When it comes to doing laundry, we often overlook the importance of the washing machine temperature setting. While we may simply stick to the same default setting of 40°C without giving it much thought, it turns out that choosing the right temperature can make a big difference in both the cleanliness and longevity of our clothes.
Doctor and broadcaster Dr Xand van Tulleken recently shared some insight on BBC Morning Live about the most “useless” washing machine temperature. And the results may surprise you.
According to Dr van Tulleken, the most unnecessary and potentially harmful washing machine temperature is 90°C. This setting is often used to “kill” germs on clothing, but it is also very harsh on our clothes. In fact, Dr van Tulleken jokes that if your clothes need to be washed at such a high temperature, they likely need to be thrown out anyway.
But what about 60°C? This temperature is often recommended for clothing that is heavily soiled or when dealing with infections like Norovirus. However, for everyday laundry, this setting is still too hot and can be damaging to our clothing and our wallets. This temperature is also not hot enough to kill certain types of germs, so it may not be as effective as we think.
So, what’s the magic number? According to Dr van Tulleken and consumer advocacy publication Which?, 30°C is the ideal temperature for most laundry loads. Not only does this setting get the job done, but it also saves a significant amount of energy and money. On average, switching from 40°C to 30°C can save 38% energy, or about £24 a year.
But wait, it gets even better. Dr van Tulleken personally recommends washing clothes at 20°C, except for workout clothes. This temperature not only provides a deep clean, but it also saves even more energy and money. According to Which?, washing at 20°C can save 62% energy, or £39 a year compared to 40°C – a considerable difference.
Washing at lower temperatures may leave us wondering if our clothes are truly clean. The answer is yes. According to Dr van Tulleken and Which?, washing at 20°C or 30°C is just as effective as washing at higher temperatures, with the added bonus of saving energy and money.
You may be wondering how to keep your washing machine clean if not using high temperatures. The solution is simple. A monthly hot maintenance wash with the machine empty and washing machine cleaner in the detergent tray will keep your machine clean and germ-free.
But why is washing at lower temperatures so important? Other than the energy and cost savings, washing at lower temperatures also helps to protect the longevity of our clothes. Overheating and overloading our washing machines can lead to dampness and even damage to the machine itself. This means that not only do our clothes suffer, but our appliances also have a shortened lifespan.
Additionally, using a lower temperature also reduces the risk of fading and shrinking our clothes. This is especially important for darker colors and delicate fabrics. By opting for a lower temperature, we can extend the lifespan of our favorite clothes and save money by not having to replace them as often.
But what if you’re not feeling unwell and don’t need to worry about germs? In that case, a lower temperature is still the way to go. According to Dr van Tulleken, 40°C is too hot to be cheap and too cold to kill germs. So, unless you have a specific reason to use it, this temperature is not ideal.
It’s also essential to consider the impact of higher temperatures on the environment. By washing at lower temperatures, we are not only saving money but also reducing our carbon footprint. This small change can make a big difference in the long run.
In conclusion, the next time you do your laundry, consider opting for a lower temperature setting. Not only does it save energy, money, and the environment, but it also effectively cleans our clothes and extends their lifespan. So, let’s all become “20°C guys” and make a positive impact on our laundry routine.
