How to Save on Your Electricity Bill

If your electricity bill is steadily rising, your washing machine could be one of the main causes. While it's an essential appliance, it's also one of the biggest consumers of energy, especially when used at high temperatures. Fortunately, there's a simple way to reduce costs without sacrificing hygiene or cleanliness: simply adjust the washing temperature.

Let's take a closer look at the best washing machine temperature to choose if you want clean laundry, fresh sheets, and lower bills at the end of the month.

Why You Should Reconsider High-Temperature Washes

Changing your sheets regularly is essential for good hygiene and better sleep. Sheets accumulate not only sweat and skin cells, but also microscopic dust mites and bacteria. For this reason, many people believe that washing them in very hot water , sometimes as hot as 90°C , is the only way to truly clean them.

However, this common belief isn't entirely correct. While hot water can effectively kill bacteria, modern detergents are now designed to work effectively even at lower temperatures . This means you can achieve the same level of hygiene and freshness while using much less electricity.

And with energy prices constantly rising, washing clothes at high temperatures has become increasingly expensive. The hotter the water, the more energy the washing machine needs to heat it, and the more you end up spending. Reducing the wash temperature is one of the simplest and most effective ways to save money while keeping your laundry pristine.

How Cooler Temperatures Reduce Energy Costs

When you select a high-temperature wash , most of the energy consumed by the washing machine goes to heating the water. In fact, water heating can account for up to 90% of the total electricity consumption during a wash cycle.

By lowering the temperature from 90°C to 30°C or 40°C , you can reduce your energy consumption by more than half . Over time, this translates into significant savings on your monthly bill.

For example, if you wash several loads a week, especially bulky items like sheets, towels, and blankets, switching to cooler washes can save you tens of euros a year while also extending the life of your fabrics.

The best temperature for clean and hygienic laundry

So, what temperature should you actually use?

Experts recommend washing laundry, including sheets, at a temperature between 30 and 40°C . These temperatures are more than sufficient to remove dirt, sweat, and bacteria, provided you use a good detergent.

With these lower settings:

    • 30°C is ideal for lightly soiled clothes or delicate fabrics.

    • 40°C is the ideal temperature for sheets, towels and normal laundry that requires a deeper clean.

You can also add a little white vinegar or laundry detergent if you want a more intense disinfectant effect. These natural, chemical-free additives help kill germs and eliminate odors, ensuring your bedding and clothes are fresh and sanitized without the need to boil water.

Some washing machines also have eco or cold wash programs , designed to maximize the effectiveness of the detergent at low temperatures. Using these settings can reduce both energy consumption and wear and tear on your clothes.

Washing sheets at low temperatures still eliminates germs

One of the main concerns when washing at low temperatures is hygiene. After all, sheets are in constant contact with the skin and can harbor dust mites and bacteria. But here's the truth: modern laundry detergents are formulated to be effective even in cold water .

Many of them contain enzymes that activate at 30°C, breaking down stains and effectively eliminating bacteria. When combined with proper drying (especially in sunlight, which naturally kills microorganisms), your sheets will be as clean and safe as if you'd washed them at 90°C.

If you or someone in your household suffers from allergies or has sensitive skin, you can occasionally run a 60°C wash , but it is not necessary to do it every time.

Further advantages of washing at low temperatures

Switching to lower wash temperatures not only helps you save money, but also offers other important benefits:

    1. Longer lasting fabrics.
      Hot water weakens fibers, causing fabrics to fade, stretch, or break over time. Washing at 30°C–40°C keeps materials like cotton, linen, and synthetics durable and vibrant longer.

    2. Lower environmental impact:
      Using less electricity means reducing your family's carbon footprint. Cold wash cycles are one of the easiest ways to make your laundry routine more sustainable.

    3. Colors and textures preserved.
      Heat can fade bright fabrics and dull-colored items. Cold washes protect the colors and textures of your clothes, keeping them looking new.

  1. More gentle on sensitive skin
    Hot water can leave detergent residue on fabrics, which sometimes irritates the skin. Lower temperatures rinse more gently, leaving laundry softer and safer.

  2. Quieter and faster cycles
    Cold water cycles tend to be shorter and quieter, giving you fresh laundry in less time.

Extra tips for washing smarter and saving more

If you're ready to switch to energy-efficient laundry, here are some additional habits that will help you maximize your savings:

    • Use only full loads. Running the washing machine half empty wastes water and energy.

    • Avoid overloading. Overcrowded drums prevent proper cleaning and rinsing.

    • Choose the eco cycle. Most modern washing machines have an "Eco" or "Energy Saving" setting designed to optimize energy consumption.

    • Wash your clothes at night or during off-peak hours. If your energy provider offers lower nighttime rates, use your washing machine during those hours to save even more.

    • Keep your machine clean. Clean the filter regularly and perform a maintenance wash (at 60°C with vinegar or baking soda) once a month to prevent dirt buildup and keep it running efficiently.

Final considerations

Washing your laundry at 30°C or 40°C is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce your home's energy consumption. You'll get perfectly clean and hygienic sheets and clothes, without the high costs of hot-water cycles.

With rising energy prices, every degree counts. By using lower wash temperatures, you not only save money, but you also protect fabrics, extend the life of your clothes, and contribute to a cleaner planet.

So, next time you load the washing machine, resist the temptation to turn the temperature up to the maximum. Choose a cooler wash: your wallet, your wardrobe, and the environment will thank you.

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