Washing clothes in cold water?

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Please move if you think I’ve posted on wrong board

ive used an Eco Egg off and on for years, recently changed to the Dr Beckman sheets - which I’m happy with- seem to wash ok, but made the mistake of using in a cold water wash - it did not dissolve! But my own fault for not reading the instructions 😂😢

My old Eco Egg has seen better days- don’t think it liked the 1400 spin plus the plastic was starting to split - letting the ‘ pellets’ out. I see now if you buy direct from Eco Egg- the egg’s themselves are guaranteed for 10 years.

But does anyone wash in cold water? I did when I lived in New Zealand- normal practice then 30 years ago.

wanting to do it now to save money of course.

ive had a quick google of course but not much comes up

But prefer to hear from people who have actually used the products than someone who is paid to promote it.

Emmia

How much does washing in cold water actually save you though, per load?  And aren't there hygiene issues with pants and undergarments being washed on cold?

CapricornLass

If washing clothes in cold water by hand, I would have to add a bit of water to bring the temperature up a bit, otherwise all my joints would ache!

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Emmia said:

How much does washing in cold water actually save you though, per load?  And aren't there hygiene issues with pants and undergarments being washed on cold?

I don’t know how much it saves, but when I lived In New Zealand,  most places don’t have piped gas, and washing machines are cold fill only - a lot were top loaders , although front loaders like most people have in the UK are more popular now, everything was washed in cold water including bedding. The washing powders, liquids and pods are all advertised as working in cold water- COLD POWER being the strap line.

Also as Hot water sets stains, most stains come out when you wash in cold water too 

weenancyinAmerica

I wash most of my clothes in cold water, but being in America, I don't know what brands of washing up products are available there. I occasionally wash the pants and face cloths in hot water. But most of the time I use a cold water product which claims you don't need to use hot water. And the stains do come out better.

Sarahspangles

We’ve had this discussion recently at home. 

I’m sceptical washing at 40C has any hygiene benefits that are down to temperature alone. It’s only 3C warmer than the human body. It is the temperature that bio enzymes are designed to work around so that’s why I select a 30 or 40C wash. If you don’t heat the water, I think you need a longer wash for the enzymes to do their stuff. I use 60C for hygiene washes, but usually only for one drum-full a week.

Something that stuck with me from ‘Gut’ by Giulia Enders is that most hygiene practices are targeted at reducing the amount of bacteria and other nasties to a level that the body can tolerate. So unless there is norovirus or similar in the house, there’s no need to go over the top.

Brie

I used to use an eco egg type thing until it did split and the little balls jammed up the spin on the drum.  Cue having to get a new machine!!!

I use Ecover liquid now and it works perfectly fine at 30 which is the lowest temperature on our machine.  This is good too as most of my clothing is cotton and I'm too cheap to want to replace things that I've shrunk on purpose!  Hard water means I also need a "calgon" type softener but again being cheap I get the tabs - Lidl or Tasco own brand.  A bit of Tasco lavendar fabric softener to finish.  And for both the detergent and FS I use about 2/3 the recommended amount as things come out fine doing so.  I think the companies tell you to use much more than is necessary.  

Every six months or so I empty in a 50p bottle of white vinegar in and do a extreme hot wash to clean out the machine.  I have to be careful with whatever load follows that as they can come out smelling like a chip shop!!

fyi - we don't use a drier, just have a umbrella style line in the garden for when it's sunny and a rack in the spare room for when it's not.  

QrizB

Brie said:

 I also need a "calgon" type softener but again being cheap I get the tabs - Lidl or Tasco own brand.

Do Lidl still sell anti-limescale tablets in your area? I've not seen them here for a decade or so. I have to go to Tesco for own-brand ones, but recently resorted to genuine Calgon from Home Bargains.

Re the OP's question, ever since getting a washing machine with an Eco 40-60 wash I've been using that setting for most laundry. I don't know how hot it actually gets but it seems to work OK.

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Just found my instruction booklet, so a full load at 20’ uses a lot less energy than the eco cycle, but more water. 

I have recently moved on to a water meter,  as my bill was over £1200 for the year.