Washing clothes at low temperatures and killing germs 2 January 2022 at 5:03AM in Old style MoneySaving 23 replies 2.6K views

moneyunwise

I want to wash some clothes at 20 degrees but I read that this low temperature won't kill bacteria. I could try 30 degrees but again I believe that bacteria won't be killed. 

One of the items says hand wash only but I don't have time to do that.

I do use a non-bio powder.

Can anyone suggest what I can do?

jackieblack

Dettol Laundry Cleanser (I think they’ve recently changed the name to Laundry Sanitiser) claims to kill 99.9% of bacteria at low temperatures.

Otherwise a 60 degree wash is needed to kill bacteria.

ScarletRibbons

Look at bio powders/liquids. Most of them remove stains and germs at low temperatures these days.

timehastoldme

If they bubble up, they'll kill bacteria, soapy stuff disrupts the membranes, water floods in, and their cell contents burst out. 

MrsStepford

I use Persil Hygiene Professional, which washes to BS EN 1276 and kills 99.99% of bacteria plus MRSA and e.coli at 40C. An 8.5kg 130 wash size box costs nearly £38 with VAT. It would probably be cheaper to just whack the temperature up and use a decent bio powder or liquid, unless allergic. 20C just won't kill bacteria.That's basically hovering around standard room temperature. 

Spies

Is there any washing up detergent that would work in a cold wash? My machine only goes down to 30c then the next lowest step is simply cold. 

Greatgimp

Does the low temperature flush the muck out or let it congeal in the pipes over time?

wondercollie

I think by the British preoccupation with washing temperatures, you must think those of us in Canada are filthy and covered in bacteria.

I wash everything but my work whites in a cold water formula.   My water is pretty cold, today it's -30C outside.

Tide Coldwater Clean Free HE Liquid Detergent - Tide

joedenise

Unfortunately we can't buy cold water formula washing powder/liquids in the UK!

oystercatcher

I add Napisan to washes where I want to kill bugs off. Its safe for colours too but not wool or silk .

Spies

joedenise said:

Unfortunately we can't buy cold water formula washing powder/liquids in the UK!

That's a shame.