2023-04-27 19:04:19
When we decide to put our laundry in the washing machine, we expect to get clothes that are immaculate, spotless and free of germs and microbes. And if for this reason a lot of people choose high temperatures, in the majority of cases it is counterproductive. Because, in addition to being clearly felt on the energy bill, this type of washing can be harmful for certain types of fabrics. But then, how do you choose the ideal washing temperature for your load? Before turning the wheel or selecting a button on your device, you should consider several factors. Explanations.
What temperature for what type of clothes? Washing at 60°: what is the risk?
Do you want to reduce your water and electricity bill, or adopt a more environmentally friendly lifestyle? You can use your household appliances optimally and this can be a start to realizing great savings. Maybe you don’t know that? But the washing machine, in particular, can consume a lot of energy if not used correctly, hence the need to select the right program according to your real needs. For each wash, you must take into account the material of the fabric, or the level of soiling of the laundry to determine the right washing temperature, and above all not have a default setting for everything. Let’s take a look at the frequently asked questions regarding the washing program to choose depending on the type of laundry.
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Washing program for laundry. Source: spm
When to wash clothes at 60° or more?
To eliminate bacteria and germs that may be present on the laundry, it can be useful to wash it at a high temperature. This method also allows for deep cleaning and elimination of stubborn odors. It is particularly recommended for bedding and linens, as these items come in close contact with the body and can spread dust mites.
Towels and linens may require washing at 60 degrees or higher. Source: spm
At what temperature should towels and sheets be washed to get rid of bacteria?
As we said before, washing certain types of laundry, usually linens, may require a higher temperature, 60 or even 90 degrees Celsius. Among these, we find bath towels, sheets, tea towels, underwear or baby diapers and bibs. This program is ideal for killing viruses and removing stains from heavily soiled items. But beware, this can significantly increase your electricity bill. It is therefore advisable to reserve washing at high temperature only for linen which really needs it, and to use a suitable detergent to obtain a good result.
Why washing at 60° is not always the best option? Does cotton shrink at 60 degrees Celsius?
Yes, cotton tends to shrink when washed at high temperatures, naturally much more at 90°C than at 60°C. To avoid this risk, it is recommended to wash cotton laundry at a temperature below 60°C whenever possible. However, if you have heavily soiled clothes, washing at 60°C may be warranted to effectively remove stubborn stains. But you have to be careful with delicate fabrics like wool and cotton, which unlike synthetic clothes, can shrink easily.
Your clothes can shrink if they are not suitable for washing at high temperatures. Source: spm
Should everyday clothes be washed at 30 or 40 degrees?
Considered a universal temperature for washing all types of laundry, the 40°C program is also not the best option when it comes to washing everyday clothes, which are generally lightly soiled. And for good reason, other energy-saving programs found on most washing machines are just as effective at low temperatures. This is the case with washing at 30°C, which is less expensive and more ecological. In addition, a large number of detergents are active from 20°C, which makes washing at 30°C sufficient to obtain clean and bright clothes, while being beneficial for your wallet.
At what temperature should you wash white linen?
Want to wash white clothes and want to find the right temperature? It must be admitted that it is a rather complex task which must guarantee both their cleanliness and their shine, while avoiding damage to the fabrics or their discoloration…In general, white clothes must be washed in hot or lukewarm water , following being separated from the colored clothes. But where some fabrics can withstand washing at high temperatures, others, such as linen, risk shrinking or having the fibers damaged beyond 40°. If in doubt, and this advice applies to all your laundry, read the garment’s care label and follow the specific instructions for water temperature and recommended wash cycle. But overall, it’s best to reserve the hottest cycles for heavily stained items and not routinely use them for all your white-colored clothes.
White laundry requires special attention when choosing the right washing programme. Source: spm
What is the 30 minute quick wash temperature?
For people in a hurry, most washing machines have a short cycle that can get your laundry done in a short amount of time. The washing temperature of this programme, which generally does not exceed 40°C, is recommended for lightly soiled clothes and for a quantity of laundry lower than the maximum capacity of the machine.
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What regarding cold washing?
Have you ever considered washing your laundry with cold water? This option is feasible for most garments and offers many advantages. The manufacturer’s instructions on the label will tell you more regarding this. According to experts quoted in a New York Times article, washing clothes in cold water is essential to preserve our clothes and to protect the environment. Frequent use of the washing machine can alter the fabric and cause it to fade or shrink. Tumble dryers are also very energy intensive and can have significant environmental impacts when combined with machine washing. According to Roland Geyer, a professor specializing in life cycle analysis at the University of California, laundry detergent can have environmental impacts similar to those of the production of clothing. This includes the use of water, energy, the production of greenhouse gases and the release of microfibers into waterways. Therefore, limiting the washing of clothes to necessary times and using cold water when possible will prolong the life of your clothes, save money and help the environment.
As we have just seen, several washing programs allow you to have impeccable laundry, while avoiding harming the quality of the fabrics and over-consuming energy. The 60°C program may however be necessary for special cases such as household linen. And for heavily soiled clothes, the first thing to do is to check the information available on the label to make sure that they will emerge unscathed from the high temperature wash.
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