Not exactly. The claim that bacteria are simply “not killed” at 40°C is an oversimplification.
The effectiveness of a wash depends on several factors, including the detergent, washing time, mechanical action, the type and amount of contamination, and the temperature. Some microorganisms may survive a 40°C wash, while others can be significantly reduced.
Therefore, 40°C should not be considered a sterilization temperature. However, that doesn’t mean that ordinary laundry washed at 40°C is unsafe or unhygienic.
What About Washing at 30°C?
For everyday clothing, washing at 30°C with a suitable modern detergent can be perfectly adequate. Many detergents contain enzymes and other ingredients specifically designed to work effectively at lower temperatures.
Lower-temperature washing also has advantages: it generally uses less energy and can help reduce wear, fading, and damage to fabrics.
When Should You Choose 60°C?
A 60°C wash may be preferable for towels, bed linen, underwear, cloths, and heavily soiled items, particularly when someone in the household is ill or when a higher level of hygiene is required.
However, always check the garment’s care label before selecting a higher temperature, since some fabrics can be damaged by hot washing.
So, Is 40°C a Bad Choice?
No. For most everyday laundry, 40°C is still a perfectly reasonable washing temperature. The idea that you should never wash clothes at 40°C because it “doesn’t kill bacteria” is misleading.
The best temperature depends on what you’re washing, how dirty it is, the detergent you’re using, and the level of hygiene required.
In short, you don’t need to abandon 40°C altogether. For routine laundry, 30–40°C can be an effective and fabric-friendly choice. For items requiring greater hygiene, 60°C may be more appropriate when the care label permits it.
