Washing machines: the temperature most families don’t use that can save money (Part 1/2)
Many households wash clothes at 40°C, because it has been considered the “normal” washing temperature for years. However, a large number of everyday laundry loads can be washed effectively at 30°C, and this lower temperature can reduce electricity use and help cut energy bills.
Why 30°C washing can save money
A washing machine uses most of its energy to heat the water. The motor that spins the drum uses relatively little electricity compared with the heating element.
- A wash at 60°C requires much more energy because the machine must heat water from cold supply temperature to a high level.
- A wash at 40°C uses less energy than 60°C.
- A wash at 30°C uses significantly less energy because the water only needs to be warmed slightly.
The exact saving depends on the machine model, electricity prices, and how often you wash, but lowering the temperature from 40°C to 30°C can reduce the energy used for a wash cycle by a substantial amount.
Why many families still choose higher temperatures
Many people believe hotter washes are always better for cleaning. This was true in the past because older detergents worked less effectively at lower temperatures. Modern detergents, especially those labelled for cold or 30°C washing, contain enzymes and cleaning agents designed to remove:
- food stains
- sweat
- everyday dirt
- oils
- normal household marks
For normal clothing, towels, bedding, and daily laundry, 30°C is often enough.
When 30°C is a good choice
A 30°C cycle is suitable for:
✅ T-shirts
✅ Shirts
✅ Jeans
✅ Everyday clothes
✅ Synthetic fabrics
✅ Coloured clothing (helps prevent fading)
✅ Lightly dirty laundry
Benefits include:
- Lower electricity consumption
- Reduced household bills
- Less damage to fabrics
- Clothes keep their colours longer
- Lower environmental impact
When you should use higher temperatures
A hotter wash may still be useful for hygiene reasons:
40°C
- Sports clothing with heavy sweat
- Underwear (depending on fabric and care label)
- Baby clothes (if recommended)
- Heavily soiled items
60°C
- Some towels
- Bedding
- Cleaning cloths
- Situations where higher hygiene standards are needed
Always check the garment care label because some fabrics can be damaged by heat.
Other ways to save money with a washing machine
- Run full loads
- A full machine uses almost the same energy as a half-full machine.
- Use eco programmes
- Eco cycles often use less water and electricity, although they may take longer.
- Avoid unnecessary pre-washing
- Modern detergents usually make pre-washes unnecessary for normal laundry.
- Use the correct detergent amount
- Too much detergent wastes money and can leave residue on clothes.
- Wash during cheaper electricity periods (if available)
- Some energy tariffs offer lower prices at certain times.
Main message
The temperature many households overlook is 30°C. For everyday laundry, switching from 40°C to 30°C can help reduce energy consumption while still keeping clothes clean. Higher temperatures should be reserved for loads that genuinely need extra cleaning or hygiene.
Part 2/2 can cover: how much money you can actually save per year, the science behind 30°C detergents, and whether cold washing really cleans clothes.