Wash at 30 degrees instead of 40?
Sara Idenfors
Should you wash at 30°C or 40°C?
Wash at 30°C when clothes are only lightly soiled, but choose 40°C for greasy stains and more difficult dirt.
At 30°C, you save energy and your clothes suffer less wear, but the temperature is often too low to dissolve greasy dirt such as chocolate or skin oils. Keep in mind that your body temperature is around 37°C; water that is colder than that has difficulty dissolving grease without extra help. Therefore, 40°C is sometimes needed to get your clothes thoroughly clean.
When is 30°C enough?
- For light dirt, such as sweat or dust
- For delicate garments that cannot withstand higher temperatures
- When you use an effective detergent that works at low temperatures
When is 40°C better?
- For stains from grease, chocolate, body oils, or food
- For bed linen, towels, and workout clothes
- If the garment still smells or does not feel clean after washing at 30°C
Think about the environment – but also the result
Washing at 30°C saves energy and is better for the environment, but if the clothes do not get clean, you may lose out in the long run, both financially and environmentally. The best thing you can do is follow the care instructions on the garment and use a detergent that works effectively at the temperature you choose.
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1. Do you save energy by washing at a lower temperature?
Yes, that's what you should do. Heating water requires a lot of energy.
2. If I can't get my clothes clean at 30°C as the care label recommends, should I throw them away?
No, instead try pre-treating the stains and washing in warmer water. Throwing items away and buying new ones should always be your last option.
3. Can I wash chocolate out with cold water?
It can be difficult. Chocolate and other greasy dirt are easier to remove at higher temperatures.
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