Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to wash your laundry at 60 or 90 degrees to clean it effectively. And by choosing a lower temperature, you will save big!
In the past, our grandmothers only swore by high temperature detergents. Washing at 60°C or more was then synonymous with absolute cleanliness. These habits, firmly anchored, made sense in a context where hot water seemed to be the only way to effectively eliminate stains and bacteria. Even today, this belief that “the warmer it is, the cleaner it is” continues.
However, there are now a myriad of innovative textiles and detergents. Synthetic fibers, cotton blends and antimicrobial solutions have proliferated, profoundly changing household rules. And with them, a better understanding of wash cycles and optimal temperatures has developed. Little by little, housekeeping experts realized that boiling water is not the only guarantee of cleanliness.
In fact, current washing devices are much more efficient than their ancestors. The majority of modern washing machines, even when washing at 30 or 40°C, can effectively eliminate dirt and bacteria, in particular thanks to current high-efficiency detergents. The latter, specially designed to operate at low temperatures, effectively break down grease, food or perspiration stains. As a result, washing at high temperatures not only becomes unnecessary in many cases for cleanliness, but is also very energy-intensive.
Studies show that washing at 60°C is rarely necessary, except for the textiles of sick people, linen soiled by bodily fluids (blood, urine, stools, vomit, etc.) or underwear in case infections. For the rest, washing at 40°C, supplemented by the use of a suitable disinfectant product, is more than sufficient to obtain clean, fresh and healthy laundry. Please note, for dust mite allergies, washing at 60°C once a month is recommended, as it better eliminates allergens.
Above all, heating water to 30 or 40 degrees requires much less electrical energy than heating it to 60 or worse, 90 degrees! The difference is enormous and is immediately felt on the electricity bill.
In addition to reducing energy bills, washing at low temperatures has other advantages. At high temperatures, clothing is subject to increased wear, which can weaken its fibers and shorten its lifespan. By washing your clothes at 30 or 40°C, you not only preserve your textiles, but you also reduce the environmental impact linked to the production of new parts to replace damaged ones.
Thus, washing at low temperature has three advantages: less wear and tear on clothes, a lower energy bill, and a reduction in ecological impact. Be careful though to choose a long enough washing cycle. The combination of time and mechanical movement of the washing machine is as important as the temperature itself.