Washing at 30 degrees.

[Domestic Goddess]

Apparantly we can all do our bit for the environment and wash our clothes at 30 degrees. What I'm wondering is, does washing at this temperature actually get clothes really clean?

Has anyone here tried it? What results have you got?

[Planet 24]

Have to confess most things go in at 40 ° on an economy wash but blouses, shirts etc go to the dry cleaners as I don't do ironing. Its one thing I am never going to do, well that and empty the bin;)
Strange though as I have 3 irons, people keep buying me them as Xmas presents, but I dont take the hint.

[Beth]

I have a very very old washer, about 20years old and with few buttons but no 30* button :blush:

[Crazy Dog]

I do a man's washing. Chuck it all in at the same time, always use the same program (no idea what temperature) and when it's all turned grey that's the time to get some new clothes.:lol:

[kebea41]

Apparantly we can all do our bit for the environment and wash our clothes at 30 degrees. What I'm wondering is, does washing at this temperature actually get clothes really clean?

Has anyone here tried it? What results have you got?
Hi Domestic Goddess,
Our machine does not even have the 30 degrees temp the lowest is 40 degrees so i have no choice.
But sorry to say if i did have 30 degrees on my machine i would not use it as the temp is far too low to get heavy soiled items clean,,,,,,,,

[StoneHenge]

I don't have a washing machine at all!

I have to use a launderette so I'm pretty sure their machines will operate anove 30. However, I do only do a wash once a week unless we have had a major outburst (like little one being sick etc), so I don't use the machines very often, 4 times a month, which is quite eco-friendly!

And because of where I live, I use as many eco products as possible for washing up dishes (no dishwashers), and use as few products for hair, showering etc as poss.

Not easy, but can be done.

[lotus eater]

I got a new washing machine last year and the instructions say the 30 degree wash is for clothes that have been worn once, so that's what I use it for. Otherwise I wash at 40 degrees or 60 for bedding etc.

LE

[er 59]

My washing machine is a fairly new one as well it has what they call a daily wash programme for things that have been worn once its a much shorter cycle at a lower temprature great for some things but no good for anything that may be slightly stained even if you treat the stain first it doesnt give a good result :)

[Planet 24]

I don't have a washing machine at all!

I spent most of last year without one ( and a fridge) and it drove me mad so hats off to you for using the laundrette.

Because of Asthma I dont use cleaning fluids or sprays as such, try to stick to Washing Soda, Vinegar and lemon juice.

[Annabel]

I wash a lot of stuff at 30 deg because we do only ever wear our clothes once and then they go in the washing basket.

However, I always do undies and bedding at 60 deg.

my machine is pretty vicious (its a Bosch exxcel) and very good at getting out the stains.

I wanted to ask about washing powders you all use though. lately i have been using persils 'small and mighty' you only need a capfull or a cap and a half, I have been really pleased with it. it comes in various types as well, and as its a bottle just takes up much less space in the cupbaord and then the bottle can be recycled.

does anyone use ecover though? i used it in the past and found it a bit useless, but maybe its improved?

i think when you live in a hard water area we have to use more chemicals than people in soft water areas, which is a bit of a bummer really.

[sp54]

I use capsules, and like you say, being in a hard water area is difficult as you often need to use more than the recommended dose.

I tried Ecover but didn't find it very good, and I do love things to come out smelling lovely too which they didn't with Ecover [though it was a long while ago, it may have changed]

[lotus eater]

I've just started using E-something but I'm not sure of the name. Maybe it is Ecover, I'll check when I get home.

Whatever the E-something is I'm using it smells wonderful so it makes me think it's not the one you're talking about.

Sorry this is such a useless reply but I will check and let you know tomorrow.

[Crazy Dog]

When I lived in Munich I didn't have a washing machine. I used to take my stuff round to the local launderette (about 3 minutes walk), put it in the machine, then go to the beer garden a few doors away while the machine did the work. :D

[lotus eater]

I have recently started using Ecover detergent and conditioner and I think it smells wonderful.

LE

[Dragon Lady]

As I have a 30 degree setting on my Hotpoint, I have changed to Ariel (which advertises a 30 degree wash) and I must say for normal soiling it works OK. If any items are greasy (because I'm a mucky pup) I put 1/2 measure of Vanish powder into the tray.

I certainly would not use the 30 degree setting for whites though!