Dr Xand explains what washing machine temperature is best for cost and germs
During a recent BBC Morning Live segment, Dr Xand disclosed the optimal temperature for laundering clothes. He detailed which setting eradicates the most bacteria and which is the most economical.
You can tweak your washing machine's settings for various results based on your laundry needs and desired level of cleanliness. However, bear in mind that some choices may hit your wallet harder, reports the Express.
A clip featuring Dr Xand was circulated on TikTok, with the caption: " What temperature should you do your laundry at? Could you be washing your laundry at the wrong temperature?" The post elaborated: "Dr Xand explains how hot you should be setting your machine to."
Addressing the audience, Dr Xand said: "The hottest your washing machine will go is 90 degrees, usually, and that will kill everything." He added: "It's almost boiling. It's bad for the clothes. It's very expensive. Whatever's happened to those clothes, I think you gotta get new clothes."
What setting is a balance of cost-effectiveness and hygiene?
For everyday laundry, 30 or 40 degrees is sufficient, while a cooler 20-degree cycle is ideal for lightly soiled items. Dr Xand discussed the optimal temperature for washing clothes, sharing: "At 60 degrees, certain bugs will be killed, and that can be quite good. So, if you've got an infection around your house, particularly norovirus, put it up at 60, along with the mechanical cleaning and the detergent."
Regarding a 40-degree wash, Dr Xand is sceptical, saying: "Personally, I don't see the point in 40 degrees because it's too hot to be cheap and it's too cold to kill anything. Commit to one or the other. Either go hot or go cold."
What does Dr Xand favour for his own laundry?
He suggests a 20-degree cold wash for delicate garments and light dirt, which also conserves energy. Dr Xand revealed his own washing habits: "And then there's 20 degrees. I've gotta say, I'm a 20 degrees guy for everything except my workout clothes, which go in hotter."
He continued: "20 degrees saves 62% of your money compared to 40 degrees, so that is a big deal. But at the lower temperatures, you gotta think about cleaning your machine."
To address the issue of a dirty drum, he suggests using a cloth moistened with white vinegar for an effective wipe-down. He also recommended: "If your machine has a cleaning cycle, which runs it at a high temperature, do that according to the manufacturer's instructions, and then air it out."
Dr Xand's cleaning advice caused quite the stir on TikTok, with numerous viewers replying with their own laundry tips. One user advised: "Just wash on a 30, but use Dettol laundry, gets rid of any germs."
Another commented: "60 for bedding, towels, flannels, dishcloths, tea towels, socks and underwear." A third shared their personal experience: "I tried using 30 every time and my machine soon started to stink, went back to 40/60 and problem solved." Yet another TikTok user pointed out: "It's all about the detergents these days. 20 is fine."
Delicate fabrics such as silk and wool should be washed in cold or warm water, while cottons and linens are robust enough for higher temperatures. For items that are heavily soiled, higher temperatures are necessary to ensure they are cleaned properly, whereas lightly soiled items can be washed at lower temperatures.
Some detergents are formulated specifically for cold water washing, while others are more effective at higher temperatures. Remember that washing at lower temperatures is generally more energy-efficient and can help reduce utility bills, so consider this when choosing your washing temperature.
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