The temperature you wash at is important for both the cleanliness and the longevity of your clothes. In general, the warmer the water, the cleaner and more hygienic your laundry will be. However, not all fabrics can handle high temperatures.

What temperature should you wash at?

Cold water (up to 30°C)

Perfect for delicate fabrics like silk and wool, and for clothes that might shrink. Also great for saving energy.

Warm water (between 40°C and 60°C)

Suitable for lightly to normally soiled laundry like towels, sheets, and everyday clothes.

Hot water (above 60°C)

Use this for heavily soiled laundry or to effectively kill bacteria and mites, especially in bedding and towels.

Wash these clothes at an extra high temperature

At what temperature should you wash underwear?

Hygiene is super important for underwear. Wash your underwear at at least 60°C to effectively kill bacteria and viruses. 

At what temperature should you wash towels?

Towels pick up a lot of skin cells and moisture, making them a hotspot for bacteria. After just one use, they can get dirty fast! Wash your towels at 60°C for a deep clean and to keep them fresh and hygienic.

At what temperature should you wash bedding?

You might not realize it, but when you sleep in bed, you leave behind sweat and skin flakes. So, it's super important to get your bedding really clean. The easiest way? Just wash it between 40°C and 60°C. If you wash it colder, those bacteria just won't go away.

Exceptions and special care

When washing your clothes and other textiles, there are a few exceptions to the standard wash temperatures that you might want to keep in mind. When is it better to stray from the usual settings?

Delicate fabrics

Materials like silk, wool, and certain synthetic fabrics are best washed at a low temperature, usually no higher than 30 degrees. This helps protect the fabric and extend its lifespan. It's also recommended to use a special detergent for delicate fabrics.

Heavily soiled laundry

Workwear or sportswear that's extremely dirty is best washed at a higher temperature. Washing at around 60 degrees really gets rid of those stubborn stains and nasty bacteria! 

Allergies

For households with allergy issues, washing at higher temperatures like 60 degrees may be necessary to effectively kill allergens such as dust mites.

Common mistakes

Washing too cold

We get that you want to save energy by washing with cold water, but does it really get things clean? Please pay extra attention when it comes to towels and underwear. You really want to wash those at a high temperature, since mold and bacteria are much more likely to show up on them.

Washing too hot

On the other hand, washing clothes at temperatures that are too high can cause fabrics to shrink and wear out faster. Delicate materials like wool and silk are especially sensitive to this.

What happens if you wash at the wrong temperature?

Not following the recommended washing temperature on your textile's label can cause damage or color fading. Every material has its own temperature needs. Also handy to check out: Laundry symbols made easy

Check out this overview to quickly find out what temperature you should wash your laundry at:

Choosing the right washing temperature for your clothes and fabrics is key for both hygiene and sustainability. This guide gives you the tools to get your laundry clean and safe, every time. By paying attention to the specific needs of different materials and levels of dirt, you’ll get the best clean without damaging your favorite pieces. Wash warm when you can for top hygiene, and go cold when you need to protect delicate fabrics. That way, your clothes stay looking great and feeling fresh for longer. Let this guide be your go-to for a fresh and hygienic wardrobe!