How can I wash at low temperatures with my machine?

There are a huge variety of washing machines available these days, which all have different controls to choose the cycle suitable for the type of fabric, and the temperature you wash at.

For loads which are lightly soiled with no visible stains, you can lower your temperature without effecting cleaning performance. Most modern detergents are now effective at low temperatures such as 30°C. By reducing your wash temperature you will use less energy, benefit the environment and save more money.

Selecting Cold Cycles

For most machines you will be able to select "Cold Cycles" which allow you to wash your laundry at temperatures lower than 30°C. A cold cycle can be identified either by the words symbols or symbols or by one of the following symbols symbols from either of the appliance types below.

Use a cold cycle with specially formulated detergents like Ariel Excel Gel which is designed to wash at 15°C (cold)

Choose a low temperature cycle

Machines that fall into this category generally have one main dial that allows you to select both the type of fabric and also the temperature of the wash.

Try selecting a cycle with a lower temperature; for example, if you are washing cottons, then try selecting the lowest temperature setting available, which is normally 30°C.

Turn the temperature down to a lower temperature

Machines that fall into this category have a separate temperature dial.

Use this dial to turn down the temperature for the cycle you have chosen, depending on the type of fabrics you are washing.

Most detergents these days have been developed to deliver great cleaning at 30°C.

Scenario 1: You select a Cotton 90°C cycle to give your whites a good boil through, but leave the temperature dial at 40°C (perhaps from a previous wash)... what temperature will your load be washed at?

Answer = 40°C

Scenario 2: You select a Synthetic 40°C cycle, then turn the temperature dial to
90°C (needing a cleaning boost)... what temperature will your load be washed at?

Answer = 40°C

Why does this happen? The temperature dial can only LOWER the temperature of the cycle, it can never make it go higher!!!

So, check your temperature setting before every load!

Energy saving tips from British Gas and the Laundry Detective

10 Simple Ways to Save

  1. Use a lower temperature setting for your laundry. Turning down from 60°C to 30°C could save you £24**

  2. Turn your thermostat down by a degree and you could save £60 a year

  3. Whenever possible, dry your clothes outside on a line and you could save around £45 a year

  4. Unplug your mobile phone charger and save around £4 a year

  5. Turn your TV and accessories off standby and you could save up to £33 a year

  6. Turn your computer and accessories off standby and you could save around £11 a year

  7. Boil only the water you need for one cup instead of a full kettle and save around £31 a year

  8. Turn your kitchen appliances off standby and you could save around £12 a year

  9. Putting silver foil behind radiators could save £20 a year

  10. Draught proofing the windows and doors of your house with a fix brush or PVC seal could save you around £30 a year

**Assuming an average of 5 washes per week over 52 weeks. Energy prices from Uswitch (Sep 2008)

British Gas

 

Visit www.britishgas.co.uk/Ariel
for more information

Expert Tips

Some dyes will bleed even in very cold water, so to avoid any dye transfers, make sure you sort your washing into light colours, dark colours, whites and delicates.
To compensate for washing at lower temperatures, try using a Cotton (most agitation) or Synthetic cycle, if the garment care label allows.
Across a typical year, the average temperature of the water that goes into your washing machine is approximately 15°C. When you turn your washing machine to
Cold/symbols /No heat/symbols this is the temperature your clothes will be washed at.
British Gas promotes low temperature washing to help save energy and money