Navigating the washing machine’s many programs and temperature settings can seem like an art in itself.
With a plethora of options available, why do many people still lean towards the familiar 40°C setting when filling the machine with everything from everyday clothes to bedding? It turns out that this approach isn’t always the most effective – either for the cleanliness of the clothes or for the family budget.
It’s a well-known phenomenon that many people prefer to wash at just 40°C, but this practice can actually do more harm than good.
Washing at this temperature may leave your clothes smelling fresh, but it hides an unpleasant truth: only 15% of bacteria are eliminated, leaving a large proportion of harmful microorganisms intact.
This includes dreaded guests like dust mites and Escherichia coli, which require higher temperatures to be effectively combated.
When it comes to stain removal, modern laundry science reveals that it’s not necessarily hot water that’s the hero.
Factors such as drum rotation speed and the quantity and quality of washing powder play a much bigger role. Modern washing machines, equipped with oxygen delivery systems, are able to push impurities out of the fabric, making the traditional reliance on high temperature for stain removal less crucial.
Economically, there is also a lot to be gained by rethinking washing habits.
A simple reduction in water temperature by 10 degrees can significantly lower electricity bills as it takes less energy to heat the water. However, it’s important to remember that lower temperatures don’t guarantee a spotless wash, especially with heavier soiling.
Laundry experts and dry cleaning professionals advise a more nuanced approach: For lightly soiled clothes, 30°C may be enough, while more ingrained dirt requires higher temperatures.
The key is to follow the garment’s care instructions and choose the temperature according to the actual needs of the garment. This not only ensures a more eco-friendly and economical wash, but also that your favorite garments last longer.
