Is it cheaper to wash clothes after 6pm?

Is It Cheaper to Do Laundry After 6 PM?

Many of us have heard the tip: wait until after 6 pm to run the washing machine and save on energy bills. But is there real savings in it? The truth is, it depends entirely on your electricity plan.

If you're on a standard single-rate tariff, the cost of electricity remains the same around the clock. That means doing laundry at 3 pm or 9 pm makes no difference to your wallet. Most households still operate under this type of plan, so for them, timing your wash cycle won’t cut costs.

However, if you're on a time-of-use tariff—like Economy 7 or a smart meter plan with off-peak rates—you could save significantly by shifting laundry to later hours. These tariffs offer cheaper electricity during specific nighttime windows, usually starting around midnight and lasting a few hours. While 6 pm might still be too early for the cheapest rate, scheduling your machine to finish just after midnight could lower your energy costs over time.

It's also worth noting that modern washing machines often let you set a delay start, making it easy to take advantage of off-peak hours without staying up late. Pair that with energy-efficient settings—like lower temperatures and full loads—and you’ve got a smarter laundry routine.

Before changing your habits, check your tariff details. A quick look at your energy bill or a call to your provider can clarify when your cheapest rates apply. For some, the real savings come not at 6 pm, but much later—and knowing that can make all the difference.