When is the cheapest time to use your washing machine?

Let's be honest, the cost of energy is something most of us are feeling in the wash these days. Literally. That humming machine in the corner might not seem like a big spender, but it quietly adds to your electricity bill, especially if it is turned on during peak times.

So, how do you get more wash for your wallet? It turns out that timing is everything. Using your washing machine during off-peak hours could make a noticeable difference to your monthly bill. That is because the price of electricity can vary depending on the time of day you use it, especially if you are on a smart tariff.

We want to help you make sense of it all, completely without the spin. Let us look at how timing your laundry loads can help cut costs, what it really costs to run a wash, and how our Next Smart Saver tariff fits into the picture.

Key takeaways: How to cut your laundry bills.

Before diving into the full details, here is a quick look at the easiest ways to trim your running costs:

• The cheapest windows: Run your washing machine during off-peak hours (7pm to 2am) or super off-peak hours (2am to 5am) when electricity costs drop by more than half.

• The peak times to avoid: Stay clear of the expensive 4pm to 7pm weekday rush hour when grid demand and energy prices are at their highest.

• Tariff dependence: You must be on a time of use tariff like Next Smart Saver and have a working smart meter to access these cheaper overnight rates. A working smart meter is a required for this tariff.

• Cost-saving wash habits: Maximise your savings by washing at 30°C, waiting for full loads, and utilising your appliance’s delay-start timer.

• Flexibility: Our Next Smart Saver tariff has no exit fees, so you’re completely free to switch if your circumstances change.

Why does off-peak timing matter for overnight electricity tariffs?

New research from E.ON Next shows that many of us are missing out on easy savings simply due to a lack of clear information. Our data revealed that 34% of Brits do not realise that electricity prices can change throughout the day. On top of that, only half of the people surveyed actually know what off-peak means1.

Because of this gap, almost 19 million UK households are currently missing out on significant savings1. This happens purely because they run heavy appliances at the wrong time of day. Understanding the best time to use your washing machine is one of the simplest ways to secure maximum energy cost savings.

What is the best time to run your washing machine?

Ever heard of off-peak hours? They are the times of day when fewer people across the country are using electricity, such as late nights, early mornings, and certain weekend slots.

Many energy experts point to a sweet spot between 10pm and 8am as the prime time for cheaper rates. Some even suggest a morning sweet spot between 7am and 8am if you prefer not to run your machine overnight. Because total demand on the grid is lower, energy is often cheaper during these hours for customers on certain tariffs.

Energy suppliers use what is called time of use pricing. This means electricity costs more when demand is high (like weekday evenings) and less when fewer people are using it. That is exactly where your savings come from.

What are typical off-peak hours for my overnight electricity tariff?

While these can vary depending on your specific tariff, standard off-peak windows generally include:

• Late at night (usually from around 11pm to 6am).

• Early mornings.

• Some weekend hours.

• National holidays (depending entirely on your supplier).

If you’re not sure when your specific off-peak times are and you’re already with us, you can check your tariff details easily in your online account or app. If you’re not with us yet, it is still well worth checking your latest statement with your current supplier.

How much does it cost to run a washing machine?

Knowing the cost of a single wash cycle helps you compare electricity tariffs, including the cheapest overnight rates. It also helps you estimate exactly how much electricity an appliance uses. Let us break down the terms you see on your bills:

• Watts (W): This is a measure of power, essentially how much energy an appliance uses at any given moment. You’ll usually find this number on a sticker on your appliance or in its manual.

• Kilowatt-hours (kWh): This is how electricity is actually measured and charged. One kilowatt-hour means an appliance that uses 1,000 watts has been running for exactly one hour. Think of it as the standard unit of electricity you see on your bill.

To estimate the cost of one wash on an overnight off-peak rate, you just need to know your machine's energy per load. Most standard washing machines use around 0.5 to 2 kWh per load. Usage varies by temperature, cycle, and model, so check your manual or energy label.

To figure out how much that costs, here is the quick formula:

kWh = (Watts x Hours) ÷ 1,000 

Let us say your machine uses 2,000 watts (which is 2 kW) on a hot, intensive one-hour cycle: (2,000 × 1) ÷ 1,000 = 2 kWh.

Is the Next Smart Saver tariff good for off-peak washing savings?

Yes, the Next Smart Saver tariff can be good for off-peak washing savings if you can shift when you use appliances like washing machines. If you’re not sure about your current usage, check your energy usage pattern to see whether you actually benefit from an overnight or off-peak tariff.

With Next Smart Saver, electricity prices change throughout the day. You can pay less by using electricity at quieter times, when demand is lower. That includes:

• Running your washing machine during off-peak hours.

• Charging devices or electric vehicles (EVs) overnight. If you have an EV and use a home EV charger to charge overnight, specialised EV tariffs like the Next Drive tariff (offering a cheaper overnight rate) or our Next Drive Smart tariff (our cheapest overnight rate) can be more cost-effective for you. Both tariffs give you a generous six-hour off-peak window from midnight to 6am that applies to your electric car and your whole house, meaning you can run your washing machine then too!

• Using your tumble dryer early in the morning, though line-drying is always cheaper.

How do the three time-of-day electricity zones work?

Some electricity tariffs split the day into 3 time slots, each with its own unit rate. Our Next Smart Saver tariff works this way too. The unit rates are fixed for 12 months.

How much does each laundry load cost on off-peak electricity?

Here is what that same load costs on the Next Smart Saver tariff, based on when you start it:

• Peak hours (4pm – 7pm at 39.20p/kWh): 2 kWh × 39.20p = 78.4p per load. If you do 5 washes a week during peak time, that is £3.92 a week, or roughly £203.84 a year just for washing.

• Off-peak Hours (7pm – 2am at 17.71p/kWh): 2 kWh × 17.71p = 35.42p per load. By simply waiting until 7pm, those same 5 washes a week drop to £1.77 a week, cutting your annual cost down to £92.09 — could save you over £110 a year.

• Super off-peak hours (2am – 5am at 14.33p/kWh): 2 kWh × 14.33p = 28.66p per load. If you use a timer, 5 washes a week costs just £1.43. That brings your annual washing bill down to £74.52.

Above figures are based on E.ON Next research. All savings figures, including the £204 annual estimate, are based on typical energy usage profiles and may vary significantly based on your individual consumption habits, tariff, and appliance efficiency.

What are the benefits of our Next Smart Saver tariff?

• Lower rates during off-peak and super off-peak times.

• Insight into your energy use through your smart meter.

• 12 month fixed term tariff, so any Ofgem price cap changes don't matter.

• Sending half hourly consumption data.

• No exit fees.

• Easy-to-track bills and budgeting.

• A simple way to save, just by changing when you press 'start'.

• It is one of the practical ways to lower your electricity bill overnight.

• You still do your laundry, but at a lower off-peak rate.

Which companies offer time of use rates where you can choose when to use your heavy appliances?

Many energy suppliers now offer time of use tariffs, which can be a great way to save money if you can shift your usage. When comparing options, it’s worth looking for a Which? recommended energy supplier, as this indicates a high level of trust, customer service, and reliability.

Our Next Smart Saver tariff puts you in control, offering discounted off-peak and super off-peak rates that make it easy to shift the use of heavy appliances like washing machines and tumble dryers to times when energy is cheaper, helping you maximise your savings. Feel free to explore the Next Smart Saver tariff or see all our tariffs to find your perfect fit.

Explore the Next Smart Saver tariff

See all our tariffs

What are the practical tips for scheduling laundry the cheapest washing machine time?

Now that you know the off-peak times and how to calculate costs, here is how to fit them into your routine. Planning laundry for cheaper overnight off-peak hours is simpler than it sounds. It is not just about knowing when to wash, it is also about planning ahead. Here is how to fit laundry into your low-cost hours, even if you are not up at 2am.

How can I plan laundry around off-peak electricity rates?

• Use your machine's delay start: Many models let you set a start time, so you can load it in the evening and set it to run overnight.

• Set reminders for cheaper hours: Your smart meter or energy app may let you track rates.

• Batch your laundry: Instead of small loads every day, group clothes together for fewer but fuller washes.

• Soak first, wash less: Pre-soaking stained or smelly items can reduce wash time or the need for high-temp cycles.

How can you save energy costs when using your washing machine?

You can save energy costs when using your washing machine by making it as energy-efficient as possible, not just by running it at the cheapest time. Every little bit adds up when it comes to keeping those bills trim! Want to cut your energy bill further? Here are simple ways to use cheaper overnight electricity for laundry, while keeping clothes fresh.

How can you save money with smarter washing habits?

• Go cold when you can: Washing at 30°C uses less energy and is fine for most everyday loads.

• Wait for a full load: It takes roughly the same energy to run a half-full wash as a full one.

• Check the label: Modern washing machines have energy efficiency ratings. A-rated models use significantly less electricity.

• Clean the filter and drum: This keeps the machine running efficiently, meaning fewer repeat washes.

How much extra can you save by running a tumble dryer overnight?

You can save more by running your tumble dryer overnight with other appliances you can run later. You can also move your washing machine cycle to off-peak hours. Using a few appliances together helps you use more of the cheaper overnight rate.

• The tumble dryer reality: Tumble dryers are among the most energy-intensive appliances in the home. By shifting drying cycles to off-peak or super off-peak hours instead of peak times, you can significantly reduce the cost of every load

• The combined savings: Research shows that shifting core household activities—including laundry, cooking, and ironing—to off-peak hours can save individual households an average of £204 annually. Collectively, the "Watch and Wash" report2 highlights that UK football fans alone could save up to £93 million by utilising these lower-cost energy windows during tournament matches

How does the 'Watch and Wash' Strategy save on off-peak electricity?

The Watch and Wash strategy can cut your costs by moving some electricity use into off-peak hours. Big events can help you stick to that change by nudging you to use electricity at different times.

E.ON Next partnered with former England footballers Jermain Defoe, Ray Parlour, and Toni Duggan to launch the Watch and Wash initiative. The Watch and Wash report2 says UK fans could save £93 million in total by using appliances at different times during tournaments.

How to help reduce energy bills with off-peak | Jermain Defoe, Ray Parlour & Toni Duggan | E.ON Next

Can you score energy savings during the match?

This summer, millions of football fans are setting their alarms for late-night kick-offs. We challenged @england legends Jermain Defoe, Ray Parlour, and Toni Duggan to a series of laundry-themed football challenges to show you how to Watch and Wash your way to lower energy bills.

Watch the video to see who came out on top!

How the Next Smart Saver tariff works:

With our Next Smart Saver tariff, electricity is cheaper during off-peak and super off-peak hours—right when those late-night games kick off. If you're already cheering, running your washing machine at the same time can help you score some serious savings.

Our research shows 8 million football fans plan to watch late-night tournament matches this summer. Late kick-offs mean fans lose an average of 4 hours of sleep. Meanwhile, 36% of fans use that time for household chores. If you’re still up at the final whistle, you’re awake during the cheapest overnight electricity hours. A midnight laundry load can help you use those lower-cost hours.

How can you automate your off-peak electricity window overnight?

To make the most of the cheapest overnight window (2am–5am), you don’t need to stay up. Set a timer or use smart controls, and your appliances will run automatically.

• Step 1: Smart plug or timer: Plug your washing machine into a smart plug or a timer plug.

• Step 2: Connect it to your smart home app: Link the plug to Apple Home, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa.

• Step 3: Set it to run in off-peak hours: Use a timer or your appliance’s delay-start setting. Start the wash at 7pm when your off-peak rate starts, or start it at 2am when your super off-peak rate starts.

• Step 4: Use the cheap window for other jobs too: While the machine runs, use the same cheaper hours to charge phones and laptops. You can also run a slow cooker for tomorrow’s meals.

Do I need a smart meter to unlock cheaper overnight rates?

To get time-based discounts, you need a working smart meter. Old analogue meters only show a single total and can't show when you used electricity. A smart meter records your home’s use every 30 minutes, helping you get the full discount for using power at cheaper times.

Moving some of your electricity use to off-peak hours can lower your bill. E.ON Next customers on the Next Smart Saver tariff have collectively saved over £1.5 million by using less power at peak times. If every UK home with a washing machine did the same, total savings could reach up to £6.7 billion1. Switching is designed to be simple, and there are no exit fees if your circumstances change.

Conclusion: Small washing changes, big cost saving differences.

Now you know how to find the cheapest overnight electricity tariff. Moving everyday tasks outside the 4pm–7pm peak window can lower your electricity costs significantly. If you do these tasks during our cheaper Next Smart Saver times, you could save up to an average of £204 a year:

• Popping a load of laundry into the tumble dryer.

• Cooking meals and doing kitchen tasks.

• Ironing clothes.

• Using an electric shower.

• Watching an hour of TV.

Small actions multiply quickly, and we all want to use less energy and pay less. So, let's share tips, build better habits, and keep your bills under control. Get a quote today.

Get a quote or switch to Next Smart Saver

What are the most common questions about overnight electricity tariffs?

How do you calculate electricity consumption?

Multiply the power (watts) by time (hours) and divide by 1,000.

How much is 1 unit of electricity?

1 unit = 1 kWh. That's the same as running a 1,000-watt appliance for one hour.

How much does it cost to run a washing machine per hour?

It depends on the model and cycle, but on average it is 30p to 60p per hour.

When's the cheapest time to use the washing machine?

Usually late at night or early morning if you're on a time of use tariff like our Next Smart Saver.

Is it cheaper to do laundry on a Sunday?

It can be, as some tariffs have lower weekend rates, depending on your specific plan.

What time is too late to do laundry?

If you're in a flat or semi-detached home, try to keep peace with your neighbours by sticking to hours before midnight. Some machines have quieter modes if you're running them late.

Is day or night cheaper for washing clothes?

Generally, nighttime is cheaper on smart tariffs, but check your own plan to be sure.

When should I do laundry if I have solar panels?

Aim for 10am to 4pm when your solar panels usually generate the most electricity. If you run appliances in daylight, you use more of your own solar power, meaning you rely less on the grid. If you have a smart meter or solar battery storage, you may be able to move more use to cheaper times. You can also look at our dynamic smart solar export and import tariff to help manage your home energy. Feel free to check our FAQs on specialised time of use tariffs.

Is running a washing machine expensive?

Compared to some other appliances, it can be, especially if you're frequently running hot, half-empty loads during peak hours. It could add up over time, but when used smartly (especially off-peak) it can cost less than 20p per load.

What consumes the most electricity at home?

Heating and hot water are usually top. After that come tumble dryers, ovens, and then appliances like washing machines. If you liked reading this blog, you might also like reading how much energy does my TV use or our guide on how to switch off at home and save energy.

For more view our FAQs on time of use tariffs

• 1. https://news.eonenergy.com/news/almost-19-million-households-could-be-missing-out-on-ways-to-save-on-their-electricity-bill
• 2. https://news.eonenergy.com/news/power-players-england-legends-highlight-gbp-93m-in-potential-fan-savings-tied-to-off-peak-electricity-use-around-kick-offs-1