Updated June 25, 2026
Washing Machine Running Cost Calculator
Calculate washing machine electricity cost per load, month, and year for different programs and temperatures.
Live calculator
Calculate your actual running cost
Running this washing machine for 1.5 hours a day, 5 days a week uses about 16.3 kWh each month.
Quick answer
How much does a washing machine cost to run?
A 500 W washing machine used for 1.5 hours a day, 5 days a week, consumes about 16.3 kWh per month. At $0.30 per kWh, that is approximately $4.88 per month. Replace these example figures with the wattage and electricity rate from your appliance and bill.
What changes the real running cost?
Heating water is the energy-intensive part of most wash cycles. Cooler and eco programs can use less electricity even when they take longer.
Energy labels that state kWh per 100 cycles provide a better average: divide by 100 for the electricity used by one cycle.
Example washing machine costs
These examples use 500 W for 1.5 hours a day and 5 days per week.
| Electricity rate | Per hour | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.15 / kWh | $0.07 | $2.44 | $29.25 |
| $0.25 / kWh | $0.13 | $4.06 | $48.75 |
| $0.35 / kWh | $0.17 | $5.69 | $68.25 |
Ways to reduce the cost
Start with changes that reduce active runtime without compromising safety or the job the appliance needs to do.
- Wash full loads without overfilling.
- Use lower temperatures when suitable.
- Choose eco cycles for normally soiled laundry.
Estimate only. Actual consumption varies by model, setting, condition, temperature, duty cycle, and tariff. Use a plug-in meter or energy-label figure when accuracy matters.