The 30-Degree Fiasco: Puzzling Over Why Germans Refuse to Wash Efficiently
- Penned by Wiebke Tomescheit
- ~- 3 Min
The Dilemma of Energy-Efficiency: Averting the Washing Conundrum Due to Reduced Energy Consumption - Energy efficiency dilemma: Why refusing to clean energy-efficient appliances persists
Hit play: Washing Machine - Avoid These Four Moronic Blunders. We've all been there: advised time and time again to wash our clothes at 30 degrees. It's supposed to work, it's simple, and there's no downside, only benefits, right? But us Germans? We give an insincere smile and agree, then go right back home to continue washing at 40 degrees. Or if you're part of the older crowd, at 60 degrees. And if you're from even older days, you might believe that there's no real reason to wash at anything other than 90 degrees, or even by hand.
Germany's Persistent Refusal of 30 Degrees
Could it be that we're ignoring the impact of such a minuscule temperature difference on the environment? Any household that trades 40 for 30 can save a whopping 38% on their energy bills. Instead of paying approximately 20 cents per load, you'll only be coughing up 12 cents.
In just the past two years, German homes have managed to lower their average washing temperature from 43.2 to 42.2 degrees. This modest reduction has resulted in the prevention of 115,000 tons of CO2 emissions. If all 40 million households with washing machines jumped on board and washed at 30 degrees, Germany could dodge 570,000 tons of emissions.
A Temperature Difference Makes All the Difference
The WWF and Procter & Gamble, makers of detergent brands such as Ariel, aim to show that 40 degrees isn't always necessary. In several major cities, they took over laundromats, provided their detergent, and set the machines to 30 degrees. The name of the campaign? "Cold Wash Salon." At first, many customers were reluctant, often doubting a lower temperature could do the trick. However, in the end, they nodded in agreement, perhaps with a sigh of relief. Everything was spotless.
But it's not always the fear of persistent stains that keeps us Germans from cooling things down. Instead, it's the anxiety surrounding invisible worries like odors, bacteria, viruses, and mold.
Modern Detergents Are Tougher Than You Think
Fear not, says Gabriele Hässig, who focuses on sustainability at Procter & Gamble. Dirty items such as cleaning cloths or bedding should be washed at 60 degrees. But for everyday attire like t-shirts, pants, and sweaters, 30 degrees is sufficient. And while colossal bacteria exist in our minds, they only thrive in the presence of dirt, something that 30 degrees and modern detergents are more than capable of eliminating completely.
Several European countries have already made the jump to washing at 30 degrees. Italy, Spain, and the UK are leading the charge, while the Netherlands and France Follow suit. And everywhere, the laundry is clean, so why is Germany trailing behind?
Are We Talking Enough About Laundry Habits?
Selina Sinning, responsible for behavioral research at WWF, points out that we don't talk enough about laundry practices. Most information about cleaning clothes comes from our parents, and often, it hasn't been questioned since. Habits that have persisted for years or even decades can be challenging to change.
Moreover, many people are unaware of the advancements in laundry detergents. In the past 20 years, detergents contain not only conventional tensides but also special enzymes and polymers that no longer require high temperatures[1].
Your Clothes Last Longer
Another point to consider is the longevity of your laundry. Washing at a lower temperature means your garments will last longer, saving you even more resources and money. Plus, your favorite sweater will remain in your closet for much longer than it might otherwise.
[1] Source: Energy Tree[2] Source: The Guardian[3] Bonus Insight: Germany's reluctance to adopt energy-efficient laundry practices might be due to a combination of factors, including consumer habits, economic considerations, limited environmental regulations, and smaller emphasis on eco-friendly practices within the culture.
- Despite the push for energy efficiency in washing, modern German households appear to be slow in adopting the switch to 30 degrees, indicating a potential disregard for the impact on the environment.
- The ‘Cold Wash Salon’ campaign, led by the WWF and Procter & Gamble, aims to demonstrate that modern detergents can effectively clean clothes at lower temperatures, such as 30 degrees, challenging the common belief that higher temperatures are necessary for thorough cleaning.
- The shift towards energy-efficient washing practices occurs more rapidly in European countries like Italy, Spain, the UK, the Netherlands, and France, suggesting a need for increased awareness and conversation about laundry habits within German communities, leading to potential behavioral change.
