Edenbee

Wash my clothes at 30 degrees.

Modern detergents now get your smalls clean at 30 degrees. Ignore the washing label and turn that dial down, saving electricity and money. It may seem like such a small difference but it can really help. Washing your clothes at 30°C rather than 40°C can reduce your washing machine's energy consumption by up to 40%! Do this, and in just one year the amount of electricity you save will be equivalent to watching 1,400 episodes of your favourite sitcom, or microwaving 1,000 ready-meals.

  1. If you’re an Edenbee already, log in now, otherwise you’ll need to register (it’s quick, easy and free).

  2. by Cian 11 months ago

    As another ecover user reading CountPollen's comment, I realise I rely on stain removal powders with any serious stains.
    Any clue of the impact of these?

  3. CountPollen

    by CountPollen about 1 year ago

    I wash most clothes at 30 degrees, but I'm not really satisfied with my ecover detergent. so unfortunately I sometimes have to wash things twice (or now I now: one time at 40 C)

  4. QUE-VA

    by QUE-VA over 2 years ago

    yes it's true it works at 30 degree most of the time though a lot of my cloths are dry clean(I rarely use dry cleaners) or hand wash in warm water (I must admit hand wash items are often found in a machine wash for delicate it's only the truly delicate or dry clean items that get the hand wash treatment) quite a relaxing chore using Eco hand wash detergent...then pop it on a hanger leave in the shower cubical and it drip drys by the time Is home from work the next day the best part is no ironing!

  5. jeffluff

    by jeffluff over 2 years ago

    I'd love to do this but my machine only goes as low as 40 degrees and as I live in rented accommodation and the machine is owned by the landlord there's not a lot I can do!

  6. elastik

    by elastik over 2 years ago

    I read this piece of advice somewhere else. The other piece was about taking shower with just a little bit colder water. Then, day by day, you can save quite a sum of money :)

  7. clagnut

    by clagnut over 2 years ago

    As an extra benefit, remembering to wash at 30° means my I'm less likely to shrink my lovely new jumper or shirt.

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  1. Edenbees can ask questions about this goal. If you’re an Edenbee already, log in now, otherwise you’ll need to register (it’s quick, easy and free).

  2. Not that I'm doubting this, but what do they gain by saying 40-degrees on the packet? 2 answers

    Asked by nicepaul over 2 years ago

    1. clagnut
      clagnut

      Kind of obvious, but it's just the temperature the clothing manufacturer reckons you need to get the item clean. Modern detergents are usually effective at cooler temperatures.

      So just try it - if your t-shirts still stink after a 30° wash, I guess you'll have to stick with washing them hotter :-)

    2. davidmead
      davidmead

      I'm trying to wash clothes in cold water or on the warm setting where possible.

      Here's a link that outlines the benefits:

      http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/laundry.html

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