Khaberni - Many resort to automatically washing clothes at 40 degrees Celsius, without realizing that this choice may not always be optimal, in terms of fabric care or energy consumption, at a time when there is an increasing need to reduce household bills.
Experts confirm that a simple adjustment in the washing machine settings can make a noticeable difference in energy consumption, and can save between 40% to 60% of costs, depending on the chosen temperature.
Temperature options and their effects
In this context, Dr. and TV presenter Zand van Tulleken explained that each temperature has its own uses, noting that the highest washing temperatures (about 90 degrees Celsius) can eliminate most germs, but they consume a lot of energy and may cause damage to the clothes.
At 60 degrees Celsius, it is considered a suitable option in certain cases, especially when diseases are prevalent in the home, as it helps eliminate some types of bacteria and viruses, especially when used with a suitable detergent and additional cleaning operations.
40 degrees Celsius.. Not an ideal option?
Despite the prevalence of washing at 40 degrees Celsius, some experts believe that this temperature may not achieve a real balance between cleaning and energy saving, as it does not provide sufficient efficiency in killing germs, nor does it achieve real savings in energy consumption compared to lower temperatures.
Instead, experts recommend relying on lower temperatures, such as 30 degrees Celsius, which are sufficient for daily washing and consume about 38% less energy compared to 40 degrees Celsius.
Washing at 20 degrees Celsius is considered a more economical option, as it can save a greater percentage of energy consumption, especially when using liquid detergents that help improve cleaning efficiency at lower temperatures.
Cold washing.. When is it appropriate?
Studies indicate that cold washing suits delicate clothes like wool, silk, and lace, as it reduces fiber damage and maintains the quality of clothes for a longer period.
However, if the clothes are heavily soiled or have clear stains, raising the temperature to 30 degrees Celsius is a practical solution to achieve better cleanliness without high energy consumption.
Overall, choosing the appropriate washing temperature remains linked to the nature of the clothes and the degree of their dirtiness, with the importance of balancing cleaning efficiency and energy consumption, in a simple step that can make a clear difference at the level of the monthly bill.
