Wash laundry at 30 degrees

Modern detergents with color enzymes wash just as well at 30 °C as at 60 °C, but need 60% less power. Warm water is the energy hog, not the drum. At 3-4 washes weekly a family easily saves 50 € yearly.

Step by step

A washing machine heating element (e.g. 4 kW) needs energy to heat water from 15 °C to 60 °C: 4 kW × 2 hours (typical cycle) = 8 kWh per wash. At 30 °C the element only runs 10-15 min: 4 kW × 0.25 h = 1 kWh, that's 80-90% less energy just for heating. Modern detergents (from 2000) have enzymes that start working at room temperature. Color detergents are specially optimized for cold washing.

Step by step

1. 1. Sort laundry (white / colored / delicate)White underwear + towels: separate (like 60 °C). Colored T-shirts, pants, stuff: 30 °C group. Delicates (silk, lace): extra program. Rough work clothes: 40 °C.
2. 2. Choose detergent type: color (for colors) or universalColor detergent (e.g. Persil Color, Ariel Color) is specially developed for colored fibers. Universal works too, but color is more optimized. White detergent NOT for colors (bleach).
3. 3. Check dosageThe dosing cap on the package is usually too much. For normally soiled laundry 75% of the manufacturer amount is enough. With soft water even 50%. Less detergent = fewer residues = less pilling.
4. 4. Set washing machine to 30 °C / ecoTurn dial or digital display: '30 °C' or eco symbol. With some machines this is called 'color program 40 °C' they're still economical (modern design uses lower temps internally).
5. 5. Don't overload drumDrum should still have 1-2 hand-widths of air. Overloading reduces wash performance. Better wash twice at 80% capacity than once at full throttle.

Worked example

How much do YOU save through 30 °C washing?