Dr Xand names washing machine temperature that's best for destroying germs
During a recent segment on BBC Morning Live, Dr Xand revealed the best temperature for washing clothes. He explained which setting eliminates the most bacteria and which is the most cost-effective. You can adjust your washing machine's settings to achieve different results based on your laundry requirements and desired level of cleanliness. However, keep in mind that some options may be more costly, according to the Express.
A video featuring Dr Xand was shared on TikTok, with the caption: "What temperature should you do your laundry at? Could you be washing your laundry at the wrong temperature?" The post further explained: "Dr Xand explains how hot you should be setting your machine to."
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Speaking to viewers, Dr Xand stated: "The hottest your washing machine will go is 90 degrees, usually, and that will kill everything."
He continued: "It's almost boiling. It's bad for the clothes. It's very expensive. Whatever's happened to those clothes, I think you gotta get new clothes."
So, what setting strikes a balance between cost-effectiveness and hygiene? For regular laundry, 30 or 40 degrees is adequate, while a cooler 20-degree cycle is perfect for lightly soiled items, reports the Daily Record.
Dr Xand discussed the best temperature for washing clothes, stating: "At 60 degrees, certain bugs will be killed, and that can be quite good.
"So, if you've got an infection around your house, particularly norovirus, put it up at 60, along with the mechanical cleaning and the detergent."
Dr Xand van Tulleken has cast doubt on the effectiveness of 40-degree washes, stating: "Personally, I don't see the point in 40 degrees because it's too hot to be cheap and it's too cold to kill anything. Commit to one or the other. Either go hot or go cold."
When it comes to his own laundry routine, Dr Xand opts for a more energy-efficient approach, revealing: "And then there's 20 degrees. I've gotta say, I'm a 20 degrees guy for everything except my workout clothes, which go in hotter."
He elaborated on the benefits of cooler washes, saying: "20 degrees saves 62 per cent of your money compared to 40 degrees, so that is a big deal. But at the lower temperatures, you gotta think about cleaning your machine."
To tackle a grimy washing machine drum, Dr Xand recommends a simple solution: "If your machine has a cleaning cycle, which runs it at a high temperature, do that according to the manufacturer's instructions, and then air it out."
The health expert's laundry insights have sparked lively discussions on TikTok, with many users chiming in with their own washing wisdom. A fellow TikToker suggested: "Just wash on a 30, but use Dettol laundry, gets rid of any germs."
Another TikTok user chimed in: "60 for bedding, towels, flannels, dishcloths, tea towels, socks and underwear." A third recounted their own tale: "I tried using 30 every time and my machine soon started to stink, went back to 40/60 and problem solved."
Someone else noted the importance of detergent choice: "It's all about the detergents these days. 20 is fine." When it comes to laundry, delicate fabrics like silk and wool should be washed with care in cold or warm water, while hardier materials such as cottons and linens can withstand hotter temperatures.
For heavily soiled garments, a higher temperature wash is essential to get them properly clean, but if your clothes are only lightly dirty, a cooler wash will do the trick.
Some washing powders are specially designed for cold washes, whereas others work best at higher temperatures.
It's worth remembering that lower temperature washes are usually more energy-efficient, which could help shave pounds off your energy bills, so keep this in mind when deciding on your wash settings.
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