Electricity use at different wash temperatures

Short answer: About ninety percent of the electricity in a wash goes into heating the water. Going from 60 to 40 degrees halves the consumption.

Where the electricity goes

The motor that turns the drum uses very little. It is the heating element lifting the water from ten degrees to the wash temperature that costs. That is why temperature is the only dial that matters.

The numbers in practice

A wash at 60 degrees uses about 1.3 kilowatt hours. At 40 degrees it is around 0.7. At 20 degrees it is under 0.3. See bamboo clothing for women.

Where you can turn it down without losing anything

From 60 to 40 on ordinary clothes. From 40 to 30 on something worn for a day. Save 60 for towels and bedding. See bamboo t-shirts for men and bamboo bedding.

Frequently asked questions

Does a long programme use more electricity

No, not appreciably. The time only costs motor power.

Is the eco programme cheaper

Yes. It washes longer at a lower temperature and saves the heat.

What about the tumble dryer

It typically uses more than the wash itself. The line is free.