Page last updated on 17th August 2026
Washing machine energy saving tips
Have you ever wondered how much electricity your washing machine uses, or whether there’s a cheaper time to run it to reduce energy bills? While a single cycle may not seem expensive, the cost can build up over time, especially in busy households. Understanding what it costs to run a washing machine, and how to use it efficiently, can help reduce electricity use and lower household energy bills.
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In this guide, we’ll break down the running costs of your washing machine and offer washing machine energy-saving tips to help you save money while keeping your clothes clean.
How much does a washing machine cost to run?
If you’re trying to work out how much a washing machine costs to run, the answer depends on factors such as your appliance model, wash settings, cycle length, and electricity tariff. Many households also look at energy use when comparing appliances or trying to cut bills.
According to National Energy Action, on average, a typical washing machine has an energy rating between 1,000 – 2,400W. You can use your washing machine’s energy rating, and the unit rate you pay for electricity, to work out how much your washing machine costs to run, per hour. For the full formula for this calculation, check out National Energy Action’s page on electrical consumption around the home.
Do washing machines use a lot of electricity?
Compared with smaller household appliances, washing machines can use a noticeable amount of electricity because they heat water and power rotating cycles.
According to Energy Saving Trust, typically, washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers make up around 14% of an energy bill.
As one of the most frequently used appliances in the home, we‘ve put together a list of washing machine energy-saving tips to help you learn how to save electricity with your washing machine. By making these adjustments, you can ensure your machine is used in the most energy- and cost-efficient way.
How to save energy with a washing machine
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Try to use your machine during off-peak times
The cheapest time to use a washing machine depends on the type of electricity tariff you have.
For many standard tariffs:
electricity prices stay the same throughout the day
there may be no cheaper washing times
However, some households use time-of-use tariffs where electricity prices vary during the day.
If you’re wondering when the cheapest time is to use a washing machine in UK households, off-peak periods may offer lower electricity prices depending on your supplier and tariff.
If you’re on a time-of-use tariff, off-peak periods are often the best time to use washing machine to save electricity and reduce running costs.
These periods are often:
late evening
overnight
early morning
However:
off-peak timings vary by supplier
time-of-use tariffs are optional
not all suppliers currently offer them
Time-of-use tariffs are optional and can help you save money on your energy bills. So, if you’re wondering when the best time to do washing to save electricity is, they might be a good option to consider. But remember, it is never a good idea to leave an appliance running unattended. So only use your washing machine and similar appliances when someone will be home to keep an eye out on them.
To qualify for a new time-of-use tariff, you’ll need to get a smart meter. With a smart meter, your energy supplier can receive half-hourly readings of your electricity use, enabling them to charge different rates for different times of day.
For more information on time-of-use tariffs and their impact on your energy bills, check out our guide here.
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Use your machine less often, where possible
One of the simplest ways to reduce washing machine running costs is to reduce how often you use your appliance.
You can help lower costs by:
waiting until you have a full load
avoiding repeated half-load washes
re-wearing lightly used clothes where appropriate
Improving washing machine energy efficiency is often about changing everyday habits rather than replacing appliances immediately. Running fewer cycles can also help reduce water usage around the home.
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Lower your wash temperature
Washing your clothes at high temperatures consumes more energy and might even damage your clothes. By washing your clothes at lower temperatures, you can save up to 60% of the energy used to heat water during laundry. Making small changes, such as washing your clothes at 30°C or using eco-cycles (if your washing machine has one) can help reduce your energy consumption.
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Keep on top of machine maintenance
Regular maintenance can help your washing machine run more efficiently and avoid using unnecessary electricity. While sometimes a replacement may be necessary, often your machine just needs a little TLC. Looking after it properly may also help keep running costs down. Here are some steps you can take to improve your washing machine’s efficiency:
- Avoid overloading the drum. While full loads are better than half loads, an excessively full load will require more work to wash, resulting in increased energy and water usage. Follow the recommended capacity outlined in your machine’s manufacturer’s guide.
- Regularly clean the filter. A dirty or clogged filter can negatively impact the efficiency of your wash cycle, leading to poor cleaning, water waste, and higher energy consumption.
- Use descaling solutions to reduce limescale buildup, which could be affecting your machine’s efficiency.
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Choose an energy-efficient model
If you are replacing your appliance, choosing the best energy rating for washing machine models can help lower long-term electricity use.
A (most efficient)
to G (least efficient)
The best energy rating for washing machine purchases is usually an A-rated model, which uses less electricity per cycle compared with lower-rated appliances.
For more washing machine energy-saving tips, check out Energy Saving Trust’s guide to saving energy while using a washing machine. Energy Saving Trust are an independent and trusted voice on energy efficiency and clean energy solutions.
By understanding how much electricity a washing machine consumes and the best time to use the washing machine, you can help your household cut down on energy bills and do your part to protect our planet.
FAQs on washing machine costs
Do washing machines use a lot of electricity?
Washing machines can use a significant amount of electricity over time, especially if used frequently or at high temperatures.
What is the cheapest time to use a washing machine?
The cheapest time to use a washing machine is usually during off-peak periods for households on time-of-use tariffs.
How can you use your washing machine less often?
You can use your washing machine less often by waiting until you have a full load, avoiding repeated half-load washes and re-wearing lightly used clothes where appropriate.
What wash temperature saves the most energy?
Lower wash temperatures save the most energy because less electricity is needed to heat water. Washing at 30°C or using an eco-cycle, if your machine has one, can help reduce energy consumption.
How can washing machine maintenance improve efficiency?
Regular maintenance can help your washing machine run more efficiently and avoid unnecessary electricity use. Avoid overloading the drum, clean the filter regularly and use descaling solutions to reduce limescale buildup.
How do you choose an energy-efficient washing machine?
If you are replacing your appliance, look for the best energy rating for washing machine models. Washing machines are graded from A to G, with A being the most efficient and G the least efficient.
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