What's the cheapest time to do my washing?

When’s the Cheapest Time to Do Your Laundry?

Trying to save a few extra euros on your energy bill? Timing your laundry just right could make a small but meaningful difference. The simplest answer: do your washing early in the morning or late at night. These off-peak hours are when energy demand is lowest, and if you're on a time-of-use tariff, your electricity rates are often cheaper.

Most households power up during the day—cooking, heating, running appliances—peaking between 5 PM and 8 PM. That’s when the grid is under the most strain, and energy costs tend to spike. By shifting your laundry to before 7 AM or after 10 PM, you not only avoid those high-demand periods but also help reduce strain on the system.

Modern washing machines are efficient, but they still draw a noticeable amount of power, especially when heating water. Running them during off-peak hours can trim your bill over time, even if just by a few euros a month. Plus, if you're using a delay start function, it's effortless—load the machine the night before and let it run while you sleep.

Of course, the actual savings depend on your energy provider and tariff. Some utility companies offer special plans with lower overnight rates, making late hours even more appealing. But even without that, using appliances when demand is low is just smart energy use.

So, while the financial savings might seem modest, the habit adds up—both on your wallet and your environmental footprint. A quiet spin cycle at dawn or midnight? That’s laundry working for you, not the other way around.