Is a 30 minute wash cycle long enough?

DWhite

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 😁

Brie

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.   

mandy47

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 😁

I've used a 30 minute cycle for a couple of years for most loads but I've recently changed to an hour. I was finding that DH and DD work shirts were still a bit niffy under the arms. Didn't notice until ironing them. 
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. 

wort

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 .

joedenise

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.

zaxdog

15 minute refresh for most clothing here with a hot  wash for socks, pants and linens.

Spendless

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. 

Novice_investor101

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. 

DWhite

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. 

That’s really interesting! I’ll have a look, thank you 

DullGreyGuy

DWhite said:

I’ve started using the 30 minute wash cycle on the washing machine to reduce some energy usage. 

Are you sure it saves energy? It may sound counter intuitive but quick washes (factoring the reduced maximum load) are often higher use of both water and electricity as they make up for the time it has for detergents etc to naturally move around in the water with more vigorous agitation etc. 

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 Eco

PollyWollyDoodle

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!