To think one 90 degree washes a month is fine?

[LauraAshleyDuvetCover]

I usually do one full wash on 90 degrees every month. Sometimes it's my towels, flannels, bath mat etc, other times it's the kitchen towels, cleaning cloths etc.

This morning, a friend whose washing machine has broken (filled with water) dropped off the towels that were in there when it broke. My flatmate said he hoped I wasn't going to wash them on 90 because it's inefficient and unnecessary. I said I was because it's better for the machine ("bollocks") because it dissolves any powder or conditioner left in the pipes ("it'll dissolve anyway") and kills any bacteria ("the powder will do that"). I said I was, because they've been left damp and smell a bit grim.

I've just been into the kitchen and he's put them on a daily quick wash at 40, and I've no idea what detergent he's used (I was going to put vinegar in because they smell musty and damp).

AIBU to think he's being an arse making his point, and doing the odd wash at 90 (especially to help a friend) really isn't a huge issue?

If we use detergent why is laundry cleanser needed?

Thanks @RacketeerRalph. I just sling mine in with the normal wash. But I don’t know if it’s right or not??

40 for everyday items, 60 for bedding and baby clothes if there’s been a thunder poop as only hot washes seem to remove the stains.

Never used 90, I’d expect clothes to be shrunk and towel fibres to be damaged. That kind of heat can’t be good for any fibres in fact. 60 is more than enough to kill bacteria and bad smells.

I've never washed anything on 90 degrees.

Towels and bedding goes on 60, though.

Whether you do the odd 90 degree wash or not of stuff that you own and know can take it, I would definitely not be washing anything I was washing for someone else at 90 degrees!

@EvilPea

What temperature is everyone washing face masks?

ducks and runs away

30, same as the rest of my washing. If that temperature + soap can kill germs on my hands then it can do it on my washing as well!

Have you read the washing instructions for friend's towels? - usually towels are at 40 degrees. I won't just wash anything at 90 because they are a bit smelly.

@EvilPea

Thanks *@RacketeerRalph*. I just sling mine in with the normal wash. But I don’t know if it’s right or not??

That's what I do. I've not had Covid yet!

Sorry to me laundry cleanser = detergent

I wash anything that has urine on it (sheets when my son has an accident) at 95 degrees but everything else at 30 or 40.

@Titsywoo

I wash anything that has urine on it (sheets when my son has an accident) at 95 degrees but everything else at 30 or 40.

Why? What's different about the bacteria in urine Vs your armpits? Or if you've sat down outside?

Communal laundry for a block of flats - the highest wash is supposed to be 60 degrees, but I suspect it may be lower than that.

I do use it for bed linen and towels. 90 sounds like overkill

I don't even know which program is 90 I never use it

If you wash things at 40 WITHOUT SOAP, then the bacteria will breed.

if you wash things at 60 WITHOUT SOAP then you are just about able to kill the bacteria.

BUT if you use soap, laundry detergents are designed to get rid of bacteria using enzymes and the soap binds with the bacteria so it gets washed away.

Viruses for example bind super efficiently with the soap, and therefore come off the towels etc and get washed away. The reason for washing you hands with soap during the pandemic was this. You didn't need water over 60 you could have used cold water as long as you use the soap.

Modern soaps are mad eot get rid of bacteria at 30-40.

If they’re smelly when the go in, they need at least 60. Smelly washing products might mask smells at 30 or 40 but they won’t kill bacteria.

Not sure I’m understanding you correctly though: are you saying you only wash your towels etc once a month?

I am 49 and have never done a 90c wash. Ever.

I have three minging teenage children and every 3 or 4 months the machine needs a "cleaning cycle" with a cap of Dettol and that runs at 60c.

I have always washed whites at 90 degrees My last washing machine lasted 18 years.

Not sure I’m understanding you correctly though: are you saying you only wash your towels etc once a month?

They only get washed at 90 once a month (or less).

I do a towel wash every other weekend. I change my towels and flannels more often than that but save them up (dry) to make a whole load. If a towel wash weekend coincides with it being about a month since I did a hot wash, they'll go in on 90. Otherwise I do them at 40.

I don't understand why your flat mate did your friends washing that she asked you to do?

@MrsSkylerWhite

If they’re smelly when the go in, they need at least 60. Smelly washing products might mask smells at 30 or 40 but they won’t kill bacteria.

Not sure I’m understanding you correctly though: are you saying you only wash your towels etc once a month?

well, yes they will, as that is what the enzymes in washing powder do, they digest bacteria, along with all other organic matter.

Also, just for avoidance of doubt my towels are perfectly fresh.

My friend's were left damp, and smelt. Flatmate put them in on a 40 degree daily wash, and they still smelt horrible. Flatmate admitted that that wash probably wasn't good enough.

I have now washed them at 60 with Persil non-bio and white vinegar and an extra rinse cycle, and have had them on the line. They are now bone dry, smell clean and friend will collect them tomorrow.

@DemBonesDemBones

I don't understand why your flat mate did your friends washing that she asked you to do?

Neither do I DemBones! I presume to try to prove his point that a 40 daily wash was all that was required. (Spoiler: it wasn't!)

Sheets, towels, dishcloths etc are washed at 60. Lights 40, darks 30. My machine has a self cleaning cycle on at 90, which I run about once a month.

For mildewy towels, I would use at least 60.

I’ve washed everything at 90 degrees, when I got my new washer and didn’t realise. Everything, including towels, came out really weird till I figured it out

I used to do a washing machine cleaner pouch thing every 6 months or so. I’ve now got a drum cleaner setting I use

60 degrees sounds like a job well done @LauraAshleyDuvetCover

I have never in my life washed anything at 90’.