Whilst it is true that the water temperature won't kill bacteria on a 30 degrees wash, using a good detergent and hygiene rinse can combat this, and you can still save energy by not ramping up the temperature.
While a 30-degree wash might not remove all bacteria, it is effective for lightly soiled items when combined with the right detergent.
Nope. 30 degrees doesn't kill bacteria and that bacteria is transferred to all/other items in that wash.
What temperature to wash delicates at? While some washing machine temperature settings go as low as 20°C, most cold washes start at 30°C. A setting of 30°C is usually recommended for washing delicate clothes when combined with a delicate cycle, and not on quick wash.
However, generally speaking, most bedding can be washed on a cool wash (around 30°C). This temperature is suitable for most fabrics, including silks and satins, and helps keep colours from fading. If you have very dirty bedding or want a deeper clean, you can opt for a warmer wash, between 40-60°C.
60°C is the perfect temperature for killing bacteria, viruses and removing stains. This wash setting is also highly recommended for washing towels and bedding, but obviously this setting is going to increase running costs as the higher the temperature the higher the cost.
But don't make the water too hot. Washing heavily soiled articles with hot water can set stains. For heavily soiled clothes, prewash them in cool water, then wash them again in water that is 130°F or higher. The rinse water can always be cold without any harmful effects on the wash load.
Towels should be washed in the warmest water appropriate for the fabric according to the care label. Generally, warm or hot water is recommended for washing towels. Use a cycle specifically for towels or a normal/regular cycle.
Ideal water temperature for it to be considered a cold shower is anything less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (or 15 degrees Celsius).
The gentle wash setting preserves the quality of delicate materials such as wool, cashmere, silk, and embroidered clothes. Lower water temperatures are used to reduce shrinkage or prevent the clothes from getting discolored. This cycle protects delicate textiles by using less agitation.
One of the most prevalent New Year's superstitions is that on January 1 no washing should be done.
Observe the care label
Both washing temperatures that are too high and drying that is too hot will cause your clothes to shrink. It is therefore advisable to wash at low temperatures. Many items of clothing can only be machine washed at 30 degrees Celsius, while delicate fabrics such as silk can only be washed by hand.
Whilst it is true that the water temperature won't kill bacteria on a 30 degrees wash, using a good detergent and hygiene rinse can combat this, and you can still save energy by not ramping up the temperature.
wash the clothing at a minimum temperature of 60°C, or hotter if the clothing is suitable for a higher temperature wash, and use your normal washing products.
We advise that you wash your jeans on a hand wash cycle with a powder detergent, which dissolves much better at a low temperature, ideally 30 degrees.
Recommended bath temperature
The ideal bath temperature is around 37-38°C (98.6-100.4°F). This is roughly the same temperature as the human body, which means it feels warm and soothing without being too hot or cold.
Cold weather may not be the only reason you get chills. Low temperatures can increase the likelihood of getting sick. The body is not as effective at fighting a virus when cold air enters the nose and upper airways, so viruses such as the common cold, the flu and COVID-19 often spread more easily in the winter.
During winter, you may not sweat as much as in summer, but your body still produces oils, sheds dead skin cells, and accumulates bacteria. Regular baths help to remove these impurities, reducing the risk of skin infections, body odour, and other hygiene-related issues.
Dead skin cells, bacteria, and even sweat can accumulate quickly on your towels, so using a fresh one about every three days is a simple rule of thumb—for all kinds of towels.
According to Annie Chiu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of The Derm Institute, there's a clear guidance on when to make the swap. “Generally, you should change your towels every three to four uses,” she says. “This helps prevent the buildup of bacteria and odors.”
Some people advise 30˚C, saying anything hotter will make towels stiff and scratchy or fade their colour. Others believe hotter temperatures between 40˚C and 75˚C are the only way to kill bacteria. We recommend washing coloured towels at 40˚C and white towels between 60˚C and 75˚C.
“Most fabrics can be washed at a warm temperature of 40° as this helps to remove dirt, natural body oils and takes care of germs.”
According to Speed Queen, anything below (60°F) can prevent your detergent from providing a proper clean. Cold water is the preferred choice to prevent color bleed. Also, choosing cold water can make your clothes last longer by reducing wrinkling, reducing fading and preventing shrinking – all while saving energy!
Hot water (130 degrees Fahrenheit or above) is most effective in removing dirt and stains. “We always advise 'the hottest water possible' as you keep in mind the different needs of different fabrics," says cleaning expert Mary Gagliardi. "The higher the temperature, the better the cleaning.”