How much does it cost to run a washing machine for 1 hour?

 Running a washing machine for an hour in Australia isn’t as expensive as most people think, but the actual cost depends on two main factors: the energy rating of your machine and your electricity tariff. On average, it will set you back between 25 cents and $1.50 per load, but let’s break that down more carefully.

How much electricity does a washing machine use in 1 hour?

Most modern front loaders use 0.5–2.0 kWh per cycle. If your electricity rate is around 30 cents per kWh (a common residential tariff in Australia), then:

  • A 0.6 kWh wash = about 18 cents

  • A 1.2 kWh wash = about 36 cents

  • A 2.0 kWh wash = about 60 cents

Keep in mind that this is per cycle, not per strict “hour”, since many eco modes extend the wash to save energy.

Does hot water increase the cost?

Yes. Heating water is the real energy guzzler. A cold wash uses far less electricity, while a 60°C wash can triple the cost. For households on solar, timing your wash during the day can cut costs significantly.

How does this compare to laundromat costs?

Here’s a quick side-by-side:

OptionAverage Cost Per LoadExtras
Home washing machine$0.25–$1.50 (electricity only)Plus water + detergent
Laundromat$4–$8 per loadHotter, larger machines, faster turnaround

While home washing is cheaper per cycle, laundromats offer bigger capacity (less loads for sheets and doonas) and save wear-and-tear on your own machine.

What influences the cost the most?

  • Energy star rating – efficient machines cut running costs by up to 40%.

  • Wash temperature – hot water pushes costs up fast.

  • Electricity tariff – peak vs. off-peak rates make a difference.

  • Load size – overloading makes the machine work harder; underloading wastes energy.

FAQ

Does a quick wash use less electricity?
Usually, yes, but some “eco” modes use longer cycles with lower energy, so it depends on your machine.

Is cold water washing effective?
Yes—especially with modern detergents designed for cold water. It’s cheaper and gentler on clothes.

Can solar panels make washing free?
Pretty much, if you wash during the day when your panels are generating.

For bigger laundry jobs, some Aussies still find value in searching laundromat near me especially when you need commercial-sized machines.

If you’d like to explore further, the Australian Government’s Energy Rating site has an excellent calculator that shows how much different appliances cost to run.

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