Gaby
Do you think doing laundry is a simple task? You might be mistaken about washing temperatures, and as a result, your clothes could be harboring a multitude of bacteria.
What washing temperature should you prefer?
Chris van Tulleken, an Oxford graduate, molecular virologist, associate professor at University College London, infectious disease doctor, and television presenter, recently shocked audiences on BBC Morning Live by stating that people often wear clothes teeming with microscopic pests.
The expert explained that the temperature of the wash plays a crucial role in killing microbes. However, warmer water isn’t always the best choice.
While modern washing machines can handle temperatures as high as 90 °C, it’s not necessary and can often be harmful. This setting is unsuitable for most fabrics and significantly increases electricity bills. “This temperature kills not only bacteria but also your clothes,” Dr. van Tulleken warned. He believes that if someone thinks their clothes are so dirty that they need to be washed in such hot water, it’s better to “buy new clothes.”
However, if you or a family member is ill, Dr. van Tulleken advises washing laundry at 60 °C. This temperature will eliminate pathogens like norovirus, according to official recommendations from the World Health Organization.
When it comes to everyday laundry, there’s no need to set the temperature at 40 °C. The expert assures that this is “too cold to kill anything”; moreover, such a wash will take longer and cost more.
“30 degrees is perfectly sufficient, and it’s much cheaper. Switching from 40 to 30 °C saves nearly 40 percent on energy costs,” Dr. van Tulleken noted.
What temperature does he consider optimal?
The expert informed viewers that he personally prefers an even lower temperature—relatively cool 20 °C (“this saves 62 percent of your money compared to 40 °C). The only exception he makes is for his sportswear, which requires slightly warmer water, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Dr. van Tulleken emphasized that in all other cases, he uses a detergent designed for cold water at the set temperature of 20 °C.
Additionally, he is very strict about the hygiene of his washing machine (something he believes many people neglect).
Your washing machine needs to be clean!
A common issue is “cleaning the detergent drawer, where mold tends to accumulate,” the expert said. He washes the drawer in the dishwasher and thoroughly wipes the drum with a cloth slightly dampened with vinegar.
To ensure the machine lasts well and serves you for a long time, Dr. van Tulleken suggests also: emptying the filter every three to six months, cleaning the detergent tray monthly, cleaning the rubber door seal weekly, and leaving the door open when not in use.
A dirty washing machine typically causes unpleasant moldy odors in clothes, especially if damp items are left in the drum for extended periods.
