Why does 40°C not effectively eliminate bacteria?

Many consider  40°C  to be a good compromise between cleanliness and preservation of fabrics. However, this temperature does not always eliminate bacteria and organic residues.

The main problems:

• Resistant germs:  Bacteria such as E. coli or salmonella, present on underwear, towels and sheets, can survive at 40°C.
• Poorly dissolved residue:  At this temperature, body fat and other impurities are not completely eliminated, sometimes leaving a feeling of poorly washed laundry.
• A risk of cross-contamination:  If germs are not destroyed, they can be transferred to other clothes during washing.

What is the ideal temperature for perfectly clean laundry?

60°C: the best solution for hygienic washing

To effectively eliminate bacteria, it is recommended to wash certain textiles at 60°C, in particular:

• Towels and sheets
• Underwear
• Sportswear or work clothes exposed to dirt

At this temperature, heat destroys germs and dissolves fats and body residues better.

30°C: an effective alternative with the right detergents

If you want to save energy and preserve your clothes, washing at 30°C may be enough, provided you use enzymatic detergents. These products are specially designed to be cleaned thoroughly, even at low temperatures.

Should we completely abandon washing at 40°C?