Washing your clothes at 40°C might not be a good idea.
All washing machines offer a 40°C wash program. At first glance, this seems ideal for certain fabrics, but in reality, this program wastes electricity. The same clothes could just as easily be washed at a lower temperature.
That is no longer the case.
Washing at 40°C has many drawbacks. One of the most significant is the risk of wrinkling, an irreversible problem that can damage even expensive garments. This washing method also accelerates drying and fades colors. Delicate fabrics, for example, can be damaged quickly. And let’s not forget a crucial point these days: the very high energy consumption.
Lowering the temperature by ten degrees, to 30°C, can already yield impressive results. First and foremost, you must dispel the misconception that you can’t wash at this temperature. You’ll be surprised by the efficiency of modern washing machines, especially with quality detergent. Commercially available washing machines are suitable for a wide variety of garments, whether white, colored, wool, or technical fabrics.
This washing method requires a few precautions. First, if your garment has a visible and significant stain, it is advisable to pretreat it with a special detergent; this will make the stain easier to remove during rinsing. At 30°C, a longer cycle may be recommended to effectively remove the stain.
Important reasons to change
At 30°C, you might be tempted to lower the temperature, but you can reduce it considerably, down to 20°C. Yes, you can wash at this temperature without any problem. There are special programs for this, and modern washing machines are very efficient; so even at this temperature, the wash will be impeccable. Your clothes will last longer, and the colors will stay vibrant.
In short, there’s not much reason to continue washing at 40°C. These days, you risk damaging expensive clothes that you’ll have to replace more often, and you’ll waste energy. Nobody wants that, right? So why not put aside your preconceived notions and try washing between 20 and 30°C?
