Washing Cost Calculator
Calculate the cost per wash cycle, including electricity, water and detergent, using current average prices for power and water (current as of 08/2026).
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Legal notice
Current as of: 11.08.2026.
The results reflect the legal and fiscal state as of the date stated above. They are provided for general information and initial guidance only. They are not individual financial, tax or legal advice, and no guarantee is given as to their accuracy, completeness or suitability for your circumstances. In particular, the results are not a substitute for an official or judicial assessment. Please check the information independently and seek qualified advice where appropriate, as you are solely responsible for any decision made in reliance on the result.
How to use this tool (video)
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Calculate washing costs: what does one wash cycle really cost?
Washing costs consist of three parts: electricity for the machine, water (including sewage) and detergent. With our washing cost calculator you find out in seconds what a single wash cycle costs and what you pay per month and year.
What influences the cost per wash cycle?
- Energy efficiency and age of the machine: a modern machine uses around 0.4 kWh on an eco-40 programme and about 0.9 kWh on a 60 °C programme. Older appliances use noticeably more.
- Water consumption: modern machines need around 45 litres per cycle, older ones more than 100 litres.
- Programme choice: eco programmes at 30–40 °C are cheapest, 90 °C hygiene programmes are most expensive.
- Detergent: depending on brand and form (powder, liquid, pods) one cycle costs between about 0.15 and 0.35 euros.
Key figures (as of August 2026)
The calculator uses a household electricity price of around 0.37 euros per kWh (BDEW average, as of 08/2026), a water price of about 4.80 euros per cubic metre including sewage (German average, as of 2026) and 0.15 euros of detergent per cycle (Öko-Test, as of 2024) as defaults. You can adjust all values to your actual tariff.
Getting it right
- Choose the washing machine that fits you (new, 5–10 years, older).
- If you know your exact electricity and water price, enter it for the most accurate result.
- Enter the number of wash cycles per month to see the annual cost.
This calculation is an estimate
The calculator gives an overview based on average German values. Actual costs depend on your energy supplier, water supply and your individual machine. The figures do not replace individual energy advice.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a wash cycle cost roughly?
A modern machine on an eco-40 programme costs around 50 to 60 cents per cycle at current prices (electricity, water including sewage and detergent combined). Older machines and hot programmes cost more.
Which programme temperature is cheapest?
Eco programmes at 30–40 °C save the most energy and water. The longer run time still cleans the laundry thoroughly while cost is significantly lower.
How much electricity does a washing machine use per cycle?
Modern appliances use around 0.4 kWh on an eco-40 programme, about 0.9 kWh on a 60 °C programme and around 1.4 kWh on a 90 °C programme. Older machines use noticeably more.
How much water does one wash cycle use?
Modern washing machines need around 45 litres per cycle. Older appliances use 60 litres or more, with very old models exceeding 100 litres.
Are my entries stored?
No. All calculations run 100 % locally in your browser. Your entries are neither transmitted to a server nor stored.