What types of benefits are there to be had when washing at a lower temperature? Lower temperature washing reduces the amount of energy used by the washing machine to heat up the drum's water; this translates into an energy costs saving to you if you own your own washer, and an overall benefit to the environment regardless of if it's yours or someone else's: as less energy used = less fuel needed to make that energy, which further = a small but none the less significant way to do your part for the environment!
In addition to using a lower temperature to wash, fully loading your washer up to the recommend amount for your temperature setting will also help to conserve energy, and save you time, by ensuring less loads will be needed to fully wash all of your clothes. However, be sure not to overload your washer for your desired temperature, as doing so may clean your clothes in-effectively, causing you to use double the amount of energy and water when you end up having to re-wash the load again.
A bonus energy saving tip: If your location (and the weather) permits, forgo the dryer and hang dry your clothes whenever possible. This will maximize your energy savings to the fullest!
Here are a few low temperature washing tips to help you maximize these benefits:
* Read your clothing's' care label: Take note of the temperature printed on the label; this temperature is the recommended maximum temperature to wash your garment at; washing at a lower then maximum temperature however, is absolutely fine.
* Be sure to note the additional care instructions on said label and follow them regardless of wash temperature.
* Even at lower temperatures, be sure to sort your clothes as normal; i.e. darks, lights, and colors. Even in cooler waters colors can bleed from your garments.
* Wash stained clothes as soon as possible for better chances of removing the stain. For heavily soiled clothes, sort by maximum temperature and wash at those maximums for best results.
* When washing regular, non soiled, loads, reduce the temperature and choose the best care cycle (i.e. gentle, normal, etc.) for the type of fabrics being washed. This will reduce your energy consumption, while still cleaning your items effectively.
* When washing at a reduced temperature, be sure to use the same amount of Persil detergent as you would if washing at a high temperature; doing so will ensure your clothes are fresh and clean regardless of the water temperature, without the need to re-wash.
* Consider using a liquid Persil detergent (Small & Mighty, Liquigel, or capsules) when washing at lower temperatures as liquids have an easier time dissolving in cooler water.
* If your washing machine has a spin cycle speed selector, set it to the highest setting that won't damage your clothes. A higher speed spin cycle means less water left in your clothes, and less time (and energy!) needed to run them in your clothes dryer.
* Be sure not to leave your clothes in the washer too long after the wash has completed; the remaining moisture will allow bacteria to breed, causing your clothes to smell unpleasant even after they are properly dried.
* On the subject of bacteria, it is a good idea to do a high temperature wash after every 5-7 loads, with a laundry detergent containing a bleach component, such as Persil Bio. This will help to rid the washing machine of any odor causing bacteria that tends to form over time.
So there you have it. Use these tips and you'll enjoy clean clothes, help to keep our environment clean, all the while avoiding having to clean out your wallet when doing your laundry!
*Article contributed by Renee Calis - rcalis1@aol.com*