How Much Does It Cost to Run a Washing machine in the UK?
Last updated 5 October 2026 · Prices based on the Ofgem price cap (October 2026 – December 2026)
Most of a washing machine's energy goes on heating water. A 40°C cycle uses about 1kWh while a 30°C or 20°C eco cycle can use half that, so temperature choice matters far more than the machine's rated wattage.
Appliance running cost calculator
A 2,000W washing machine running 1 hours a day costs about £0.26 per day (£55 a year) at 26.32p/kWh.
- Per hour
- £0.26
- Per day
- £0.26
- Per week
- £1.05
- Per month
- £4.56
- Per year
- £55
- kWh per year
- 208
Based on 2000W ÷ 1,000 × 1h × 50% average power draw × 26.32p/kWh. Standing charge not included.
- Electric heater£958
- Immersion heater£575
- Oil-filled radiator£503
- Fan heater£383
- Electric shower£155
- Dehumidifier£153
- Tumble dryer£137
- Fridge freezer£114
- Electric oven£99
- Dishwasher£92
- Heated airer£74
- Kettle£57
- Washing machine£55
- Air fryer£51
- Slow cooker£44
- Electric blanket£10
Washing machine running cost by wattage and time (at 26.32p/kWh)
| Wattage | 30 min | 1 hr | 1.5 hrs | 2 hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,200W | £0.08 | £0.16 | £0.24 | £0.32 |
| 1,800W | £0.12 | £0.24 | £0.36 | £0.47 |
| 2,000W | £0.13 | £0.26 | £0.39 | £0.53 |
| 2,400W | £0.16 | £0.32 | £0.47 | £0.63 |
Typical washing machine cost per day, month and year
| Period | Energy used | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Per hour | 1.00 kWh | £0.26 |
| Per day | 1.00 kWh | £0.26 |
| Per month | 17.3 kWh | £4.56 |
| Per year | 208 kWh | £55 |
What affects the cost
Wash temperature
Heating water is up to 90% of the energy.
Programme
Eco cycles use less energy despite running longer.
Load size
Half loads waste energy per item.
Energy label
A-rated machines use much less.
Cheaper alternatives to a washing machine
• Wash at 30°C or 20°C • Eco programmes (longer but cheaper) • Full loads only • Off-peak tariff timing
How to reduce the cost
- Wash at 30°C for everyday loads
- Use the eco programme
- Run full loads
- Clean the filter and drum seal
Frequently asked questions
How much does a washing machine cost per hour in the UK?
About £0.26 per hour for a 2,000W model at 26.32p/kWh, allowing for the appliance drawing full power about 50% of the time.
How do I work out what my washing machine costs to run?
Divide the wattage by 1,000 to get kW, multiply by the hours used, then multiply by your unit rate in pence. Our calculator above does this for you.
How much does a washing machine cost per load?
At 40°C, about 1kWh, or £0.26. At 30°C eco, around half that.
Are eco programmes really cheaper if they take longer?
Yes. They use cooler water and soak longer, which uses less energy overall.
Does the standing charge affect appliance running costs?
No. The electricity standing charge is a fixed daily fee you pay whether or not the appliance is on, so it is excluded from these figures.
Sources and methodology
Energy prices come from the Ofgem price cap for Direct Debit customers (GB average). Installation costs are typical UK ranges from installer quotes and industry guidance, rounded. Savings use today's rates and do not predict future prices.