What a wash really costs

When people think about the cost of a washing machine, they think about the electricity bill. But every load pays for three items: energy, mostly for heating the water, the water itself and the detergent, plus any fabric softener. This calculator adds them up, shows the cost per load and per year, and tells you which item weighs most: often not the one you expect.

It works in any currency and with any washing machine: all you need are consumption figures and prices.

How the calculation works

You enter how many loads you run a week, the kWh and litres per cycle of the programme you use most, the detergent cost per load, the energy price per kWh and the water price per cubic metre.

• Energy: kWh per cycle × energy price.
• Water: litres per cycle × water price / 1000.
• Detergent: the cost per load of detergent and softener.
• Annual cost: cost per load × loads per week × 52.

The verdict is based on energy's share of the cost of each load: a percentage that does not depend on the currency and shows how much temperature matters compared with the other items.

Temperature changes the bill

Most of a wash's energy goes into heating the water, so hot programmes use much more. The table uses indicative consumption values per programme, 50 litres of water at 2 per cubic metre, 0.25 of detergent, energy at 0.30 and four loads a week.

Going from 60 to 30 degrees cuts the cost of each load by about a third in this example. For lightly soiled clothes modern detergents clean well even at low temperatures; hot programmes remain useful for bedding, towels or heavily soiled items.

Detergent weighs more than it seems

On low-temperature programmes energy falls and detergent often becomes the biggest item. The table uses a 0.6 kWh, 50-litre cycle and the same prices, changing only the detergent cost per load.

Between a budget detergent and a premium one, or between the right dose and a generous one, the annual difference can exceed the gap between an eco and a standard programme. Many people use more detergent than they need: the pack's guidance varies with water hardness and soiling, and soft water needs less.

How to work out detergent cost per load

Divide the pack price by the number of washes it states, then adjust for how much you really use: if you pour twice the recommended dose, the cost doubles. For pods, the price of one pod is enough. Add softener or other additives if you use them every wash.

How much frequency matters

The annual cost grows linearly with the number of loads. At 0.53 per load:

Washing full loads is the simplest lever: two half-empty loads cost almost twice as much as one full load, because energy, water and detergent per cycle change little with the load size.

The four bands of the verdict

• Energy below 25%: energy is a minor item, and detergent and water drive the bill.
• 25% to 50%: the items share the bill, each with its own lever.
• 50% to 75%: energy is the main item, and temperature is the strongest lever.
• Above 75%: hot programmes or an inefficient machine dominate the cost.

Where to find your washing machine's figures

The energy label shows energy use per hundred cycles and the litres per cycle of the eco programme, usually a 40–60 degree programme with long run times: divide the energy by a hundred to get kWh per cycle. For other programmes the manual often has a table with indicative consumption. If you mainly use quick or low-temperature programmes, enter those values.

Limits of the calculator

The model uses constant average consumption for a single programme and does not include drying, maintenance, the purchase price of the machine or standby consumption. Real consumption varies with the load, the temperature of the incoming water and the cycle length. To estimate the cost of a tumble dryer as well, use the dedicated calculator.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a washing machine load cost?

It depends on energy, water and detergent. With 0.6 kWh at 0.30, 50 litres at 2 per cubic metre and 0.25 of detergent, a load costs about 0.53.

What weighs most in the cost of a wash?

On hot programmes, energy; on low-temperature ones, often detergent. The calculator shows each item's share in your case.

Does washing at 30 degrees really save money?

Yes: most of the energy goes into heating the water. In the calculator's example, going from 60 to 30 degrees cuts the cost per load by about a third.

Where do I find my washing machine's kWh per cycle?

On the energy label, which gives energy per hundred cycles of the eco programme: divide it by a hundred. The manual often also lists consumption for other programmes.

How do I work out detergent cost per load?

Divide the pack price by the stated number of washes and adjust for the dose you really use. For pods, the price of one pod is enough.

Am I using too much detergent?

Many people do: the right dose depends on water hardness, load and soiling. With soft water and lightly soiled clothes you need less than you might think.

Is washing full loads worth it?

Yes: energy, water and detergent per cycle change little with the load size, so two half-empty loads cost almost twice as much as one full one.

Does the eco programme use less even though it takes longer?

Usually yes: it works at lower temperatures and makes up for it with longer run times, using less energy overall.

Does the calculator include drying?

No, only washing. For the cost of a tumble dryer, use the dedicated calculator.

How much does the water price matter?

It is usually the smallest item, but with high water prices or old machines that use a lot of litres it can weigh more.

Does the cost change with water hardness?

Indirectly: hard water needs more detergent, and limescale can reduce the heating element's efficiency over time.

Does it work in any currency?

Yes. Enter all prices in the same currency; the verdict is based on a percentage that does not depend on the currency.