When it comes to everyday chores like laundry, you might think all water temperatures are created equal—or that “warm” is the safe middle ground. Think again. Laundry expert Dr. Xand van Tulleken recently dropped some straightforward wisdom on **BBC Morning Live** that conservatives and practical Americans alike should take seriously: **the “warm” water setting is basically pointless**.
Dr. Tulleken’s advice is simple but powerful. To truly kill germs and bacteria on your clothes, go hot or go cold—but skip warm entirely. He recommends washing at 60 degrees Celsius (about 140 degrees Fahrenheit), the hot water setting, as the best option to wipe out nasties like norovirus and other infectious bugs.
“At 60 degrees, certain bugs will be killed, and that can be quite good,” he explained. “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.”
That’s a straightforward safety tip that any responsible homeowner should appreciate. But what about that “warm” setting you’ve been using? According to Dr. Tulleken, it’s a **silly compromise**: too hot to save energy or money, but not hot enough to kill germs. In other words, **warm water does neither job well**—it just wastes your time and money.
On the flip side, he’s a big fan of **cold water washing (20 degrees Celsius)** for most loads, especially if you’re looking to protect delicate fabrics and cut your utility bills. “I’ve gotta say, I’m a 20 degrees guy for everything except my workout clothes, which go in hotter,” he said.
The cost savings here are no joke. Washing at 20 degrees can **save up to 62% on your energy bill compared to 40 degrees**—a big deal for families looking to trim expenses in an era of rising utility costs.
Of course, washing machines themselves need some TLC, especially if you regularly wash in cold water. Dr. Tulleken recommends running your machine’s high-temperature cleaning cycle per the manufacturer’s instructions and keeping the drum aired out to prevent mold and bad odors.
Beyond water temperature, there are other common laundry mistakes that can sabotage your wash—and your machine.
Appliance repair expert Ian Palmer-Smith warns against **using too much detergent**, which can leave residue and force your washer to run longer cycles to rinse properly. He also cautions against **overloading your machine**: “Modern washers can detect an unbalanced load and add extra time to compensate, but it’s easy to avoid by distributing laundry evenly.”
In the end, washing clothes properly isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about common sense, saving money, and prolonging the life of your appliances. So, if you want truly fresh, germ-free laundry that doesn’t break the bank, remember this: **skip warm water, embrace cold for most loads, and fire up the hot setting when the situation calls for it**. Your clothes—and your wallet—will thank you.
