How much does a washing machine cost per load?

What the energy label tells you

Since March 2021, washing machine labels have shown the weighted energy consumption per 100 cycles, in kWh, for the eco 40-60 programme. That programme is designed to clean normally soiled cotton labelled for washing at 40°C or 60°C, which it does slowly at lower temperatures. The label also shows the rated capacity in kg, water use and the A–G class.

As with fridges, the class comes from an energy efficiency index, which takes capacity into account. A large machine can be class A and still use more per load than a smaller one.

Cost per load at 20, 30, 40 and 60°C

Which? tests machines on their 40°C cottons and synthetics programmes. Its average machine costs £64 a year at 26.32p, based on four washes a week. We divided that by 208 washes to get about 30.8p a wash (1.17 kWh). The table applies Which?'s published percentage changes for other temperatures to that average.

Which?'s yearly table ranges from £37 to £85 for its cheapest and most expensive machines, or roughly 17.8p to 40.9p a wash. Its article text also mentions models as low as £27 and as high as £119 a year. Heating water is most of the cost, which is why cooler washes save so much. National Energy Action's 2025 leaflet gives 5p to 35p a cycle at April 2025 prices, with ratings of 1,000–2,400 W Typical (published).

Why the label figure is lower than a normal 40°C wash

The eco 40-60 programme is long and cool, so it uses less energy than a standard 40°C cottons cycle. That's why our label costs (11.6p to 20.0p) sit well below the Which? average (30.8p). Use the label to compare machines, and the temperature table to estimate how you actually wash.

Worked examples

1. Switching from 40°C to 30°C

At four washes a week, moving from an average 40°C wash to 30°C saves about 11.7p a wash, or £24.32 a year on Which?'s figures.

2. Comparing two labels

Running eco 40-60 four times a week, the class D Samsung WW90T4040CE (76 kWh per 100 cycles) costs about £41.61 a year. The class A Samsung WW90CGC04DAE (44 kWh) costs about £24.09. Both are 9 kg machines, so the difference of £17.52 a year is a fair comparison.

3. A weekly 60°C towel wash

A 60°C wash costs more than half as much again as a 40°C one, so at least 15.4p extra each time on Which?'s average, or over £8.00 a year for one wash a week.

Ways to cut the cost

• Wash cooler. The Energy Saving Trust notes that new machines have had to offer a 20°C option since 2013.
• Fill the drum sensibly. The EST suggests leaving about a hand's width of space at the top.
• Use eco 40-60 when you can wait. It takes longer but uses the least energy.
• Spin well before drying. A faster spin leaves less water for a tumble dryer to remove. See our tumble dryer guide.

Frequently asked questions