What a wash costs in power and water and what you can cut
Short answer: What a wash costs in power and water depends on the size of the machine, the programme, the temperature and the rates you pay, so there is no single figure for everyone. Here is a simple way to work out your own wash and see where you can save without giving up clean clothes.
What does a wash cost you
The price of one wash depends on three things: how much power the machine uses, how much water it takes, and what you pay for each unit. The last one is printed on the bill from your electricity and water supplier. So there is no single right answer, but with a few minutes of work you can find your own number.
How to work out your own wash
Look at the energy label or the manual, where the use per programme is often given in kilowatt hours and litres. Multiply the power by your price per kilowatt hour and the water by your price per cubic metre, then add the two. That gives you the cost of the exact programme you use, and you can compare programmes calmly.
Temperature matters most for power
Most of the power goes into heating the water, so a lower temperature often means lower use. Plenty of everyday items wash well at a moderate heat, and that is also gentler on the fabric. Use the high temperatures when there is a reason, for example for bamboo towels that have been used many times, and always follow the care label.
Full machine or half machine
A washing machine often uses about the same power and water whether it is half or completely full, so a well filled machine lowers the cost per item. Make sure the laundry can still move freely in the drum, though. Otherwise it will not come out clean, you will have to wash it again, and the saving is gone.
Eco programmes and short programmes
The eco programme often uses less power but runs for longer, and many people find it gentler on clothes. Short programmes suit lightly soiled items that only need freshening up. Check the manual for what your own programme really uses instead of trusting the name, because the figures differ a lot between manufacturers.
How often clothes really need washing
Not everything needs washing after one wear. Underwear, towels and bamboo bedding are washed regularly, but a jumper or a pair of trousers can often be aired and worn again. Fewer washes save power, water and time, and the fabric wears less, so clothes last longer when you do not wash more than you need to.
Drying can cost more than washing
The tumble dryer can be a big item on the bill, so a drying rack or a line is an easy saving when weather and space allow. If you hang items out flat you also avoid most creases. Sleepwear such as a women's Bamboo Pajama Shirt can often hang overnight and is ready the next day.
Check the numbers and set a small goal
Write down your use for a month or two and see where the biggest swings are. It is often the temperature, half loaded machines or the dryer that matter most. Change one thing at a time so you can see the effect on the bill without making daily life more complicated than it needs to be.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to wash at a low temperature?
Usually yes, because less power goes into heating the water. Check the care label in the garment, though, and choose a higher temperature when the fabric or the dirt calls for it, so the laundry comes out properly clean.
Where do I find my price per kilowatt hour?
The price is on your electricity bill or in your supplier's app. Water and drainage are on the bill from the water company, often as a price per cubic metre, so you can work out a useful figure.
Do bedding and towels need washing often?
It depends on use and habit. Many people change bedding every week or every second week and wash towels after a few uses. Wash when it no longer feels fresh, but do not run more washes than necessary.
