Is it true that washing clothes at night is cheaper?

Is Washing Clothes at Night Really Cheaper?

Yes, running your washing machine at night is generally cheaper—but it’s not quite that simple. Many energy suppliers offer lower electricity rates during off-peak hours, typically overnight, meaning you could save money by doing laundry while you sleep.

The catch? Convenience and hygiene. While the cost per cycle may be lower, leaving wet clothes sitting in the drum overnight can lead to musty odors and mildew. No one wants to pull out damp, smelly laundry in the morning, no matter how much they saved on their bill.

Additionally, starting a machine late at night might disrupt your household. The spin cycle can be loud, and not everyone sleeps through the rumble of a washing machine finishing its load. For families or light sleepers, this might not be practical despite the savings.

Some modern washing machines offer delay timers, allowing you to schedule washes for the early morning—just as off-peak rates kick in—without the laundry sitting for hours. This could be a smart compromise: cost-efficient and hygienic.

Still, the actual savings depend on your energy tariff. If you're on a standard rate without time-of-use pricing, the difference might be negligible. But if you're on an economy tariff (like Economy 7), shifting laundry to off-peak hours can make a real dent in your energy bill.

Ultimately, washing at night can save money, but it’s worth weighing the trade-offs. A musty load of laundry or a sleepless night might cost more in frustration than you save in pounds and pence. For most, a balance—like using a delay function or washing just before or after peak hours—might be the smarter choice.