READ BELOW FOR ENERGY SAVINGS WHEN WASHING:

Can I wash clothes at 30°C?

Find out more on the benefits of washing at lower temperatures.

Difference between washing at 40°C and 30°C While lower temperatures will be fine for everyday cleaning and save energy, a 40°C wash will be better for tougher stains. As most Which? members we asked frequently use the 40°C temperature setting, we base our testing on the 40°C cottons and synthetics wash programs. It’s the temperature most clothes - whether made from cotton, linen, viscose, acrylics or more - are recommended to be washed at.

Most stains will be shifted at 40°C and increasing the temperature will eat up more energy. Cost of washing at 60°C The 60°C program generally delivers slightly better cleaning than the 40°C program, especially when it comes to greasy stains, and is ideal for bedding and towels. But it will cost you – running costs increase by more than half if you wash at 60°C as opposed to 40°C.  You might be washing at 60°C because you've heard it kills bacteria, but the temperature on its own doesn't.

Some bacterial spores and viruses are resistant to washing at 60°C.  You need to combine your 60°C wash with a good detergent to blast that bacteria. So you might be better off simply choosing a good detergent, treating stains and washing at 40°C to get a great clean that doesn't cost a lot to run.