Washing laundry in cold water - any tips/hints??

[PunishmentRoundupWithJoon]

Due to the increase in energy prices, I've been reducing the temperature of laundry loads. I'm wondering if it's ok to do laundry on a cold wash? I've always read that towels and underwear should be washed at 60 degrees so as to kill bacteria but I'm curious about what other people do? If you do cold washes, is there any residual odour? Do things come out as clean as on a warmer wash? What detergent is suitable for a cold wash?

My machine has an "energy saver" cycle that washes in cold water but agitates the washing a bit more (or something) presumably to assist in the cleaning process.

Would be grateful for any input on this matter! Especially the detergent bit!

You put it in the fabric softener section so it is added at the very end of the cycle.

@Motherhubbardscupboard

I wonder if your mum was meaning moths that lay their eggs on clothing and then the larva hatch and eat the clothing? I'd imagine a hot wash would be useful to kill them off.

But I think they are fairly rare now as we use a lot more synthetic material or mix and they mainly went for pure wool

Also insecticides used in farming mean far fewer insects about than previous generations.

@JimMorrisonsleathertrousers Thank you - I will give it a shot.