The best washing machine temperature to kill germs
How hot should your washing machine temperature be to get rid of germs? We have the answer.
Washing machines are one household appliance that many people would not want to part with anytime soon.
It cleans clothes faster, better and with less effort than washing by hand. Some newer models even help you use less water and save energy.
However, after years of using this home essential, many people still get confused about what temperature to use and when.
Some people don’t even bother setting the temperature, relying on their detergent to get rid of tough stains and germs.
Dr Chris van Tulleken, who has a PhD in molecular virology, stopped by BBC Morning Live recently to explain which temperature works best, especially for getting rid of bacteria.
“The hottest a washing machine will go is 90 degrees usually, and that will kill everything. It’s almost boiling it,” he said.
That sounds great, but a temperature that high will eventually ruin your clothes, and don’t get us started on that electricity bill.
Van Tulleken says 60 degrees is a good compromise, especially if your family has been sick.
“Certain bugs will be killed and that can be quite good. So, if you’ve got an infection going around your house, particularly, think of something like norovirus. Put it up at 60 along with the mechanical cleaning and the detergent.”
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What about 40 degrees? Not too high, not too low? Van Tulleken is not a fan,
“I don’t see the point of 40 degrees because it’s too hot to be cheap and it’s too cold to kill anything,” he said.
The sweet spot, according to the doctor, is 30 degrees. It 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.”
For everyday washes, the good doc prefers 20 degrees.
“I’m a 20 degrees guy for everything, except my workout clothes which go in hotter. Twenty degrees saves 62% of your money compared to 40 degrees,” he said.
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Social media users shared their experiences on what works best for them. One woman was Team 40 degrees all the way.
“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,” she said.
Another woman agreed, saying clothes smell better at 40 degrees than they do at 30 degrees.
“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,” a third said.
One person prefers to go as high as possible but only occasionally.
“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.”
Some discarded the doctor’s advice altogether. “Typical for a man telling us how to wash your clothes all wrong!”
Regardless of which temperature works best for you, it is always important to read the care instructions on your clothing.
You should also check the instructions on the back of your washing detergent for a best use guide.
“Scientists spend years developing and testing combinations of fibres/stains and temperatures…. You’d be wise to follow it,” one person pointed out.
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