Latest news with #XandvanTulleken
New York Post
7 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
Doctor warns against washing your clothes in this water temperature: ‘It's a big deal'
When it comes to doing laundry, there are many rules to follow — yet one of the most important ones is what you set your water temperature to when doing a wash. One expert said the hot and cold settings are the two best options — and discourages washing in warm water. To fully kill nasty germs and any bacteria living on your clothes, Dr. Xand van Tulleken recommended on BBC Morning Live to suds up your garments in 60-degree temps — which is considered the hot setting. 'At 60 degrees, certain bugs will be killed, and that can be quite good,' he said. '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.' Tulleken said the warm setting is a silly option as he doesn't see the point of it. '…it's too hot to be cheap, and it's too cold to kill [germs].' Pick a hot or cold setting to wash your clothes at. Atlas – 20 degrees is considered the cold water setting — which Tulleken is all for. 'I've gotta say, I'm a 20 degrees guy for everything except my workout clothes, which go in hotter.' Aside from protecting your delicates, washing your clothes in cool water can also save you some money. '20 degrees saves 62% of your money compared to 40 degrees, so that is a big deal…' he explained. Like with many appliances, washing machines should periodically be cleaned — especially if you often wash in cold water. '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.' The expert said washing clothes at a warm temperature doesn't do much. Mihail – Aside from washing clothes at the wrong temperature — other common laundry mistakes most people make are putting too much detergent. 'If you add too much to the appliance, it will often require additional time to spin and drain away any excess water and detergent residue,' appliance repair expert Ian Palmer-Smith told the Daily Mail. Overcrowding your machine so that it becomes unbalanced is another one. 'With washing machines becoming more sophisticated, they are able to detect if the load is unbalanced. If it is, this can often result in additional minutes being added,' the expert explained. 'This is a really easy mistake to avoid by distributing your laundry evenly in the drum,' Palmer-Smith continued.
Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Dr Xand names washing machine temperature that's best for destroying germs
Dr Xand van Tulleken shared some helpful advice on the BBC Morning Live, explaining the best temperature to wash your clothes to kill off bacteria and save money During a recent segment on BBC Morning Live, Dr Xand revealed the best temperature for washing clothes. He explained which setting eliminates the most bacteria and which is the most cost-effective. You can adjust your washing machine's settings to achieve different results based on your laundry requirements and desired level of cleanliness. However, keep in mind that some options may be more costly, according to the Express. A video featuring Dr Xand was shared 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 further explained: "Dr Xand explains how hot you should be setting your machine to." READ MORE: 'Life-saving' menopause product inspired by menopausal 25-year-old sells out 3 times Speaking to viewers, Dr Xand stated: "The hottest your washing machine will go is 90 degrees, usually, and that will kill everything." He continued: "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." So, what setting strikes a balance between cost-effectiveness and hygiene? For regular laundry, 30 or 40 degrees is adequate, while a cooler 20-degree cycle is perfect for lightly soiled items, reports the Daily Record. Dr Xand discussed the best temperature for washing clothes, stating: "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." Dr Xand van Tulleken has cast doubt on the effectiveness of 40-degree washes, stating: "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." When it comes to his own laundry routine, Dr Xand opts for a more energy-efficient approach, revealing: "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 elaborated on the benefits of cooler washes, saying: "20 degrees saves 62 per cent 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 tackle a grimy washing machine drum, Dr Xand recommends a simple solution: "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." The health expert's laundry insights have sparked lively discussions on TikTok, with many users chiming in with their own washing wisdom. A fellow TikToker suggested: "Just wash on a 30, but use Dettol laundry, gets rid of any germs." Another TikTok user chimed in: "60 for bedding, towels, flannels, dishcloths, tea towels, socks and underwear." A third recounted their own tale: "I tried using 30 every time and my machine soon started to stink, went back to 40/60 and problem solved." Someone else noted the importance of detergent choice: "It's all about the detergents these days. 20 is fine." When it comes to laundry, delicate fabrics like silk and wool should be washed with care in cold or warm water, while hardier materials such as cottons and linens can withstand hotter temperatures. For heavily soiled garments, a higher temperature wash is essential to get them properly clean, but if your clothes are only lightly dirty, a cooler wash will do the trick. Some washing powders are specially designed for cold washes, whereas others work best at higher temperatures. It's worth remembering that lower temperature washes are usually more energy-efficient, which could help shave pounds off your energy bills, so keep this in mind when deciding on your wash settings.
Daily Record
04-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Dr Xand explains what washing machine temperature is best for cost and germs
Dr Xand van Tulleken appeared on BBC Morning Live to share his expertise 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.
Daily Record
26-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Doctor shares the washing machine temperatures you should never use
Dr Xand van Tulleken has shared his advice on how to get the best clean when using your washing machine – and the temperature setting he says you should avoid Doing laundry can feel like a never-ending chore, with many of us regularly loading the washing machine. But have you ever stopped to consider the ideal temperature for a cycle? According to a doctor, using your washing machine in a specific way can not only ensure your clothes are thoroughly cleaned, but also benefit your health and reduce costs. Dr Xand van Tulleken, a British TV doctor and presenter, recently shared his expertise on BBC Morning Live. He explained why washing clothes at 90 degrees may not be the best approach. Dr Xand's advice on using washing machines more effectively saw him break down the various temperature settings - and he doesn't see the point in one. Doctor's advice on washing machines Dr Xand stated: "The hottest your washing machine will go is 90 degrees usually and that will kill everything, it's almost boiling it. It's bad for the clothes, it's very expensive. Whatever's happened to those clothes... I think you've got to get new clothes at this point." He noted that a 60-degree cycle can be effective, as "certain bugs will be killed". He elaborated: "So, if you've got an infection going around your house, particularly think of something like norovirus, put it up to 60 [degrees] along with the mechanical cleaning and detergent." However, Dr Xand expressed that he "doesn't see the point" in using the 40-degree setting, as it's "too hot to be cheap and too cold to kill anything". He advised choosing either hot or cold temperatures instead of opting for a medium setting. "30 degrees gets the job done," he added. "It is much cheaper, so going from 40 to 30 saves you almost 40% in energy costs. It's quicker." For those who frequently use this setting, he suggests investing in a detergent that works effectively at lower temperatures. The doctor confessed he's a "20 degrees guy for everything", with the exception of gym kit. He explained that opting for 20C on the washing machine could lead to a substantial bill reduction, cutting costs by around 62%. If choosing to wash at cooler temperatures, he stressed the importance of keeping the appliance clean. He suggested: "You've got to think about cleaning your machine. One [trick] is that the tray that you pull out, the detergent tray where all the mould grows, that can be a real nuisance to clean." To tackle this issue, the doctor reveals his method involves rinsing the tray in the dishwasher. For eliminating grime from the washing machine drum, he recommends using a cloth with some white vinegar, suggesting this should be part of a weekly routine and advising leaving the door ajar daily. Public opinion on washing machine temperatures. After a segment aired on television, viewers eagerly shared their laundry practices when a clip was posted on Instagram. One user confessed: "I have never had to use the 90 degrees settings." Another added: "Cold wash every time. Anything a grubby soaked first. Any stains pre treated. Hang things out to dry, sunshine and wind the best killers of bacteria." A third person concurred, stating: "Cold, always cold. Never had a problem." The sentiment was echoed by yet another individual, who commented: "20 for everything except to do a machine clean. Sometimes 30 if it's sports tops." One user commented: "I'm a 30C girly and always will be, detergent, stain remover, laundry sanitiser and conditioner and then a low heat tumble dry. Clothes are lovely and soft, stains are gone and totally fresh. Only do a 90° wash for bedding and white towels." However, other individuals swear by washing at both 40C and 90C. One individual voiced: "Nah mate, 40 degrees all the way. Hot enough to kill bacteria and get rid of hard stains but cold enough so it doesn't ruin clothes." Another contributed: "A 90 degree every now and again for something like towels is good and blasts the machines though too. It's there for a reason." Yet another added: "Bedding and towels 90 degrees now and then. 30 degrees delicates only and the rest mainly 40 or 60. Too much bacteria buildup with 30 degrees (won't kill you but nevertheless bacteria)."
Scottish Sun
25-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Doctor shares why you must never wash clothes at 90 or 40 degrees & the right temperature for ‘everything but gym gear'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A DOCTOR has revealed why you should never wash clothes at 90 or 40 degrees. Not only this, but the pro also shared the correct temperature for 'everything but workout gear.' Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 A doctor has left people gobsmacked after revealing the correct temperature to wash 'everything but workout gear' Credit: Instagram/bbcmorninglive 4 Not only this, but Dr Xand van Tulleken also explained why you mustn't put clothes on at 90 degrees Credit: Instagram/bbcmorninglive 4 Dr Xand claimed to be "a 20 degrees guy" Credit: Alamy 4 He stressed that 20 degrees saves 62% of your money compared to 40 degrees Credit: Alamy So if you want to save cash and ensure your favourite tops don't get damaged, then you've come to the right place and will need to take notes. Speaking on BBC Morning Live, Dr Xand van Tulleken, who is best known for presenting the CBBC children's series Operation Ouch! and the Channel 4 show How to Lose Weight Well, got candid on how we should really be doing our laundry. The expert explained that while 90 degrees will 'kill' bacteria, it could have a very negative impact on your clothes. He stressed: 'The hottest your washing machine will go is 90 degrees usually and that will kill everything. 'It's almost boiling it. It's bad for the clothes, it's very expensive. 'Whatever's happened to those clothes, I think you've got to get new clothes at that point.' He then voiced when to use the 60 degree function, as he added: '60 degrees, certain bugs will be killed and that can be quite good. 'So if you've got an infection going round your house, particularly think of something like norovirus, put it up at 60, along with the mechanical cleaning and the detergent, that's quite good.' But Dr Xand admitted why he wouldn't ever wash his clothes at 40 degrees, as he confessed: '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.' Cleaning fan reveals the cheap, easy way to get clothes smelling 'beautiful' without shelling out on pricey dryer sheets As a result, he acknowledged: '30 degrees, that gets the job done. It is much cheaper. 'So going from 40 to 30 saves you almost 40% in energy costs, it's quicker. Make sure you get a lower temperature detergent.' I'm a 20 degrees guy for everything except my workout clothes which go in hotter Dr Xand But Dr Xand then revealed the temperature he uses to wash the majority of his clothes - and you'll need to prepare to be shocked. The TV personality said: 'I've gotta say, I'm a 20 degrees guy for everything except my workout clothes which go in hotter. '20 degrees saves 62% of your money compared to 40 degrees, so that is a big deal. 'But at lower temperatures, you've got to think about cleaning your machine.' And when it comes to cleaning your washing machine, Dr Xand suggested: 'The detergent tray where all the mould grows, that can be a real nuisance to clean. I put it in the dishwasher. Laundry tips Catherine Green, sustainable cleaning expert at smol shared her laundry tips. How often should you be remaking your bed? When it comes to your bed, maintaining a hygienic sleep setup can actually improve your sleep quality, helping you start every day better. Most people shed 500 million skin cells per day and a lot of that ends up in bed for dust mites to feed on. And those with asthma or allergies might see symptoms worsen by sleeping on dirty sheets! You want to be washing your sheets once a week - or every 10 days if you don't suffer from allergies and wear nightclothes. Bedding builds up with sweat, skin cells and oils quickly, even if it doesn't look dirty. Using an effective detergent like smol's will still give you a great clean on a 20°C cycle - that's better for the planet and your energy bills! What temperature do smol recommend then? For your regular weekly washes I recommend washing most loads at 20°C for 30 minutes. It's gentler on fabrics, slashes energy use, and still delivers excellent stain removal with the right detergent. A colder wash can actually be more effective if you opt for a bio detergent as its enzymes need cooler water; too hot and they lose their ability to digest stains. A wash at 60°c (unless you have silk sheets) every now and again can help kill off dust mites and other nasties. What's the difference between bio and non-bio detergent? Bio detergents contain enzymes, which are especially good at breaking down tough stains like food, grass, or sweat. It's best used in mid to low temperature washes (ideally between 20-40°C) as anything hotter can cause them not to work effectively. Non-bio skips the enzymes, which in turn makes it more suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Although non-bio doesn't contain enzymes, it's still great at removing stains and keeping your clothes clean, you just may need to use a slightly higher temperature setting to aid with the cleaning process. 'And then mechanical cleaning of the drum - just a cloth, some vinegar, wiping is really good. 'If your machine has a cleaning cycle which runs at a high temperature, do that according to the manufacturer's instructions and then air it out.' Social media users react The BBC clip has since been shared on social media and has quickly gone viral, racking up four million views. Nah mate, 40 degrees all the way Instagram user Stunned by the expert's advice, Instagram users eagerly raced to the comments to share which temperature they use to get dirty clothes clean. One person said: 'I do 40 degrees because often clothes get ruined on 60 and don't get clean enough on 20 or 30. Plus the detergent needs to be able to dissolve and not clog up your pipes.' Another added: 'Nah mate, 40 degrees all the way. Hot enough to kill bacteria and get rid of hard stains but cold enough so it doesn't ruin clothes.' A third commented: 'I'm a 30° girly and always will be, detergent, stain remover, laundry sanitiser and conditioner and then a low heat tumble dry. Clothes are lovely and soft, stains are gone and totally fresh. Only do a 90° wash for bedding and white towels.' Meanwhile, someone else claimed: 'If you have a house dust mite allergy only 60 degrees or above will do!' 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