UK running cost calculator
Washing Machine Cost Calculator UK
Estimate the electricity cost of running your washing machine per wash, per week, per month, and per year using the energy label method.
Last reviewed: 17 July 2026
Quick answer
A machine using 68 kWh per 100 cycles costs about £0.18 per wash at 26.11 p/kWh.
At 4 washes a week, that is about £3.09 a month or £36.93 a year for electricity use. This is an estimate; standing charge and water are not included.
Calculator inputs
Choose a wash frequency, match the machine label value, and adjust the electricity rate if your tariff is different.
Result Card
Estimated washing machine cost
Based on 0.68 kWh per wash at 26.11 p/kWh and 4 washes per week. Standing charge is not included because this calculator estimates the cost of running one appliance.
0.68 kWh used per wash
4 washes per week
Weekly cost x 4.345
Weekly cost x 52
68 kWh per 100 cycles / 100
kWh per wash x washes per week x 52
Efficient preset comparison
Compared with an efficient A-rated machine, this could cost about £9.23 more per year.
How this estimate works
See the exact steps behind the estimate so the result stays easy to sense-check.
This calculator uses the washing machine energy label method. It divides the kWh per 100 cycles value by 100 to estimate energy use per wash, then applies the current default UK electricity unit rate. Actual cost can vary by tariff, programme, temperature, load size and washing machine model.
- kWh per wash = kWh per 100 cycles / 100
- Cost per wash = kWh per wash x electricity price per kWh
- Weekly cost = cost per wash x washes per week
- Monthly cost = weekly cost x 4.345
- Yearly cost = weekly cost x 52
- Yearly kWh = kWh per wash x washes per week x 52
Example calculation
A worked example helps the user compare the result with a familiar everyday scenario.
A label value of 68 kWh per 100 cycles is 0.68 kWh per wash.
Using 26.11 p/kWh and 4 washes a week, the same calculation gives £0.18 per wash, £3.09 per month and £36.93 per year.
Simple ways to reduce washing costs
Small household changes can often reduce running costs without overcomplicating the decision.
- Wash full loads when possible.
- Use eco programmes when suitable.
- Wash at lower temperatures for lightly soiled clothes.
- Check your machine's energy label for kWh per 100 cycles.
- Reduce unnecessary extra washes.
- If you use a tumble dryer, better spin drying can also reduce drying costs.
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Washing machine cost questions
Short answers to common questions about washing machine running costs.
How much does a washing machine cost per cycle in the UK?
It depends on the machine energy label and your tariff. In the default example on this page, 68 kWh per 100 cycles at 26.11 p/kWh works out at about £0.18 per wash.
Why use kWh per 100 cycles instead of watts?
Washing machines do not run at one fixed wattage for the whole cycle. The energy label value gives a more realistic cycle-based estimate.
Does the programme or temperature selector change the calculation?
No. The selector is guidance only because programme, temperature, load size and model can all change real energy use. For the closest estimate, use the kWh per 100 cycles figure on your machine label.
Does this include standing charge or water costs?
Standing charge is excluded because running this appliance does not add a separate standing charge. Water cost is only added when you turn on the optional water estimate and enter your own water and wastewater rate.
Sources and review
Source: Ofgem energy price cap unit rates and standing charges (1 July 2026 to 30 September 2026). Accessed 17 July 2026. Great Britain average Direct Debit fallback: 26.11p/kWh. Appliance estimates exclude the standing charge.
Assumptions: Energy use is based on the machine label's kWh per 100 cycles value. The default scenario uses 68 kWh per 100 cycles, four washes per week and the editable Great Britain average Direct Debit unit rate.
Not included: The electricity standing charge, because appliance use does not create an additional standing charge. Water and wastewater cost unless you turn on the optional water estimate and enter your own rate.
Reviewed by Hasan Kafadar. If you spot an issue, tell us how to correct it.
Estimate notice
This is an estimate. Your actual cost may vary depending on your tariff, programme, temperature, load size and washing machine model.
Check the formula section and use your own bill where possible. For site details and policies, see:
Looking for an A-rated washing machine?
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