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’s on at peak times.
So, how do you get more wash for your wallet? It turns out, timing is everything. Using your washing machine during off-peak hours could make a noticeable difference on your bill. That’s because the price of electricity can vary depending on the time of day you use it, especially if you’re on a smart tariff.
We want to help you make sense of it all, without the spin. So, let’s 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.
Understanding the best time to use your washing machine for maximum energy cost savings.
Ever heard of “off-peak hours”? They’re the times of day when fewer people are using electricity, like late nights, early mornings, and some weekend slots. Many energy experts point to a "sweet spot" between 10pm and 8am as prime time for cheaper rates. Some even suggest a sweet spot between 7am and 8am if you prefer not to run your machine overnight. Because demand is lower, energy is often cheaper during these hours for customers on certain tariffs.
Sounds good? Here’s how it works.
Energy suppliers sometimes use what’s called time of use pricing. That means electricity costs more when demand is high (like weekday evenings) and less when fewer people are using it. That’s where the savings come in.
Typical off-peak hours (these vary based on your tariff):
Late at night (usually from around 11pm–6am).
Early mornings.
Some weekend hours.
National holidays (depending on your supplier.)
Not sure when your off-peak times are? If you’re with us, check your tariff details in your online account or app. And if you’re not with us (yet), it’s still worth checking with your current supplier.
Common questions answered:
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. Some tariffs have lower weekend rates. Again, it depends 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? Ideally between 10am and 4pm, when your solar panels are generating the most electricity. Using appliances during daylight hours means you’re making the most of your own solar power instead of pulling from the grid. If you’ve got a smart meter or solar battery storage, you might be able to shift even more of your energy use to when it’s cheapest or most efficient.
Check our FAQs on time of use tariffs
Next Smart Saver tariff: Your key to off-peak washing machine energy cost savings.
We're not just about supplying energy; we're about supplying smart ways to use it. And that's where our Next Smart Saver tariff truly shines.
Our Next Smart Saver tariff is designed for people who want to take control of their energy use, and cut costs by shifting when they use appliances like washing machines.
With Next Smart Saver, electricity prices change throughout the day. So, you can get cheaper rates by using energy when the grid’s under less pressure.
That includes:
Running your washing machine during off-peak hours.
Charging devices or EVs overnight.
Using your tumble dryer early in the morning (though line-drying is always cheaper).
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.
Easy-to-track bills and budgeting.
Ideal for customers with a solar battery, who store energy at night.
A simple way to save. Just by changing when you press ‘start’.
It’s one of the most practical ways to lower your bill without cutting corners on comfort. Laundry still gets done, just more cost effectively.
Explore the Next Smart Saver tariff here
How much does it cost to run a washing machine?
Ever wondered how much a single wash cycle actually costs? Or perhaps, how do you calculate the electricity used by an appliance? It's a useful thing to know, and thankfully, it's not as complicated as it sounds! Let’s dive in.
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 one hour. Think of it as the "unit" of electricity you see on your bill.
So, how do you calculate the cost of use per hour and per load? Let's crunch the numbers.
A standard washing machine uses around 0.5 to 2 kWh per load, depending on the temperature, cycle, and model.
To figure out how much that costs, here’s a quick formula:
kWh = (Watts × Hours) ÷ 1,000 Let’s say your machine uses 2,000 watts (2kW) on a one-hour cycle: (2,000 × 1) ÷ 1,000 = 2 kWh
If electricity costs 30p per kWh, that’s: 2 kWh × 30p = 60p per load
If you do 5 washes a week, that’s around £2.40–£3.00 a week, or £125–£150 a year.
And yes, if you’re washing during off-peak times where rates drop (let’s say to 15p/kWh), you could halve that.
Quick answers:
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? Depends on the model and cycle, but on average 30–60p per hour.
Practical tips for scheduling laundry to use your washing machine at the cheapest time.
Now that we're all clued up on off-peak times and how to calculate costs, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: how do we actually weave this into our busy lives? Planning your laundry schedule around those cheaper off-peak hours is easier than you might think!
It’s not just about knowing when to wash, it’s also about planning ahead. Here’s how to fit laundry into your low-cost hours, even if you're not up at 2am.
Tips for off-peak laundry planning:
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 need for high-temp cycles.
Common questions:
What time should I run my washing machine? For savings: during your off-peak hours. For neighbours: before midnight or use a quiet mode.
What are peak times to avoid? Typically 4–7pm weekdays. When everyone’s home, lights are on, ovens are going, and the grid is under pressure.
What’s the magic hour for washing? It’s not a fixed time, but whenever your tariff gives you the lowest rate.
Also, read our blog on - How to switch off at home and save energy
Energy cost saving tips for your washing machine.
Beyond choosing the cheapest time, there are even more smart moves we can make to ensure our washing machines are as energy-efficient as possible. Every little bit adds up when it comes to keeping those bills trim!
Want to stretch your savings even more? Here’s how to squeeze extra value out of every load, without losing that just-washed freshness.
Money saving wash 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 ratings. A-rated models use significantly less electricity.
Clean the filter and drum. This keeps the machine running efficiently, meaning fewer repeat washes.
Answering more of your questions:
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: tumble dryers, ovens, and then appliances like washing machines.
When are washing machines cheapest to buy? This isn't directly related to energy usage, but typically, you might find washing machines on sale during seasonal sales events, such as Black Friday, January sales, or during bank holiday weekends. Keep an eye out for those bargains!
How long should a washing machine last? On average, about 10–12 years. Investing in a durable, energy-efficient model from the outset can save you headaches (and money) down the line. Maintenance and how often you use it make a big difference.
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Conclusion: small washing changes, big cost saving differences.
So, that was our little deep dive into the wonderful world of washing machine wisdom!
We've journeyed through understanding off-peak times, crunched some numbers on costs, and picked up some truly brilliant tips for making our laundry routines both cheaper and smarter. We know doing laundry isn’t the most exciting chore, but it’s a regular one. And with a few clever shifts in when and how you wash, you can make real savings over time.
Running your washing machine during off-peak hours, switching to colder washes, and using tools like delay-start settings are small tweaks that can add up. Especially when paired with something like our Next Smart Saver tariff, where you’re rewarded for being smart about your energy.
Let’s face it, we’re all in the same laundry pile when it comes to energy use. So let’s share ideas, build better habits, and keep those bills in check.