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Is a 30 minute wash cycle long enough?
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DWhite
Posts: 232 Forumite


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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There's a lot of people suggesting that we wash our clothes much more than they need. But as you point out it's the individual that really determines the need. I tend to air my clothes out and wear another day. Alternating between different tops etc. I have one friend that washes everything after each wearing so she needs several pairs of jeans as they take so long to dry. Frankly I don't understand that need especially as she is quite fastidious.I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on Debt Free Wannabe, Old Style Money Saving and Pensions boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.
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⭐️🏅😇7 -
DWhite said: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 😁
No issues since changing to a longer wash.
I know it's more energy but I was putting a number of items back in the laundry basket so it probably evens out.
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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.4
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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.4 -
15 minute refresh for most clothing here with a hot wash for socks, pants and linens.5
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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.4
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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.12
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Novice_investor101 said: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.3
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DWhite said:I’ve started using the 30 minute wash cycle on the washing machine to reduce some energy usage.
Our washing machine manual isnt great but its similar with dishwashers, our 45min quick wash uses more than double the electricity as the 4 hour Eco6 -
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.4
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