30°C washes softer fabrics better than 40°C, which is why 40° is better for your everyday clothing, and fabrics that are harder e.g. wool. This is the temperature that most consumer testing boards use to measure the performance of the machine. materials at 40°C and the results will be just as good.
While some washing machine temperature settings go as low as 20°C, most cold washes start at 30°C. A setting of 30°C is usually recommended for washing delicate clothes when combined with a delicate cycle, and not on quick wash.
Not only do clothes retain their colour for longer when washed at lower temperatures, but there is also less wear of the textile. Washing at 30° is an eco-friendly way to save energy while treating clothes to a gentle cycle that leaves them spotless.
40 degrees Celsius isn't considered a cold wash or a hot wash. It is actually straight down the middle – a warm wash. And it's ideal for a lot of your laundry.
If you're particularly worried about some garments, you can always wash and dry them on a lower heat, say 30 °C. While lower temperatures won't prevent all shrinkage, it will significantly reduce it.
30°C washes softer fabrics better than 40°C, which is why 40° is better for your everyday clothing, and fabrics that are harder e.g. wool. This is the temperature that most consumer testing boards use to measure the performance of the machine. materials at 40°C and the results will be just as good.
I'd wash at 40 unless it has two lines underneath the washing symbol on the label - from your description (polyester) it should be ok. I have made the mistake before and shrunk clothes as more clothes seem to be getting these special care labels these days, so now if I'm in any doubt I wash on a hand wash cycle.
The ideal temperature to wash towels is around 40 degrees to ensure your towels stay fresh and feeling soft for longer. But a 60 degree wash will be better at killing germs and bacteria. If possible, use a cycle specifically for towels or a normal/regular cycle is just as good.
When washing bedding you want to wash at 60 degrees on a long wash ie 2 hours plus to make sure that any sweat, dander, dust or other nasties are killed and then removed. Wash all bedding on a full cycle 60-degree wash. Colder temperatures may not kill all the bacteria or remove sweat as effectively.
Washing clothes at 30 degrees rather than higher temperatures will save around 40% of the energy used each year.
Wool garments should be washed on the wool setting (usually gentle action at 40°C). If your washing machine does not have a wool cycle, use the cold water wash or wash cycle for delicates. Use a neutral, mild detergent that is preferably Woolmark recommended (look for the Woolmark symbol on the packet).
Machine washing at 40 degrees Celsius is likely to shrink natural fibres such as cotton, wool and silk, unless they have been pre-shrunk. Once cotton clothes have been shrunk the first time, they will not shrink much in subsequent washes.
Choose cotton fabrics when temperatures rise to 30°C. There are three types of cotton: cotton voile - a semi-transparent fabric; cotton piqué – cellular, subtle texture; and seersucker – a thin, puckered fabric - all three suitable for the summer season. These fabrics are highly breathable and very pleasant to wear.
When the ambient temperature is 30°C, the temperature gradient between your core and your skin is shallower, so convection and radiation aren't enough to dissipate heat as fast as it is generated.
What does 30, 40, 50 and 60 mean in laundry symbols? The numbers 30, 40, 50 and 60 reference water temperature in degrees celsius. A cold wash is around 30°C (85°F), warm is 40°C (105°F), warm/hot is 50°C (120°F) and hot is 60°C (140°F).
' and 'Do I need to wash my clothes on the highest temperature setting? ' Experts at Dr Beckmann advise regular washing of clothes at 60 degrees to help eliminate the spread of bacteria & viruses.
Generally, warm or hot water is recommended for washing towels. Use a cycle specifically for towels or a normal/regular cycle. A sanitizing cycle can also be used, but may not be recommended for every wash, depending on the towel fabric.
Experts recommend washing or changing sheets once a week.
To cut to the chase, Dr Browning says we should be changing our sheets once a week, or every two weeks at the most. Hygiene is a big factor, and one of the reasons is sweat. If you've ever tried sleeping in a heatwave, you'll know how difficult it can be.
Overall, we've found that washing on a lower temperature does conserve energy and will save you money, but if you have fabrics which need a little extra stain-removal power then you might see a better result washing at 40 degrees.
Washing at 60°C will not shrink every type of clothing, but may shrink items made of natural fibres such as cotton and wool.
30°C washes softer fabrics better than 40°C, which is why 40° is better for your everyday clothing, and fabrics that are harder e.g. wool. This is the temperature that most consumer testing boards use to measure the performance of the machine. materials at 40°C and the results will be just as good.
If you're just washing your own bedding, it should be fine to wash it at a lower temperature of 40°C. If the bedding is particularly dirty, 60°C will be better for killing germs. Using a cooler temperature can be more effective when using a stronger detergent or a brand that has antibacterial properties.
Ideally, whites should be washed at 60 degrees to keep them pristine, although this can depend on the fabric. White cotton work shirts, for example, would be best washed at 60 degrees but you may need to allow for a little shrinkage if they've not been washed before.