  4. EPREL product information sheet: Hotpoint NSWM 1045C W UK N washing machine ↗0.590 kWh per eco 40-60 cycle, 10 kg, class B, 3 h 59 min at rated capacity.
  5. Energy Follow-Up Survey 2011, report 9: domestic appliances (DECC, 2013, PDF) ↗Median washing, drying and dishwasher loads per week; wash temperatures.
  6. Energy Saving Trust: quick tips to save energy at home ↗Savings tips for kettles, washing machines, dishwashers, drying and standby (page last updated 6 October 2026).
  7. Energy Saving Trust: what appliances drive up electricity bills most ↗Fridge and freezer share of bills and lifespan; washing, dishwasher and microwave advice.
  8. Ofgem: energy price cap unit rates and standing charges ↗GB average electricity unit rate and VAT basis, October–December 2026.

Last updated 11 October 2026. Figures are dated benchmarks taken from the sources above. How we use sources →