The “one wash temperature” approach can be harmful to your clothes, your wallet and the environment.
We rarely think about choosing the washing temperature – we usually throw the clothes into the drum and start the usual cycle. However, according to professionals, this issue should not be taken lightly: after all, the right washing temperature ensures that you get clean and fresh clothes, and a mistake will make them dull and worn. Follow the advice of launderers and other experts – here’s what they recommend.
Washing temperature modes: which one is needed for what
20°C
The rule that washing machines must have a wash cycle at 20°C appeared in 2013: it was invented to save energy and protect the environment. In fact, the water will be slightly warm, but officially it is considered cold – if you see a recommendation to wash the item in cold water, you can safely set it to 20°C.
“I wouldn’t recommend using this temperature all the time,” says Patrick Richardson, host of Discovery+’s Laundry Guy and author of The Love of Laundry. “This increases the risk of mold forming, grease can build up around the seal, leading to a musty smell in the drum which will be transmitted to clothing.”
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20°C is:
- washing temperature for delicate fabrics,
- wool washing temperature,
- washing temperature for lightly soiled items.
Benefits:
- energy saving and respect for the environment,
- reduction in operating costs per wash cycle,
- Ideal for washing delicate fabrics.
Disadvantages:
- increased risk of mold and unpleasant odors,
- the need to frequently clean the inside of the washing machine.
30°C
It would seem that 30°C is not much different from 20°C, but in fact the difference between the two is fundamental: an additional ten degrees in combination with modern detergents leaves almost all contaminants no chance.
“Choose this temperature for different types of fabrics, and you can’t go wrong: it’s the sweet spot: it cleans well without damaging the fibers, without causing fading or shrinking, and saving energy,” explains Mary Gagliardi, company scientist. produces laundry detergents.
30°C is:
- washing temperature for colored laundry that fades,
- washing temperature for items prone to shrinkage,
- washing temperature for silk and wool.
Benefits:
- Versatility,
- gentle washing of clothes.
Disadvantages:
- Need a good detergent
- operating costs are higher than at 20°C.
40°C
The temperature at 40°C is perhaps the most popular washing method for various things: we use it most often to store the clothes we wear daily. Additionally, 40°C is the same bar by which the performance of washing machines is rated.
40°C is:
- washing temperature for medium soiling,
- washing temperature for colored laundry that does not fade,
- optimal washing temperature for everyday items made of cotton, linen, nylon, polyester and acrylic.
Benefits:
- Ideal for regular washing.
Disadvantages:
- not as delicate an effect as at 30°C.
50°C
“This mode is specially designed for washing mixed fabrics, which include both natural and synthetic fibers. However, modern detergents allow them to be used at 40°C: we obtain the same results, but while saving energy,” explains Isabelle Aagaard, creator of the brand of environmentally friendly cleaning products.
50°C is:
- temperature to remove stains from blended fabrics.
Benefits:
- Removes stains from mixed fabrics without damaging them.
Disadvantages:
- you can change it at 40°C if you use a good detergent.
60°C
60°C is the ideal temperature for killing bacteria and viruses and removing stains (but, of course, you also need to choose your powder wisely: the setting alone won’t remove germs and dirt). This mode is also recommended for washing towels and bed linen.
