Finding the right temperature to wash your laundry perfectly in your washing machine is sometimes complicated. We can of course trust the label which displays the maximum temperature to use. However, we like to be able to make life as easy as possible. What if the solution was to always wash your laundry at a temperature of 30°C? More eco-friendly and very economical, it allows you to better control your daily electricity consumption (more than 6% of which is used for the simple use of the washing machine). But what are the benefits of washing at this temperature and can everything be washed at low temperature? Let’s take stock together!
Good reasons to wash your laundry at 30°C
1) 30°C is enough to wash (almost) everything
Today, our detergents and machines are more efficient than in timeeven at low temperatures. You can therefore obtain excellent results on normally soiled laundry without overdosing your detergent. Current formulas indeed contain very powerful enzymes! This is the reason why you can often use less than what is indicated on the container and obtain clean laundry, always with the aim of saving money in the long term. For a consistently perfect result, always carry out a stain removal before washing (with a natural stain remover such as baking soda, black soap or Marseille soap) and spray white vinegar on sweating areas to allow them to be detached and deodorized.
2) It’s much more economical
Setting the temperature of your washing machine to 30°C saves no less than 0.9 kWh. In fact, at 60°C, your washing machine will consume 1.3 kWh compared to only 0.4 kWh at 30°C. The difference is therefore notable on bills, especially in the long term. You can also take advantage of the “off-peak hours” option to maximize your savings.
3) Wash at 30°C, it’s better for the planet
In Europe, no less than 60% of the carbon footprint emanating from laundry detergent comes from the washing temperature. Furthermore, a study demonstrated that lowering this temperature from 40 to 30 degrees allowed a saving of 35% in C02 emissions in one month. More concretely, this simple gesture saves the equivalent of the carbon footprint of two million cars or even the consumption of a city such as Nantes. The French Association of Detergent Industries (AFISE) explains that in the case of a simple 3°C reduction in the average washing temperature in Europe, “ the energy savings achieved would correspond to the elimination of emissions produced by more than 700,000 cars per year “. It is also the equivalent of the electricity consumption of more than 300,000 Europeans!
Let us also remember that the synthetic fibers of clothing release microplastics when cleaned at too high a temperature. This represents further pollution for the environment.
4) This helps keep laundry in good condition for longer!
A cooler wash limits the wear of the textile fibers and this reduces the risk of color bleeding. That thus avoids damaging clothes over the washes and therefore improves their lifespan. So, there is no need to renew them too often, leading to unnecessary expenses that weigh on your budget.
5) Wash at 30°C for a machine that lasts longer
When you wash your clothes cooler, you also tire your household appliances less. This thus makes it possible to extend its lifespan. Thus, its rubber parts are preserved and the other parts are less worn, particularly on the plastics. If you don’t want to go through the hassle of replacing or repairing your machine, it’s best to take good care of it, including making a more informed use !
Important: 30°C is not always enough!
Washing laundry at 30°C is much better and more than enough for everyday laundry. However, let us bring some important nuances ! For tea towels as well as the laundry of a sick person or very dirty clothes (sportswear, baby clothes, etc.), washing at 60°C is still recommended. To effectively combat bacteria on underwear, washing at 40°C is also recommended, as is the case for bath towels, sheets and handkerchiefs.