- UK ecodesign rules define eco 40-60 as “a washing cycle called “eco 40-60”, which is able to clean normally soiled cotton laundry declared to be washable at 40 °C or 60 °C, together in the same cycle”.1
- Manuals must include “a statement that the most efficient programmes in terms of energy consumption are generally those that perform at lower temperatures and longer duration”.1
- For dishwashers, manuals must include “a statement that the eco programme is suitable to clean normally soiled tableware, and that for this use, it is the most efficient programme in terms of its combined energy and water consumption”.1
- Last checked: 28 October 2026.
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Why eco programmes take longer
The rules link efficiency to lower temperatures and longer duration. They also cap how long eco 40-60 can run at a full load: no more than 240 minutes.1
Bosch: “The “Eco 40-60” program is the most efficient program in the combination “energy and water consumption”.” and “The actual washing temperature is specified in the user manual and, depending on the load size, may deviate from the selected washing temperature for reasons of saving energy.”2
How much does eco save?
We found no official figure for the difference between eco and other programmes, so we do not state one. Energy labels give the eco programme's use per 100 cycles; your manual may list other programmes.