Overview

• Consumer tests reported by Which? found washing at 30°C instead of 40°C made a cycle about 38% cheaper.
• Energy Saving Trust figures put the annual electricity cost of a typical 7kg machine used 220 times at roughly £25–£35 for washing, with lower temperatures reducing that further.
• Estimated savings from switching to 30°C range from about £10–£30 a year for four weekly loads to £60 or more for households doing six to eight washes.
• Experts note most modern detergents work effectively at lower temperatures, and using eco settings can further cut the energy used to heat water.
• Beko advises selecting cycles based on soil level rather than defaulting to high heat, and says choosing higher-rated machines can deliver substantial lifetime savings.