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How much does it cost to run a washing machine?

Running a typical washing machine costs about 20p a cycle at 40°C — roughly £41 a year at four washes a week — at the current price-cap electricity rate (about 26p a unit, GB average, Jul–Sep 2026). Most of that energy heats the water, so a hotter wash costs a lot more.

• The typical numbers. A 40°C cottons wash uses around 0.75 kWh — about 20p a cycle at 26p a unit. Four washes a week is roughly £41 a year. Real machines vary by size and rating, so treat this as a typical figure.
• Temperature is the big lever. Heating the water is where almost all the electricity goes. A 60°C wash can use around double a 30°C one — so the dial matters far more than the spin.
• The machine is only part of the cost. If you tumble-dry every load, the dryer usually costs more than the wash that came before it. What a tumble dryer costs →

How to cut it

• Wash cooler. Modern detergents work fine at 30°C for everyday loads. Dropping from 40°C to 30°C shaves a useful slice off each wash.
• Wait for a full load. A half-empty machine uses nearly as much power as a full one, so full loads cost less per item.
• Use eco mode. Eco cycles run cooler for longer and usually use less energy overall, even though they take more time.
• Spin high to save on drying. A faster final spin leaves clothes drier, so the tumble dryer (the pricier appliance) has less to do.

That’s one appliance. To see what’s really driving your whole bill — your rates against the price cap, your direct debit against your real usage — check it free in about 30 seconds, with nothing saved.