Breaking Tradition: Why Germans Prefer Washing Above 30 Degrees - And Why They Should Change
- Pieced Together by Conrad von Rauch
- Approximately 3-Min Read
Issue with 30-Degree Washing: Resistance Towards Energy-Saving Laundry Practices - Energy-efficient dilemma: The reason we're reluctant to clean devices with 30-degree wash settings
Click Here: Washing Machine - Bust Four Common Myths. We've all heard it over and over: wash your clothes at 30 degrees. It's supposed to be easy, save energy, and only have advantages. But us Germans? We just don't buy into it. We continue to wash at 40 or even 60 degrees if we're part of an older generation. And those from a generation or two behind that might believe the only way to get clothes properly clean is a 90-degree wash or even hand-washing.
The Unwillingness to Embrace 30 Degrees
Maybe it's because we don't understand the significant difference that just 10 degrees can make for the planet. Each household switching from 40 to 30 degrees could save 38% on their energy costs for washing, and instead of spending 20 cents per load, you'd only spend 12 cents.
In the past two years, Germans have managed to lower their average washing temperature from 43.2 to 42.2 degrees. This small shift has led to a reduction of 115,000 tons of CO2 emissions. If all 40 million German households with washing machines were to make the switch to 30 degrees, the country could avoid 570,000 tons of emissions.
A Matter of Ten Degrees
Organizations like the WWF and Procter & Gamble (makers of washing powders like Ariel) are working hard to change people’s minds. They transformed laundromats in various major cities, providing customers with their own washing powder and setting the machines to 30 degrees. The “Cold Wash Laundromat” project started with skepticism but ended with nods of approval. Items were clean, sneaky looks of disbelief be damned.
But it's not always about stubborn stains that keep Germans from dropping the temperature. We’d usually pre-treat stains at 40 degrees, anyway. It's more about fear, worrying about not removing invisible concerns like odors, bacteria, viruses, and mold.
Modern Detergents are Up for the Challenge
Gabriele Hässig, working on sustainability at Procter & Gamble, claims that 60 degrees is only necessary for items that come into direct contact with dirt, like cleaning cloths or bedding. But for everyday clothes like t-shirts, pants, and pullovers, 30 degrees is more than enough. And modern detergents can take care of any bacteria that may be lurking, provided there's no dirt for them to feed on.
Countries like Italy, Spain, and the UK have already embraced the 30-degree trend, with the Netherlands and France following suit. And, guess what? The laundry is still clean everywhere. So why is the rest of Germany lagging behind?
Communicating the Importance of Laundry Habits
Selina Sinning, responsible for behavioral research at WWF, believes that "we don't talk enough about washing." Most of the information we've learned about washing clothes comes from our parents, and we've yet to question it. Habits that have been formed over years or decades are hard to break.
Moreover, many people are unaware of how much washing detergents have evolved in recent years. Today, modern detergents, including eco-friendly ones, are designed to clean effectively at lower temperatures. Advancements like special enzymes and polymers mean you no longer need to rely on high temperatures.
The Long Life of Clean Clothes
Washing at 30 degrees means clothes are washed more gently, lasting much longer. By extending the life of our clothes, not only do we save resources and protect the environment, but we also save money. And, who doesn't want to wear their favorite sweatshirt for as long as possible?
- Embracing a community policy that encourages lower washing temperatures, like washing at 30 degrees, can have significant environmental benefits, such as reducing CO2 emissions and lowering energy costs for households.
- The field of environmental science reveals that modern detergents are capable of effectively removing stains and bacteria from clothes at lower temperatures, making it possible to maintain cleanliness while reducing the environmental impact of laundry practices.
- In the realm of fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden lifestyle choices, prioritizing energy-efficient laundry habits not only contributes to environmental conservation but also extends the life of clothes, leading to savings both on resources and financial resources.
