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Is a 30 minute wash cycle long enough?

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I’ve started using the 30 minute wash cycle on the washing machine to reduce some energy usage. Is this long enough to get clothes properly clean? The majority of the washing is my work clothes which don’t get properly ‘dirty’ just need a freshen and taking sweat/warehouse dust off. Then there’s the 1 year old’s clothes, tend to be changed daily as he’s a dribbler and likes playing outside. My 15 year old daughter gets quite sweaty, bless her, so I’m wondering if 30 minutes is long enough for her clothes? 
Partner does his own washing so I don’t worry about his 😁
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Comments

  • wort
    wort Posts: 1,968 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    I use the quick wash for almost everything,but  sheets and towels get a hot wash . But I’ve never had a problem getting things clean, if your daughters things are very sweaty maybe a soak first or wash her things separately. Very difficult as everyone’s circumstances and laundry needs are different. The adverts say we only need a 30 degree wash with the types of detergent they have now, maybe just try for a month see how you get on .
    Focus on contribution instead of the impressiveness of consumption to see the true beauty in people.
  • joedenise
    joedenise Posts: 17,642 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I've been using a short wash for most of my washing since the price hikes in energy costs although whites get soaked first.  Bedding gets a hotter wash as does towels & tea towels.

    Only you can make the decision of which wash programme to use.
  • Spendless
    Spendless Posts: 24,653 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    14 min cycle for most clothes as they only need a freshen up, they're not dirty. Stained clothes, underwear, towels, tea-towels, bedding all get a hot wash. 
  • DWhite
    DWhite Posts: 232 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 100 Posts I've been Money Tipped!
    Search the internet for you make & model of washing machine & the user manual should be available to view. I did this and found out that using the 30min quick wash was actually using more electricity & water than some of the longer cycles because of the need for rapid water heating & more water to compensate for the lesser agitation in the wash. 
    That’s really interesting! I’ll have a look, thank you 
  • That’s really interesting- I use a 30 minute wash for most things, I don’t have a manual job or exercise out of doors so that’s fine for everyday stuff. 

    I wash sheets and towels on a hot wash partly because I think it’s good for the washing machine. I’ve always wondered why the “eco cotton” program takes nearly 3 hours, it never occurred to me that a quick wash might actually be more expensive. I’m off to look at my machine now!  
    Life is mainly froth and bubble: two things stand like stone. Kindness in another’s trouble, courage in your own.
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