How do I work out what my own washing machine costs?

Multiply the kWh it uses each time by your unit rate. At the Great Britain average of 26.32p a kWh, every kWh costs 26p.

Does it cost more in some parts of the country?

Slightly. The electricity unit rate under the cap runs from 25.36p a kWh in East Midlands to 27.86p in Merseyside and North Wales, so the same use costs about 10% more in the dearest region. Pick yours in the calculator.

Running costs

How much does it cost to run a washing machine?

About 20p a wash, at the price cap for 1 October 2026 to 31 December 2026. Used five washes a week, that’s about £51 a year.

A full load, from NEA’s per-cycle costs: lower for a cool wash, higher for a hot one.

Verified: 23 October 2026 from Ofgem price cap rates

Work out yours

Your electricity price

Energy for one wash

kWh

Times a week

A wash

20p

A week

99p

A month

£4.29

A year

£51

196 kWh a year. Unit rate only: the standing charge is paid whether or not anything is switched on.

Most of a washing machine’s electricity goes on heating the water, so the temperature you choose matters far more than the length of the programme. A 30°C wash uses much less than a 60°C one, and eco programmes run longer at lower temperatures to save energy.

Ways to spend less

Wash at 30°C unless something really needs a hotter wash.
Run full loads.
Eco programmes take longer but use less electricity.

Compared with

Appliance	Typical cost	A year, used as shown
Washing machine	20p a wash	£51 (five washes a week)
Tumble dryer	£1.33 a load	£209 (3 loads a week)
Heated clothes airer	7p an hour	£58 (5 hours, 3 times a week)

At the Great Britain average electricity rate of 26.32p a kWh.

Common questions

How much does it cost to run a washing machine?: About 20p a wash, at the price cap for 1 October 2026 to 31 December 2026. Used five washes a week, that’s about £51 a year. A full load, from NEA’s per-cycle costs: lower for a cool wash, higher for a hot one.
How do I work out what my own washing machine costs?: Multiply the kWh it uses each time by your unit rate. At the Great Britain average of 26.32p a kWh, every kWh costs 26p.
Does it cost more in some parts of the country?: Slightly. The electricity unit rate under the cap runs from 25.36p a kWh in East Midlands to 27.86p in Merseyside and North Wales, so the same use costs about 10% more in the dearest region. Pick yours in the calculator.

Other appliances

Add up several appliances in the electricity cost calculator, or see what your own home uses with the smart meter analyser.