The washing machine is an essential appliance in our homes, keeping our clothes, bedding, and towels clean and fresh. However, even after years of use, many of us are still uncertain about which of the many available washing programs offers the best balance of efficiency and economy. Most people instinctively choose the 40°C program, considered a universal setting suitable for all types of clothing. But this practice is actually a bad idea, not only for your wallet but also for other reasons. Let’s explore why.
In the list of the most energy-consuming household appliances, the washing machine might not rank at the top, but with rising energy costs, it’s crucial to consider factors affecting household energy consumption. One such factor is washing clothes at 40 degrees Celsius. Let’s examine why and how.
Why Avoid Washing Clothes Frequently at 40°C?
Washing clothes at 40 degrees Celsius, as commonly done, is often seen as a good compromise between cleaning effectiveness and reasonable energy consumption. However, this is a misconception. In reality, choosing this temperature can nearly double your washing machine’s energy consumption, while another program available in most models could provide the same results with lower energy usage in kWh and, therefore, cost.
Why Washing Clothes at 40°C is a Bad Idea
It’s unnecessary to wash clothes at 40°C to achieve clean and bright results. Newer washing machine models come with energy-efficient programs that work effectively at lower temperatures. Furthermore, several manufacturers offer cleaning products active from 20 degrees Celsius. Beyond this, two more arguments should convince us to stop washing at 40°C: energy savings and environmental protection. You might not realize it, but lowering the washing temperature by 10°C can make a significant difference.
Is Washing at 40°C Different from Washing at 30°C?
For your wallet, yes! Remember that most of the energy used in machine washing is spent heating the water. Therefore, reducing the temperature from 40°C to 30°C means a decrease in energy consumption. Surprisingly, the outcome for your everyday clothing remains the same. The 30°C program works effectively for almost everything, ensuring satisfaction. To understand the difference in energy consumption depending on the chosen program, consider that washing at 60°C consumes about 1.3 kWh. At 40°C, the energy usage drops to approximately 0.7 kWh, and at 30°C, it decreases further to just 0.4 kWh, significantly lowering your electricity bill. And that’s not the only benefit. Reducing the temperature is also an ecological gesture.
Why is Washing at 30°C Eco-Friendly?
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Why is Washing at 30°C Eco-Friendly?
According to a sensitization campaign conducted in March 2021 by the detergent brand Ariel titled “Every Degree Counts,” promoting the effectiveness of cold washing, if every French family consistently chose the 30°C program, they could save as much energy as the consumption of the city of Nantes or even the equivalent CO2 footprint of two million cars if applied at a European level. This means that adopting a low-temperature washing routine is beneficial for the environment, as it can reduce CO2 emissions, helping to protect our planet by minimizing the negative impacts of global warming on our ecosystem.
Bedding, Colors, Detergents… 3 Answers to Common Questions About the Optimal Temperature for Washing Clothes
Setting up a washing machine may seem like a mundane task summarized in a few quick gestures, …”
This revised version provides a clear and practical argument for why washing at lower temperatures is more efficient and environmentally friendly, making it suitable for readers seeking to adopt more sustainable household practices.
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