What are the best washing machine temperatures to use ?

We specialize in washing machine repairs and throughout our many years of working experience, customers often ask us what’s the best way to do their laundry: which washing program they should use, what temperature or which detergent is the best. And as many things are a matter of personal preference such as the scent of the softener, others are quite basic and if you follow them not only you could save money but you could also optimise the efficiency and the results of your washing machine.

Washing at 20°C

A low temperature washing machine program such is the 20 degrees one will always be the most cost efficient choice for you. And even though many might argue that a low temperature program won’t remove every possible stain, reality is that in combination with a good detergent the results are quite similar to the ones where the garment was washed to higher temperature program like a 40 degrees one.

Washing at 30°C

The most used washing program nowadays by many households is the 30 degrees one as it is the most adequate for delicate fabrics like silk, wool or even fine cotton. Moreover, warm water is the best way to maintain the vibrant colours and the quality of your clothes, whilst it will significantly decrease your electricity bill as it consumes less energy. It’s also worth mentioning and taking into account that the majority of washing labels will recommend a warm water wash.

Washing at 40°C

Another popular washing machine program is the 40 degrees one and it is mostly used for heavy fabric clothing as they are more tolerant against high temperatures. Acrylic, heavy cotton, viscose or garments that are made by a mix of natural and synthetic fabrics can safely be washed on a 40 degrees program without risking damaging them and also ensuring an efficient wash as most of the stains will be removed.

And as we move on to the higher temperature washing programs the cost raises significantly that will reflect on your electricity bill. However, one of the most profound and important reasons to choose a high temperature washing program is firstly to kill any bacteria and germs and secondly to remove persistent stains.

Washing at 60 – 90°C

As the majority of washing machines have only two high temperature washing programs 60 and 90 degrees, it’s quite often that people will wash their towels, white cottons and linen on a 60 degree temperature program in order to kill bacteria. However, the temperature on its own is not sufficient enough, so it’s best to be combined by a detergent that specialises in killing bacteria and germs. The 90 degrees program can only be used for cotton and linen but then again, clothing labels won’t recommend using that kind of high temperature.

These were a few basic guidelines that show you how every washing program works. Overall, it’s proven that low temperature washing programs are the most cost efficient ones; they won’t damage your clothes and especially in combination with a good detergent will remove the majority of the stains. Higher temperatures programs will be slightly better in removing persistent greasy stains, while you may also want to use them for hygienic reasons however they consume a lot of energy which means higher electricity bills.