October 26, 2024, 10:59 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Saving energy is always a good idea. So why not do your laundry on a quick wash cycle? It’s quicker and should save not only time but also money, right?
The quick wash program of a washing machine is perfect for those who are short on time but still want to keep their laundry fresh and clean. The program promises clean results in significantly less time than conventional wash cycles. Depending on the washing machine, the quick wash program lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. In this short time, the machine can save time, electricity, and water – or so you might think. In fact, this is a misconception.
A quick wash cycle only saves time, not money
In short, saving money with a quick wash program is unfortunately not effective. This is because a lot of energy is used to heat up the water quickly. And as we all know, electricity isn’t free. The Federal Environment Agency explains: “Energy consumption during washing is primarily dependent on the washing temperature, as heating the water consumes significantly more energy than the drum movement.” Therefore, real savings come from washing at lower temperatures: a 60-degree wash program consumes as much electricity as two 40-degree cycles and nearly three 30-degree cycles.
Energy-saving program takes longer than quick wash program
However, there is another area where you can’t save with a lower energy washing program: the washing time. It takes three or more hours to wash laundry on an energy-saving program. This is because an energy-saving program washes at a lower temperature, with less water, and usually with less drum movement. For the detergent to work and the laundry to be clean, it has to be washed for longer.
The experts at the Federal Environment Agency recommend washing lightly and normally soiled colored laundry at 20 to 30 degrees and white laundry at 40 degrees. Relatively soiled laundry would usually get clean at these temperatures.
Doesn’t the laundry smell at 30 degrees?
If you constantly wash your laundry at a low temperature, the laundry will indeed smell musty at some point. This is because the musty smell is caused by bacteria that get onto your clothes and into the washing machine via your skin. And the microorganisms feel quite at home at 30 to 40 degrees.
They survive the low washing temperature and settle in the machine. Bacteria, fungi, and algae then form a slime layer in the washing drum – the so-called biofilm. Due to the biofilm, both the washing machine and the laundry washed in it can absorb unpleasant odors.
What to do about smelly bacteria in the washing machine?
Washing the laundry at regular intervals at 60 degrees helps to kill the bacteria. The Industrieverband Körperpflege- und Waschmittel e.V. recommends doing this every two weeks. It is better to use a normal program at 60 degrees. An eco-wash program sometimes only washes at 40 degrees, even if 60 degrees is indicated.
Leaving the washing machine door open after the wash cycle can also reduce the survival of mold germs by allowing the steam to escape. Remember to also slightly pull out the detergent drawer to allow it to dry.
Washing the washing machine helps against unpleasant odors
Regularly cleaning the machine not only helps remove unpleasant odors but also serves as a preventative measure. For a thorough clean, all removable parts should be removed and cleaned under warm water. This includes the detergent compartment. To clean the drum, run the machine empty on a wash program of at least 60 degrees Celsius. Vinegar or citric acid will help to remove limescale and bacteria.
Use a damp cloth to clean the rubber seal on the door or flap. When cleaning the washing machine, don’t forget the lint filter. This is usually located at the foot of the machine.
Even with the quick wash program, washing powder is better than liquid detergent
Whether you are using a quick wash program or an eco-wash cycle, it is better to use a powder or tablet detergent containing bleach than a liquid detergent. This is due to the superior cleaning power of washing powder. It also does not pollute sewage treatment plants as much. This protects the environment.
The Federal Environment Agency also recommends using a color detergent rather than a heavy-duty detergent for colored textiles. Washing powder for colored laundry protects the colors of the textiles, which can be worn for longer. If you want to go even more eco-friendly, a modular system allows you to use detergent, softener, and bleach exactly as required and dose them more sparingly.
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Save money when washing with these other tips
- You should wash when the washing drum is full. Ideally, it is when one hand still fits in. However, delicate laundry needs a little more space than normal pants or T-shirts.
- Dose according to water hardness: soft water needs less detergent than hard water.
- Opting to air dry instead of using an energy-intensive tumble dryer is a better choice.