Many people today choose to wash at 30 degrees to save energy and be kind to the environment. But does it really work? Will the clothes be clean enough at a low temperature, or is there just a risk that dirt and bacteria will remain?
The laundry usually comes out clean, but not always.
According to Swedish laundry advice and detergent manufacturers, most everyday clothes can actually be cleaned at 30 degrees, as long as you use the right amount of detergent and do not overfill the machine.
For lightly soiled garments such as t-shirts, shirts, blouses and trousers, 30 degrees in combination with a good detergent is often sufficient.
When is a higher temperature needed?
There are situations where higher temperatures really make a difference. If the clothes are very dirty, have blood, sweat stains, baby vomit or if someone has been sick, 40–60 degrees may be necessary to get the laundry completely hygienically clean.
Bedding, towels and workout clothes in particular can benefit from higher temperatures, as bacteria and odors are more intensely present in the fibers.
The right program and detergent play a big role
Temperature is not everything. To get your laundry clean, you need to use a program that washes and rinses properly. A good detergent is also crucial, as it helps dissolve grease, dirt and stains even at lower temperatures. If the machine is overloaded, the clothes cannot move freely, which reduces the washing effect regardless of the temperature.
Extra tips for low temperature
If you want to wash at 30 degrees and still get really clean clothes, you can consider the following: wash similar garments together, dose the detergent according to the instructions, fill the machine with the right amount and sometimes run an extra rinse if the garments feel stiff. This will ensure that you get both environmentally friendly and effective washing.
