Keeping a spotless home might feel satisfying, but it could also be quietly adding hundreds of pounds to your annual energy bill. Everyday cleaning habits — from running half-empty loads in the washing machine to boiling full kettles for one cup of tea — are now costing UK households more than many realise.
Recent Ofgem figures show the average dual-fuel energy bill for a typical household remains over £1,500 a year, and with energy prices still volatile, small daily choices can make a big difference.
How Household Chores Use More Energy Than You Think
Many people underestimate how much power basic cleaning routines consume. According to the Energy Saving Trust, running a washing machine at 60°C rather than 30°C can use nearly twice the electricity. Add to that the tumble dryer, dishwasher, and vacuum cleaner, and suddenly “tidying up” becomes one of the biggest energy users in the home.
The average UK home uses:
- Around 12% of its total electricity on washing and drying clothes.
- Up to 8% on dishwashing and kitchen cleaning appliances.
- Roughly 6% on vacuuming, ironing, and small cleaning devices.
These figures highlight how staying neat and tidy could now rival entertainment systems for energy demand.
The Laundry Problem: Heat, Water, and Drying
Laundry alone is one of the most energy-intensive chores. A 40°C wash uses about 0.7kWh of electricity, while a 60°C wash can exceed 1.2kWh. That might not sound like much, but across 250 washes per year, it adds up.
Drying clothes is another major cost. Tumble dryers typically use 4–5 times more energy per cycle than washing machines. Each load can cost between £1 and £1.50 in electricity — meaning a family using the dryer three times a week could spend over £200 a year just on drying.
Opting for an outdoor clothesline, heated airer with timer control, or a high-spin washing cycle can significantly reduce those costs.
Dishwashers and the Myth of Efficiency
While many assume modern dishwashers are more efficient than hand washing, this depends on usage. A full dishwasher on an eco mode does save water and energy, but running it half-empty or using a quick-wash setting daily defeats the purpose.
The Energy Saving Trust estimates a dishwasher used once a day can add £60–£80 a year to your bill. Using the eco cycle, washing during off-peak hours, and skipping pre-rinse functions can cut this down considerably.
Households comparing usage and switching to more affordable tariffs through platforms that compare energy prices often find these changes add up to meaningful yearly savings.
The Cost of Keeping Floors and Surfaces Gleaming
Vacuuming, steam cleaning, and mopping each have an energy cost. Upright vacuums can draw 500–900 watts per use, and running a steam mop for half an hour consumes roughly the same as leaving the oven on for ten minutes.
If you clean daily, that can add over £100 per year to your energy use. Cordless vacuums also contribute through charging cycles, with batteries needing frequent top-ups that gradually increase overall electricity consumption.
The Kettle Conundrum: Small Habits, Big Impact
Boiling a full kettle for one or two cups of tea remains one of the most common energy-wasting habits in UK homes. A 3kW kettle consumes around 0.1kWh per boil, and filling it unnecessarily can waste up to 30 litres of water a week when multiplied across households nationwide.
Energy experts recommend filling only what you need and descaling kettles regularly to maintain efficiency. Simple actions like these can reduce waste without changing your lifestyle.
Weekend Cleaning: Peak Hours, Peak Prices
Most people clean on weekends — exactly when electricity demand and prices are highest. Using washing machines, vacuums, or dishwashers on Saturday mornings can cost more than weekday evenings, depending on your tariff type.
Households on standard variable rates pay the same per kWh throughout the day, but those on flexible or off-peak plans could save by adjusting their cleaning schedule.
To explore whether an off-peak plan suits your household, it helps to compare energy deals regularly. Many providers now offer time-of-use tariffs designed for modern lifestyles, where energy is cheaper during quieter hours.
Dual Fuel Homes: Hidden Heating Costs
Heating water for cleaning is often overlooked. If your boiler runs on gas, that energy still contributes to your dual-fuel bill. Running hot taps for cleaning, showering, and laundry can account for nearly 20% of total household energy use.
Using cooler wash settings, reducing hot water use, and switching to more efficient heating controls can reduce this portion dramatically. For families using both gas and electricity, reviewing dual fuel energy tariffs can lead to savings that offset seasonal price fluctuations.
How to Cut Cleaning-Related Energy Waste
Practical ways to lower your cleaning energy costs include:
- Wash clothes at 30°C whenever possible.
- Use full loads for washing machines and dishwashers.
- Clean filters in washing machines and dryers monthly.
- Air-dry clothes during warmer months.
- Vacuum efficiently — focus on high-traffic areas rather than full-house sweeps daily.
- Descale kettles and use only as much water as needed.
- Run heavy appliances outside of peak hours where tariffs allow.
Even modest changes in routine can trim tens of pounds from your annual energy spend, especially when combined with a cheaper energy tariff.
Why Everyday Habits Matter More in 2025
Although wholesale energy prices have stabilised, household costs remain sensitive to usage spikes. With most people spending more time at home — working, cleaning, or relaxing — the energy tied to small tasks now carries greater weight.
Behavioural habits are harder to spot than appliance upgrades or tariff changes, but they are equally important. A smart meter can help track which tasks use the most electricity, and by adjusting habits, households can reduce both their bills and carbon footprint.
