20 degree laundry

[BAMBI7111]

I’ve just put my second wash on the eco mix20 degrees which performs like 40 degrees and clothes are coming out clean can I use this cycle for most things

I wouldn't wash underwear on less than 40c, but I most often do it on a 60c as that's the only temperature proven to kill bacteria.

@Franticbutterfly

I wouldn't wash underwear on less than 40c, but I most often do it on a 60c as that's the only temperature proven to kill bacteria.

The detergent kills the bacteria, not the temperature

For the same reasons you don't have to wash your hands or bum at 60 degrees

You can do what you want Why wouldn't you be able to use a low temperature for anything?

Just make sure to run a maintenance wash on your machine once every 6-12 months at a hot temp to clear out the pipes.

@Veterinari it washes away the bacteria when you wash your hands it doesn’t kill the bacteria.

[quote Thatwentbadly]@Veterinari it washes away the bacteria when you wash your hands it doesn’t kill the bacteria.[/quote]
Right even if that were true (it isn't) then how would soap for your hands wash away bacteria but the soap in your machine not wash away the bacteria on clothes ?
The mechanism you are proposing is the same.

Also soap/laundry detergent works by breaking down the lipoprotein membrane that most bacteria viruses have. So yes it does 'kill bacteria'

Regardless of what you do though a washing machine won't sterilise your clothes, eve at 60 degrees bacteria will survive - just like they survive on your body
Bacteria are everywhere and a normal part of human flora. They're nothing to worry about. It's only pathogenic bacteria that cause problems so unless someone in your household is actually ill then there aren't really any risks

Surely it's a mixture of both?

www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/experts/article-8225325/Should-wash-clothes-60-degrees-help-beat-coronavirus.html

Yes TBH the only time I wash anything at 60 is if someone has a vomiting bug, or if something really stinks with ingrained sweat (yuck).

Yes of course you can. I prefer not to personally - I wash everything on 40 or 50 with 60 for towels and bedding. Just my preference

@OtherwiseKnownAsSheilaTh3Great

Yes of course you can. I prefer not to personally - I wash everything on 40 or 50 with 60 for towels and bedding. Just my preference

Enzymatic or biological laundry detergents are inactivated above about 40 degrees so often you actually get a more effective clean at lower temperatures. Plus the environmental benefits

@Veterinari as stated, it's my preference. Works for me and I'm happy with the cleanliness of my clothes

Thank you all I will carry on but will wash bedding on the bedding cycle to get a more thorough clean

[quote OtherwiseKnownAsSheilaTh3Great]@Veterinari as stated, it's my preference. Works for me and I'm happy with the cleanliness of my clothes [/quote]
I'm just pointing out that it's not necessary and may be detrimental to actually getting clean clothes (plus energy/environmental concerns)
You know, Since the OP asked for info info on lower temp washes...

I can't use biological detergent, it makes us all itch like hell!