How much does a washing machine cost per cycle?

What changes the cost of a washing machine?

The quick answer is power multiplied by time and your electricity rate—but the right input depends on the appliance. Wattwise starts this calculator with a representative estimate, not a manufacturer-specific claim. Replace defaults with measured, label, or bill values wherever possible.

• Energy-label kWh per cycle
• Water heating temperature
• Program and spin speed
• Load fullness and cycles per week
• Local water and sewer price

Example washing machine running costs

These examples use Canada electricity rate and the typical schedule shown in the calculator. Electricity tariffs vary by provider, tier, time, tax, and subsidy, so replace the rate with the value on your bill.

Ways to reduce this appliance’s electricity cost

Savings depend on comfort, safety, usage, and the equipment you already own. Model a change before buying a replacement, and verify high-cost appliances with a meter or label value.

1. Use a cold or 30°C wash when fabric care allows.
2. Run full loads without overfilling the drum.
3. Use a high spin speed before line or machine drying.

How Wattwise calculated this estimate

For the default inputs, Wattwise estimates $3.13 per month and 15.6 kWh at the global reference rate. The active formula is: kWh per cycle × cycles per week × active weeks.

The displayed range widens when power, duty cycle, weather, or tariff data are estimates. It narrows when you provide measured energy, an official annual kWh value, or a per-cycle energy label. Fixed charges are not allocated to one appliance unless you explicitly create a household bill allocation.