How Much Electricity Does a Washing Machine Use in Kenya?
Updated by Washing Machines Kenya
A fully automatic washing machine uses about 0.3 to 0.6 kWh on a cold or 30°C wash, and about 1 to 1.5 kWh on a 60°C wash. A twin tub uses about 0.15 kWh per wash and spin. Multiply by the rate on your KPLC token receipt: at KSh 25 per kWh, a cold automatic wash costs about KSh 11 and a twin tub wash about KSh 4.
Electricity cost per wash in Kenya
| Machine and programme | Typical kWh | Cost at KSh 25/kWh | 20 washes a month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin tub, wash and spin | 0.15 | KSh 4 | KSh 75 |
| Automatic, cold or 30°C | 0.45 | KSh 11 | KSh 225 |
| Automatic, 60°C | 1.2 | KSh 30 | KSh 600 |
| Washer dryer, wash and dry | 3 | KSh 75 | KSh 1,500 |
| Condenser dryer, full load | 4.5 | KSh 113 | KSh 2,250 |
| Heat pump dryer, full load | 2.2 | KSh 55 | KSh 1,100 |
Typical estimates. Your cost depends on load size, programme and your tariff. Try the running cost calculator with your own numbers.
Why twin tubs use so little power
A twin tub has small motors and no water heater. The Ramtons RW/115, for example, runs a 400W wash motor and a 160W spin motor. The heater is what drives electricity use in automatics on hot programmes.
How to cut the cost
- Wash at 30°C to 40°C; modern detergents work at low temperatures
- Run full loads instead of several half loads
- Choose an inverter or direct drive motor
- Use the highest spin your fabrics allow so clothes dry faster on the line
- If you dry daily, a heat pump dryer uses about half the power of a condenser dryer