40-degree wash: energy-saving and still hygienic?
Choosing the right washing temperature can be a challenge. You probably know that lower temperatures of 30 or 40 degrees can have a positive effect on your electricity bill, but the question remains whether your laundry will actually get clean at these temperatures. We explain why lower washing temperatures are often sufficient and whether a 40-degree wash is also suitable for underwear and socks.
by CALIDA
July 19, 2024•3 min reading time
Wash your clothes at 40 degrees to help protect colours and fibres.
Table of Contents
The right washing temperature: Lower rather than higher!
• 40 instead of 60 degrees: Lower temperatures can help protect your clothes!
• Save electricity & money with lower washing temperatures
Does a 40-degree wash clean underwear & co. hygienically?
3 tips for getting your laundry thoroughly clean at 40 degrees!
The right washing temperature: Lower rather than higher!
Are you unsure which temperature you should use to wash your clothes? A look at the care label tells you which washing and drying temperature you should not exceed. However, choosing a lower temperature can often be a good option. Why?
40 instead of 60 degrees: Lower temperatures can help protect your clothes!
Although cotton garments and synthetic materials can often withstand 60-degree washes, a higher washing temperature can put more strain on the fibres of your clothes. Fabrics can become stiffer, and colours may fade more quickly.
For light soiling, you can usually wash your laundry on a 40-degree programme. With a suitable detergent, many stains can also be removed at 30 degrees. You should mainly choose 60 degrees when your clothes are heavily or extensively soiled and the care label allows this temperature.
Save electricity & money with lower washing temperatures
In addition to being gentler on your clothes, washing at 30 or 40 degrees has another key advantage: you can save electricity. The money you save by avoiding high washing temperatures, long wash cycles and using a tumble dryer can instead be invested in suitable detergents.
Detergents can help clean your laundry thoroughly. Choosing the right washing programme and using the correct amount of detergent can also help protect the fibres of your clothes.
Does a 40-degree wash clean underwear & co. hygienically?
Many people wash their underwear at 60 degrees to clean it particularly thoroughly. If you are not ill and have only worn your laundry for one day as recommended, a 40-degree wash is often sufficient. Underwear made from delicate lace or sensitive materials such as silk can also be particularly sensitive to higher temperatures.
If you have been ill, experienced heavy discharge or are menstruating, a 60-degree wash may be appropriate depending on the care instructions. Higher washing temperatures can also be useful when caring for your washing machine. A hot wash cycle once a month can help reduce deposits and detergent residues in the machine.
3 tips for getting your laundry thoroughly clean at 40 degrees!
Would you like to save electricity and treat your laundry gently, but are still unsure whether 40 degrees is really enough? With these 3 tips, you can wash your laundry at lower temperatures and help ensure it is thoroughly cleaned:
Hygiene rinse products can be used as an additional part of your laundry routine. Always follow the instructions on the product.
White vinegar and baking soda can be used as part of your laundry routine and may help reduce unpleasant odours. Follow the care instructions for your clothes and washing machine.
Make sure your laundry dries completely before putting it away in your wardrobe. Good air circulation and sufficient drying time can help reduce moisture in your laundry.
A suitable detergent, combined with the right washing methods, can help ensure that your underwear is thoroughly cleaned even in a 40-degree wash.
Discover more interesting blog posts:
