ENERGY · RUNNING COSTS

What a washing machine costs to run

On the price cap from 1 October to 31 December 2026, a washing machine rated 49 kWh per 100 cycles costs 12.9p a cycle, in Great Britain on average and paying by Direct Debit. Put in your own model and region below.

Your region
Today's cap
Real models

Each time it runs

12.9p

At 26.32p a kWh: the cap's Great Britain average on Direct Debit, 1 October 2026 to 31 December 2026.

A week: 51.6p
A month: £2.24
A year: £26.90

The working

49 kWh per 100 cycles is 0.49 kWh a cycle.
0.49 kWh × 26.32p a kWh (Great Britain average, Direct Debit, VAT included) = 12.9p each time.
4 times a week is 51.6p; × 52.14 weeks = £26.90 a year, or £2.24 a month.

The standing charge (54.83p a day here) isn't in these figures: you pay it whatever you run. On Economy 7 or another time-of-use tariff, the cost depends on when it runs and your supplier's rates.

Real models

Ratings from each maker's or retailer's page. Great Britain average, Direct Debit.

Model	Rating	Each time
Bosch Series 8 WGB264A1GB 11kg washing machine, class A	37 kWh per 100 cycles	9.7p
Bosch Series 4 WAN28254GB 8kg washing machine, class A	47 kWh per 100 cycles	12.4p
Bosch Series 6 WGG24400GB 9kg washing machine, class A	49 kWh per 100 cycles	12.9p
Bosch Series 6 WIW28302GB 8kg built-in washing machine, class C	62 kWh per 100 cycles	16.3p

Where you live

A washing machine rated 49 kWh per 100 cycles, on Direct Debit. The Great Britain average is 27.80p a kWh paying on receipt of a bill, and 25.52p on prepayment.

Region	A kWh	Each time	A year
Great Britain average	26.32p	12.9p	£26.90
Eastern England	26.61p	13p	£27.20
East Midlands	25.36p	12.4p	£25.91
London	26.60p	13p	£27.18
Merseyside and North Wales	27.86p	13.7p	£28.47
West Midlands	25.60p	12.5p	£26.17
North East England	25.46p	12.5p	£26.02
North West England	26.49p	13p	£27.07
Southern England	26.47p	13p	£27.05
South East England	26.88p	13.2p	£27.47
South Wales	26.55p	13p	£27.14
South West England	26.58p	13p	£27.17
Yorkshire	25.60p	12.5p	£26.17
South Scotland	26.11p	12.8p	£26.68
North Scotland	26.35p	12.9p	£26.93

A year is 4 cycles a week, from Energy Saving Trust: saving energy with your washing machine (220 washes a year).

What it uses

The energy label, under the A to G scale: kWh per 100 cycles of the eco 40-60 programme. Shops' specification tables usually repeat it.

Does it always use this much? A washing machine doesn't run at its full power rating for the whole wash. Heating the water is what makes it use more electricity, which is why cooler washes use less. The label's kWh per 100 cycles is a better guide than the wattage on the plate.

Spending less

Wash at 30°C instead of higher temperatures, and cut one wash a week. (Energy Saving Trust: Quick tips to save energy)
Wait for a full load. If a half load can't be avoided, use the half-load programme if your machine has one, and don't overload the drum: leave a hand's width at the top. (Energy Saving Trust: How to save energy when using your washing machine)
Go colder where you can: the European Commission says clothes rinsed in cold water come out just as clean as those rinsed in warm water, and new machines have a 20°C programme for lightly soiled cotton. (European Commission: Energy-efficient products, washing machines)

Questions

How much does a washing machine cost to run?

A washing machine rated 49 kWh per 100 cycles costs 12.9p a cycle at the price cap's 26.32p a kWh (Great Britain average, Direct Debit, from 1 October to 31 December 2026). For 4 cycles a week, that's £26.90 a year. The calculator above takes your own model, use, region and how you pay.

Is it cheaper to run a washing machine at 30 degrees?

Yes. Lower temperatures use less energy, and the Energy Saving Trust lists washing at 30°C instead of higher temperatures as one of its everyday ways to cut your electricity use.

What does kWh per 100 cycles mean on a washing machine label?

It's the electricity the machine uses over 100 washes on its eco 40-60 programme, weighted across full and partial loads. Divide it by 100 for one wash: a 49 kWh machine uses about 0.49 kWh per eco wash.

Does a bigger washing machine use more electricity?

Larger appliances generally use more energy, even with the same rating. The Energy Saving Trust says buying an appliance that's too big because it has a better rating is a common mistake.