Washing machines offer a number of options to users when it comes to cleaning. With an array of different spin cycles to achieve specific effects, washing machines make control a total breeze.

However, many people tend to only use one or two of the many temperatures offered by washing machines. This leads many people to wonder whether certain temperatures are even effective at cleaning clothes.

Have you found yourself wondering whether 40 degrees is even enough to really wash your clothes? Here at Reliant, we’ve spent a number of years with the best washing machines to learn their ins and outs. Today, we’ll find out if 40 degrees really is an effective washing temperature!

Will Washing At 40 Degrees Actually Clean Your Clothes?

40 degrees is actually an incredibly effective temperature to set your washing machine to. Clothes wash far more effectively at warmer temperatures. The greater heat makes it easy to beat dirt and stains out of various fabrics. 40 degrees is actually an optimal temperature if you are planning to wash your clothes in warm water.

The warm temperatures achieved at 40 degrees are great for cleaning your clothes effectively. It’s also great at sanitising them, by killing bacteria and germs! 40 degrees is an incredibly effective and energy-efficient washing temperature.

Does Washing At 30 Degrees Really Clean Clothes?

Sure, 40 degrees might be enough to effectively clean your clothes, but would 30 degrees not be simply too cold for effective cleaning?

Generally, a 30-degree wash is best recommended for basic laundry jobs. Let’s say you have a pile of occasionally worn T-shirts. They may not be covered in stains, but they certainly need to be refreshed. 30 degrees is an effective temperature.

Should I Wash At 30 Or 40?

The answer to this question will ultimately depend on the severity of the job at hand. If you need effective stain removal on a number of garments, we would recommend washing at 40 degrees. This temperature is high enough to lift stains from fabrics. It will also remove lingering bacteria and germs.

If you have a pile of laundry that needs a basic wash, then 30 degrees would be the best temperature to opt for. This is an effective warmth to remove basic dirt and grime, but not stubborn stains. This is a great temperature for those looking to cut down on their energy usage.

Wash your clothes at 40 degrees if you want an effective stain-removing clean that doesn’t use too much energy. If you only need to perform a basic wash of everyday clothes, then opt for 30 degrees!

You’ll also want to target 30 degrees if you’re washing specific fabrics such as wool and silk, These fabrics are incredibly delicate. The lower temperatures will minimise the risk of damage.

What Shouldn’t You Wash At 30 Or 40 Degrees?

30 and 40 degrees are very versatile temperatures that can be used to wash a number of fabrics. However, there are a few things that you should aim to wash at much higher temperatures.

The NHS actually recommends that underwear, towels, and bed linens be washed at 60 degrees or higher. This high temperature will help to easily kill germs that can easily spread on these products.

How Often Should You Clean A Washing Machine That Runs At 40 Degrees?

In order for a washing machine to work at its absolute best, you’ll want to be sure to clean it as often as possible. This is especially the case if you run your washing machine at 40 degrees every time.

The suggested water temperature to kill off bacteria is around 60 degrees. If you are regularly cleaning at 40 degrees, bacteria and mould will slowly begin to develop, especially in the time after a cycle has finished. When the drum is warm and moist.

We’d recommend cleaning your washing machine once every month if you regularly wash at 40 degrees. You’ll notice that the machine needs cleaning especially if it begins emitting powerful odours.

Does Eco Mode Actually Wash Your Clothes?

Eco mode can be found on a number of modern washing machines. This mode changes the settings of your washing machine to be more economical. Eco mode consumes far less water and far less electricity, making it great for protecting the environment. It’s also great at significantly lowering your monthly bills.

However, the reduction in water and electricity leads many people to wonder whether eco mode is actually effective at washing clothes.

Luckily, we can confirm that eco mode absolutely can clean your clothes. However, it is generally intended for more ordinary washing cycles. To lower energy usage, eco mode lowers the temperature. This means that it won’t be quite as effective at lifting stains from your clothes as a hotter wash.

While eco mode does achieve a very effective wash, it does take a little longer to finish up. This is because the water will be of a lower temperature and there will be less of it. Thus, the machine itself will have to do quite a bit of the heavy lifting itself.

If you’re planet conscious, and you want to help lower your energy usage, we absolutely recommend using eco mode as often as possible. Using higher temperatures only occasionally will not result in your energy bills climbing too high.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Washing At 40 Degrees Really Clean Clothes?

40 degrees is actually a very warm temperature perfectly suited to cleaning your clothes without being so hot as to put certain fabrics at risk. If you want an energy-efficient clean, then 40 degrees could be the perfect temperature for you. However, if you need to remove particularly stubborn stains, you will need to use a higher temperature.

Can I Wash Clothes On 40 Instead Of 30?

Absolutely. If you need to perform stain removal on any of your clothes, then it is totally fine to opt for 40 degrees instead of 30 degrees on your washing machine. However, if you need to wash incredibly delicate fabrics like silk, then we would recommend sticking to 30 degrees.

Is It Cheaper To Wash At 30 Or 40?

If you want a quick and effective wash that doesn’t cost the earth, then 30 degrees is a very suitable temperature. However, 30 degrees will not be a high enough temperature to perform stain removal. 30 degrees is a temperature best suited to very basic wash cycles or for washing delicate fabrics.

What Temperature Should I Wash My Bed Sheets?

When washing things like bed sheets, you should generally aim for higher temperatures. Bed sheets, underwear, and other products that see heavy use are prone to harbouring germs. Higher temperatures will be more effective at killing various germs and bacteria. You should aim to wash such things at the same time, at higher temperatures.