Why You Should Never Wash at 40 Degrees and What It Can Lead to
Many people are accustomed to washing clothes at 40 degrees Celsius, but this common practice could actually be causing more harm than good. Washing at this temperature may not effectively clean certain items, and in some cases, it might even be completely ineffective. Here’s why you should reconsider using the 40-degree wash cycle.
Ineffective Cleaning at 40 Degrees
Washing at 40 degrees may work for lightly soiled clothes, but for heavily stained or dirty items, it can leave your laundry barely cleaned. At this temperature, the washing machine may just spin the clothes without properly removing stubborn dirt or stains. This is because the water isn’t hot enough to break down grease and oils or kill bacteria effectively. Although the cycle time for 40-degree washing is around an hour, increasing the temperature by just 10 degrees can improve washing efficiency, reducing the cycle time by about 10 minutes.
The Risk of Damaging Clothes
While washing at 40 degrees seems like a gentle option, it can also lead to issues with fabric quality. At lower temperatures, stains like grease, oils, and dirt remain trapped in the fabric, while the color and texture of your clothes may degrade. Some fabrics and dyes react poorly to these temperatures, causing fading or weakening over time.
When to Avoid 40-Degree Washes
Certain items should never be washed at 40 degrees. Here are some examples:
- Bedding and Towels: Bed linens and towels, especially those used by children, tend to absorb more dirt, oils, and bacteria. Washing them at 40 degrees will not remove all the germs, and they can start to smell or develop bacteria over time. A temperature of 60-90 degrees is necessary to fully sanitize them.
- Children’s Clothes: Children’s clothing often gets heavily stained and soiled. Washing these garments at a higher temperature ensures that stains are removed and harmful bacteria are killed, providing a hygienic clean.
- Cotton and Linen: These fabrics, especially when used for bedding, require a higher washing temperature (60-90 degrees) to remove all dirt and germs. At 40 degrees, these fabrics won’t be thoroughly cleaned, and germs may remain on the clothing.
The Importance of Higher Temperatures
Washing at higher temperatures (60-90 degrees) ensures that stains are removed and bacteria are effectively killed. Microbes and dirt trapped in fabrics won’t be eliminated at 40 degrees, so it’s crucial to use higher settings for heavily soiled clothes to achieve a truly clean wash.
Conclusion
While washing at 40 degrees may seem convenient for light loads, it is not always the best choice for maintaining cleanliness and fabric quality. For optimal cleaning, especially with heavily soiled or sensitive items, it’s important to choose the right temperature. Always check clothing labels for specific washing instructions and remember that higher temperatures are often essential for thoroughly cleaning your laundry and maintaining hygiene.
