Question: What do Australia, Singapore and Japan have in common? Answer: All of these countries prefer to wash their laundry in cold water. In fact, you'd struggle to get your hands on a washing machine that allowed you to use hot water at all in Japan.
Cold-water washing might be a step too far for British households, but as the cost of living crisis takes hold in the UK, many families are looking at ways to save cash whichever way they can, and the vexed question of whether colder water is suitable for laundry is being debated on a lot of internet money-saving forums.
Detergent manufacturers have been trying to persuade us to wash at lower temperatures for a while now, although the emphasis has mostly been on saving the environment rather than saving money. But of course, less energy to heat water means lower bills.
Read more: Washing machine made in County Durham is named UK's cheapest to run
Most big-brand washing powders and liquids have at least one variety that allows you to wash at low temperatures, which in the UK usually means 30 degrees.
But how low can you go? Since 2013, all washing machines have to have a 20°C cycle to help save energy, but according to consumer group Which? for the majority of us, laundry day still, means washing the bulk of our clothes at 40°C.
Many families use the same setting for everything but the trick is to think before you fill the machine. Instead of automatically setting the machine at 40°C, could the load be washed just as well at a lower temperature?
If you're considering giving it a whirl, we've put together a quick Q&A to help you along.
What temperature is considered a cold wash?
A cold wash should involve no heating of the water at all. 20°C and 30°C washes are sometimes classified as 'cold' washing in the UK, but a true cold wash uses unheated water.
Will a cold wash really get my clothes clean?
If your clothes just need a refresh and are not stained, a cold or low-temperature wash should be fine.
How much money will it save?
When Which? tested machines on the 20°C cottons program, it found that turning down the temperature from 40°C dramatically reduced running costs by an average of 62%. This is because washing machines need to use less energy to heat water to lower temperatures. While cleaning power was slightly worse at 20°C compared with 40°C, it was considered enough for everyday cleaning.
How much would I save of I just switched from 40°C to 30°C?
Washing at 30°C uses 38% less energy than washing at 40°C, so you can not only make a substantial saving on your utility bill, but also help the planet. It's already the recommended setting for a lot of delicate clothes, such as wool and silk, and cooler water can make your clothes last longer as heat can break down dyes in the clothes and cause shrinkage.
So when should I use 40°C?
While lower temperatures will be fine for everyday cleaning and save energy, a 40°C wash will be better for tougher stains. It’s the temperature most clothes - whether made from cotton, linen, viscose, acrylics or more - are recommended to be washed at. According to Which?, there's not much point in going beyond 40°C for most items, as most stains will be shifted at 40°C and increasing the temperature will eat up more energy.
Do low temperatures clean really badly-stained loads?
If your facing a heavily-stained load, the 60°C program generally delivers slightly better cleaning than the 40°C program, especially when it comes to greasy stains, and is ideal for bedding and towels. But it will cost you – running costs increase by more than half if you wash at 60°C as opposed to 40°C.
What about bacteria?
You might be washing at 60°C because you've heard it kills bacteria, but the temperature on its own doesn't. Some bacterial spores and viruses are resistant to washing at 60°C. You need to combine your 60°C wash with a good detergent to blast that bacteria. So you might be better off simply choosing a good detergent, treating stains and washing at 40°C to to get the best results.
I like to wash my sheets and towels at 90°C
Try going down to 60°C cottons program for cotton bed sheets. 90°C is the hottest wash program you’ll find on most machines and is only suitable for a few items – a lot of washing labels won't recommend washing at such a high temperature. The NHS website states that you should wash underwear, towels and household linen at 60°C to prevent the spread of germs, or at 40°C with a bleach-based laundry product, such as bio washing powder.
Can I use any detergent at low temperatures?
Make sure you use a detergent that states it is suitable for low temperatures. Most are, but check because some need higher temperatures to work effectively.
Can I use laundry pods at 20°C?
Make sure you follow the instructions of the tub. Some pods need to be used at at least 30°C to ensure they dissolve.
Will my whites stay white?
Separating white clothes from coloured clothes is more important than the temperature you wash them at.
Will low temperatures damage my machine?
If you wash at low temperatures, it becomes even more important to run a regular monthly maintenance wash with a washing machine cleaner or soda crystals at the highest setting to give the pipes a blast and stop smells building up.
What about the eco setting on my washing machine?
Eco mode uses less water and less energy. Wash modes are a mix of three things: temperature, time and water. With eco mode, you use less water and a lower temperature, but you’re in for a longer wash to get the same level of cleaning. That’s because 90% of a washing machine’s energy consumption comes from heating the water, and alonger wash means the water doesn’t have to be quite so hot. So, you’re still saving energy, even if you’re not saving time
Can an eco mode save me money?
Yes. Less energy means less electricity, which translates to a saving on your electricity bills. Plus you're using less water.
Will eco mode work with tough stains?
Eco mode is great for your average wash if you’ve got the time. But if you've got seriously dirty laundry, you might be better better doing a regular wash. That lower temperature might not be enough to tackle tough stains and two washes with eco mode will actually take up more energy than one hot wash.
