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Washing Machine at 30C vs Washing Machine at 40C: Running Cost Comparison

Updated March 2026. Default rate effective 1 April 2026 (Ofgem Q2 2026).

We compare the electricity cost of running your washing machine at 30°C versus 40°C.

The first row shows each appliance's own natural usage basis. Daily, weekly, monthly, and annual figures are comparable because they use the default assumptions for each appliance.
PeriodWashing Machine at 30CWashing Machine at 40CDiff
Typical basis12.3pTypical use19.6pTypical use7.4p
Per day8.8p14.0p5.3p
Per week61.3p98.0p36.8p
Per month£2.66£4.26£1.60
Per year£31.94£51.10£19.16
Annual use130.36 kWh208.57 kWh78.21 kWh

Which is cheaper to run?

Washing at 30°C costs approximately 12p per cycle versus 20p at 40°C — a saving of 40% per wash. Over a year with 5 washes per week, switching from 40°C to 30°C saves approximately £21.

The Washing Machine at 30C is roughly 38% cheaper on the default assumptions, saving about £19.16 per year.

Things to consider beyond running cost

When to use higher temperatures: **Heavily soiled items** — gardening clothes, sports kit. **Bedding and towels** — a 60°C wash every few weeks helps kill dust mites and bacteria. **When illness is in the household** — 60°C is recommended for hygiene.

Adjust and compare

Washing Machine at 30C

W
Per use
12.3p
Per day
8.8p
Per week
61.3p
Per month
£2.66
Annual cost
£31.94

Typical annual electricity use: 130.36 kWh

Washing Machine at 40C

W
Per use
19.6p
Per day
14.0p
Per week
98.0p
Per month
£4.26
Annual cost
£51.10

Typical annual electricity use: 208.57 kWh

p/kWh

Washing Machine at 30C calculator

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Washing Machine at 40C calculator

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Frequently asked questions

Common questions about electricity costs and our calculators.