27 Apr 2026
Washing machine running costs cheat sheet:
- Typical cost per wash: 25p to 45p (electricity & water)
- Electricity cost per wash: 13p to 26p
- Water cost per wash: 12p to 15p
- Annual cost at 4 washes/week is £55 to £90
- Lower temps, full loads & eco cycles cut costs
Washing machines are pretty essential workhorses in our kitchens… but how much do they actually cost us each time we run them?
The first thing to note here is that there are 2 main factors determining what you’ll pay for a wash:
- Electricity used (to heat the water)
- The amount of water used
Counting the cost.
Electricity.
Most machines use around 0.5 to 1.0 kWh per standard wash (depending on temperature and cycle type) and are charged at the 2026 UK average price of 27.7p per kWh.¹
So if your machine uses 0.5 kWh, your standard wash will use about 14p of energy at current rates (March 2026).
But if your machine uses 1.0 kWh then you’re going to be paying almost 28p.
Water.
And the water?
A typical cycle uses around 45 to 50 litres and at typical UK water rates (0.3p per litre) that means between 12p to 15p per wash.²
Add this to your electricity and you’re paying anything from 26p to 43p for a standard wash.
Annual costs.
So let’s say your family runs the machine 4 times a week (that’s 208 washes/year):
With costs at the lower end you’ll spend around £52 but with the higher end costs you’ll be nearer £90.
It’s estimated most households spend around £55 to £90 a year for the washing machine alone which excludes drying, detergent, or any maintenance the machine may require.
So what’s the best way to cut costs?
- Wash at lower temperatures. Cold or 30 °C washes use far less energy than hot washes and modern detergents like smol laundry capsules or smol laundry liquid still clean brilliantly on cool cycles.
- Run full loads. Washes that are half full will waste water and electricity when you consider how many items of clean clothing you are getting from the wash.
- Use eco cycles. Yes, they do take longer. They are designed to because they’re using less water and less heat. That means they cost less.
- Keep your machine clean. A well-maintained machine runs more efficiently with less heat and water wasted.
- Stick to pre-dosed detergents like smol laundry capsules or laundry liquids that are easy to accurately measure out (like smol laundry liquid with its handy pump). That way you’re not wasting product and overdosing.
Washing machine costs FAQs.
¹ Eco Flow 2025
² The Sun 2025
³ Which? 2025
Catherine Green, Cleaning Expert
Catherine has been on a mission to revolutionise the way we tackle chores since the dawn of smol and is an advocate for making more sustainable living accessible to all, with a strong focus in cleaning that’s heavy on dirt, lighter on the planet. Catherine has tested hundreds of hacks to make tackling chores easier, safer, and better for the planet and our homes.
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