Households with washing machine told to stop using two temperatures
British Gas, OVO, Octopus, EDF and E.On households have been warned against doing the washing machine cycle on 60 or 90 degrees. Energy customers have been told the "best" temperarture for washing your bed sheets properly - and it’s not 60 or 90 degrees.
Cleaning experts at Fantastic Services explained: “Dust mites live exclusively on dead skin cells so they thrive in beds and bedding. Almost all households have them and if unchecked their numbers can reach many thousands.”
Instead, check the label. The experts said: “Generally speaking, the best temperature to wash bedding is between 30 to 40 degrees.” Households need to know what the maximum load is for this appliance. The experts warned that overloading the machine “strains the motor” and “sheets only get cleaner” if they have “plenty of room to move around” in the washer.
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Use the right setting, too. Use a normal setting unless the care label on the sheets specifies otherwise. Delicate linens “can be damaged” by mixing them with rougher textured laundry, such as towels, the experts from the cleaning website have also warned.
And don’t overuse the detergent. Too much detergent can also “damage” fibres, resulting in bedding wearing out more quickly. In a guide online, the Energy Saving Trust explains: "Washing clothes at 30 degrees rather than higher temperatures will save around 40% of the energy used each year.
"Modern washing powders and detergents work just as effectively at lower temperatures. Wait until you have a full load before putting on a wash." And it goes on to add: "Wait until you have a full load before putting on a wash.
"Try to minimise unnecessary washing by hanging up clothes to air after using them. This way you can get the maximum use out of each item before needing to wash it."
