Bucking the Trend: The 30-Degree Dilemma - German's Reluctance to Chill on Washing Temperatures
- By Wiebke Tomescheit
- 3 Min
The energy-saving dilemma: The reason behind our reluctance to effectively conserve energy at a 30-degree setting - Energy-efficient appliances conundrum: The reasons behind our reluctance to clean at lower temperatures
Check out the video: "Washing Machine - Steer Clear of These Four Common Blunders." everyone's said it endless times: wash your clothes at 30 degrees. It allegedly works, it's simple, and it's all win, nothing but perks. But us Germans? We smile and nod, then go home and persist in washing at 40 degrees, or if you’re from an older crowd, amp it up to 60 degrees. And if you’re from real old-timey days, you might reckon that there's no need for temps less than 90 degrees and go for handwashing.
The Germans Lag Behind on 30-Degree Washing
Could it be that we're clueless about the remarkable difference 10 degrees can make for our environment? Every home that ditches 40 for 30 can save a whopping 38% on energy costs for laundry. Meaning washing clothes at 30 cents instead of 40! In the last two years, Germans slashed their average washing temp from 43.2 to 42.2 degrees. That seemingly insignificant drop netted 115,000 tons of CO2 savings. If all 40 million households with washing machines hopped aboard the 30-degree bandwagon, Germany could avert 570,000 tons of emissions.
Temperature Drop Yields Substantial Differences
Environmental organizations like the WWF and consumer goods brands such as Procter & Gamble (makers of Ariel) are trying to hammer home the point that 40 degrees isn't always necessary. They set up "Cold Wash Lounges" in major cities, doling out eco-friendly detergent and demonstrating the effectiveness of washing at 30 degrees in laundromats. Surprisingly, many folks were skeptical at first, but after giving it a try, smiled, nodded in approval, and left with clean clothes.
However, what actually holds many Germans back isn't always the fear that low temperatures won't clean. It's often the misconception that lower temps can't destroy invisible nasties like odors, bacteria, viruses, and mold.
Modern Detergents Can Tackle the Heft
According to Gabriele Hässig, a sustainability expert at Procter & Gamble, it's largely a baseless fear. Everyone agrees that items that come into contact with dirt, like cleaning rags or bed linens, should be washed at 60 degrees. But for day-to-day clothes like shirts, pants, and sweaters, 30 degrees suffice. Modern detergents and their special enzymes and polymers ensure that bacteria, mold, and other germs are history. Many European countries have already embraced the 30-degree washing standard, including Italy, Spain, and the UK. The Netherlands and France are following suit. So why is Germany trailing behind?
Lack of Conversation about Washing
Experts say "We talk too little about washing," according to Selina Sinning of WWF's behavioral research team. Our understanding of laundry largely comes from parents and we’ve never questioned it since. Old habits die hard, especially those established over years or decades. Moreover, people generally don't know how much detergent technology has advanced in the last few decades. Fresh detergents can clean everything at 30 degrees – imagine that, it wasn't possible 20 years back!
Durability Benefits of Lower Temperatures
Another perk of washing at 30 degrees? Clothes last longer. If folks don't have to buy new clothes as frequently, they conserve resources, protect the environment, and even save money. And get to enjoy their favorite sweater for much longer than they may have otherwise. Do we need to discuss laundry more? You betcha. The world's getting warmer, and it's crucial we all do our part.
- The environmental science community has been advocating for a shift in community policy regarding washing temperatures, as washing at 30 degrees can significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, such as those from climate-change-inducing greenhouse gases.
- In line with the emphasis on sustainability in fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden products, eco-friendly initiatives like Cold Wash Lounges demonstrate the effectiveness of washing clothes at lower temperatures, dispelling misconceptions about lower temperatures being unable to destroy germs and odors.
- As the world grapples with the environmental implications of lifestyle choices, a conscious effort needs to be made to educate consumers about the advancements in environmental-science-based detergents, enabling longer-lasting clothes and contributing to resource conservation and a safer environment.
