Why you often don't need to wash at high temperatures | Grace is Green

Can washing at 30 degrees really get your clothes clean?

That's hard to answer. A study by Ghent University (UGent) found that most bacteria are still present on laundry after a 30-degree wash. The researchers even found up to a million bacteria per millilitre of water. That sounds quite worrying at first, but it isn't necessarily a problem. Around 95% of them are so-called "good" bacteria. These bacteria aren't harmful to people, and we come across them constantly on our skin, in our gut and in everyday life.

In the UGent study, disease-causing bacteria and faecal bacteria were no longer present after a 30-degree wash. For healthy people (meaning without a weakened immune system), washing at 30 degrees makes little difference to how hygienic your laundry is.

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When does a detergent actually work well at a low temperature?

A detergent works well when it contains enzymes, which most modern detergents do. Enzymes such as amylase, protease, and lipase are formulated to do their job at different temperatures, including 30 degrees Celsius. They break down starch, proteins, and fats. These are also the substances behind most everyday stains, such as sweat or dirt.

In the past, detergents only did their job at high temperatures, which is probably where our belief in hot washes comes from. Today, the enzymes in detergent have been chemically adapted so that they are also effective at lower temperatures. So effectiveness isn't only about temperature. It depends mainly on the detergent.

What does washing at 30 degrees do to your washing machine?

If you wash at 30 degrees by default, you're doing the environment a favour. Your washing machine does notice the lower temperature, though. Detergent residue, skin oils and dirt build up in the drum, the rubber seal and the detergent drawer, and at lower temperatures these residues dissolve less easily. This can lead to a so-called biofilm, a greasy layer full of bacteria. It causes a musty smell in your machine and, after a while, in your laundry.

An occasional maintenance wash is enough. For example, run an empty wash at 60 degrees or higher once a month and wipe the rubber seal clean afterwards. You can also clean the detergent drawer.

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Does the type of detergent still make a difference at a low temperature?

Some detergents contain special agents, such as bleach for white clothes or oxygen bleach. These can tackle bacteria that enzymes alone can't. Many eco-friendly detergents deliberately leave bleaching agents out, because they are harmful to the environment and to sensitive skin. So with more eco-friendly detergents, it's sometimes better to choose a higher temperature for specific stains.

When should you still wash at 60 degrees?

If you're ill or want to get rid of stubborn odours or stains, it's a good idea to wash your clothes at 40 or 60 degrees. Do keep the fabric in mind. Cotton can be washed at high temperatures without stretching or getting damaged. Synthetic, wool, linen, and silk garments aren't suitable for those temperatures.

Can you wash every fabric at 30 degrees?

For the most part, washing at 30 degrees is fine, but what works best does differ per fabric. Bedding and towels can usually be washed at 40 degrees. The exception is if you have a house dust mite allergy, if they smell musty, or if someone at home is ill. Tea towels, dishcloths and other kitchen textiles are best replaced regularly and washed at 60 degrees.

Finally, a tricky one: sportswear. It's often made from synthetic fabrics, which hold on to odours more easily than cotton but don't cope well with high wash temperatures. So wash sportswear inside out, at 30 or 40 degrees.

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How do eco programmes on a washing machine work?

The wash programme and the way you dry your laundry can also make a big difference. Many washing machines have an eco programme that takes longer but usually uses less energy. The machine heats the water less and makes up for it by letting the laundry soak and tumble for longer. This gives the enzymes in the detergent more time to do their job.

Drying matters too. A tumble dryer uses a lot of energy, often more than the wash itself. So hang your laundry outside or on a drying rack as much as possible.

So how do you wash in an eco-friendly way?

Eco-friendly washing can usually be done at 30 degrees, unless you're dealing with specific odours or stains. You can also wash more sustainably by using a natural detergent or an eco programme. If you want an alternative to a tumble dryer, choose a higher spin speed. And if you want to use less detergent, soap nuts or powder are good alternatives too.

In the end, washing is all about effectiveness. You want to use as few products, as little water, and as little electricity as possible, while still getting clean laundry. So always pre-treat stains so you don't have to wash them at a higher temperature. Use an eco-friendly alternative to conventional detergent, and wash at 30 degrees Celsius by default.

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