UK article about washing at low temps

[arbilab]

Guess what? If those German salads had been washed in iodine solution, NObody would have gotten sick. I routinely wash raw veggies in iodine. There is a specific product for that, it's called Lugol's Veggie Wash and it is nothing but iodine. That is what I use in laundry too.

I do not know what betadine is.

 

[mrboilwash]

Use of iodine sounds to be worth a try. Never heard of it before, though.
Have no real liquid iodine on hand, but found an old tube of a water soluble ointment 10% Povidone-iodine, guess this is similar to betadine.

 

[dj-gabriele]

Oh yes, betadine is a 10% povidone-iodone solution for disinfecting skin and wounds.
Anyway I don't feel the need for disinfected laundry, it just has to be clean.
I think that this manic of having everything disinfected is what is leading to this epidemic of allergies.

Nevertheless I think it's an interesting idea for treating soiled and disgusting laundry or stuff for the sick ones.

 

[gizmo]

Boy, why is everyone getting so grumpy about wash water temps?

For goodness sake, we can wash our own undies at whatever temperature we like. No need to evangelize to the world about why 30 degrees is better than 50 or vice-versa.

I do believe that people are being encouraged to be unnecessarily germophobic. I studied microbiology at university (about 100 years ago) and one thing I remember is that microbes are everywhere! They are all over us, inside and outside. Your guts are full of germs and without them you couldn't digest your food. Many food crops are dependent on microbial action (germs) to allow their roots to absorb nutrients from the soil.
There is a growing body of thought that our modern, over-sanitised lifestyle is creating a population of people whose immune systems are so unused to dealing with real pathogens (which we are all capable of dealing with unless we have immune system problems) that they become hyper-sensitized, leading us to become sensitive to substances that should be completely normal and harmless to us. It is as if our immune systems are looking for something to react to, if they don't ever get stimulated by real threats then they will start reacting to harmless stimuli. I knowe at least here in Australia Choice magazine (the consumers Association) now advise against use of antibacterial surface cleaners and sponges because of the risk of decreased immunity in the community over time.

I don't have any conclusive evidence to hand, it is an area of science that is still hotly debated, but it does make sense to me.

On the other hand, my main experience with repairing washing machines is with machines at the end of their life - I tend to collect machines that have been given up for dead, and I get enjoyment from discovering what was wrong with them and fixing them up. I never get to play with new or nearly new machines. I consistently observe that the machines I get with controls set to cold wash, or machines where I know the owner washed in cold water (and that is about 70% in Australia), have a heavy buildup of minerals and really disgusting muck between the inner and outer drums, in the hoses, and so on.
Washers set to warm water wash seem to be much cleaner inside.
I NEVER see washers set to wash hot.

I also remember some research from the last couple of years where surfaces around the home were tested for the presence of pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria.

On average, the cleanest surface tested was the toilet seat. (probably because people are so concerned about keeping it clean.)
The filthiest surfaces were the telephone handset by a long margin, and the computer keyboard.

just remember, EVERYTHING you touch is absolutely seething, crawling, wriggling with germs. It's not hazardous. It's normal.

 

[mattywashboy]

Iodine sounds like an idea and I too would never have thought of that haha.

Basically my response to this whole cold vs warm saga is to do whatever makes you feel comfortable. I always have. If you don't feel comfortable washing in cold water then don't. if you don't mind it then feel free.

I personally don't select cold on a regular basis. Its just my preference, if i'm screwing up the environment or damaging my clothes its my own problem. I paid 1,200 dollars for a washing machine with a heater, i'm gonna use it! lol.

If i had to i'm not adverse to washing in cold but once every couple of weeks I will find time to take my linen, towels and underwear to the laundromat and give them a good hot wash. Thats what I do and will continue to do as and when the situation arises.

We could argue back and forth all year about who does what and what we personally think is better but at the end of the of the day we are always going to do what we think is best and whats practical for us..

Regards

matt

 

[gorenje]

I think that this manic of having everything disinfected is

allergies....

I agree with you. We are exaggerating in killing all the germs and bacteria.
That's why babies and small childrens takes everything in their mouth - to improve their immune system and become stronger in fighting against them when they will be adults.
Don't get me wrong I'm not saying that they need to play with used needles found on the street but if they are doing this (puting hands & objects in mouth) there should be a natural reason, don't you think?
Ok I know it's mainly because of the growing teeth, but not only for this.

Regarding the thread I think it's not (just) to disinfect the laundry, but simply to have it much much cleaner without additional tasks and additives.

I also agree with "mattywashboy" - everyone is free to perform its own laundry the way he thinks is the best for him!
And it's normal that different nations have different washing habits.
As for me you can wash your undies in the Ganges river if you like, you are free to do whatever you want. (after all there are people who do this over there)
If I would do this I would probably die hahaha ) (my mom was one of those who avoid me putting things in my mouth)

I personaly wash "whites" @ 95°C, light colors @ 60°C and all the rest @ 40°C, add detergent push the button and that's it.

Ingemar

 

[rapunzel]

Thanks for the link Louis,

I've had a look through the Home, Hygiene and Health website. What they are saying pretty much corroborates what I've said. Proper and regular hand washing is the best and most effective way of breaking the chain of infection.

As far as laundry is concerned, they do state that under normal circumstances in a domestic setting, lower temperature washing does not represent a significant infection risk.

A lot of their research on bacterial loads after laundering clothes was conducted in the health care environment, which is not representative of the average home situation.

In synopsis, their concern seems to be focused on situations where the spread of a virulent bacterium may be facilitated by low temperature washing in conjunction with other factors that may result from certain laundry practices. Though, nowhere on that website does it state that cross infection will occurred as a result of cold water washing, but that there is an increased risk or possibility.

It makes sense and people should be made aware that under certain conditions cold or low temp. washing may not be optimal or appropriate.

It isn't only how people launder/dry their clothes. Where and how they store them plays an equally important part in the spread of pathogens and allergens.

Gizmo is absolutely right about germs in our environment. Even if one boil washes clothes they will still have bacteria on them. We are not meant to live sterile lives. Clean and sterile are two different things.

Not everything can be washed at 60 degrees or higher either.

It is a matter of personal preference and cold water washing works well for a lot of people.

 

[iheartmaytag]

I think it comes down to:  If it works for you and you are happy with the results, then it's ok.

I agree with Rapunzel, there is a difference between clean and sterile.  Since we don't live in a plastic bubble, we have to settle for clean, but it is good to be aware that there are some nasties out there that it wouldn't hurt to give them a good dousing with bleach.

 

 

 

[arbilab]

I wash hands every time I come in from going somewhere. I figure I'm immune to everything in the house but no telling what I might be dragging in. I get about 2 24-hour colds a year.

Interesting thread, occasional evangelism notwithstanding.

Wash like an Egyptian. (Bangles)

 

[zanussi_lover]

I wash at 30/40*c for Darks, 40*c for Whites, and 60*c for Towels and Sheets

I never wash above 60*c because I find its not needed. And a boil wash is wasting electricity.

the only thing I wash at Cold is Delicates and Wool as these are prone to shrinking.
and I have some quite expensive cashmere jumpers which I dont want to get ruined.

Cold water doesn't clean clothes, Warm water (40*c) is ideal as the enzymes are activated at this temperature (37 degrees), although I use Non Biological Powder which doesn't count.

 

[rapunzel]

Cold water doesn't clean clothes,

That is why one adds detergent and, if needed, anti-bacterial agents.

 

[solsburian]

I've switched to usually washing at 40 instead of 30 and there is a noticeable difference as the clothes seem to smell "fresher" then what they did, I also don't need to use the Intensive Wash button as much either.

 

[aquacycle]

That is why one adds detergent and, if needed, anti-bacteria

washing at a higher temperature eliminates the extra cost of buying said anti-bacterial agents.

 

[pierreandreply4]

me i will always wash in cold water for one thing and do try to answer this question and do not say that its non sense what would you do if a washer model had no water heater for 1 thing and no hot water temp and the only water temps that where offered on a washer where a not fully warm water temp aproxm temp 30.2 dgrees more like cool water a cool water temp aprox 29.5 dgrees and cold water wash temp water? and in my own toughs i also thinks that you are afraid of germs and cold water wash also gets clothes clean and i for one thing do not see the use of bleach or any other products if i have to use something i use good old fashion arm and armor baking powder to treat and eliminate stains with spray and wash. And also you need to learn that liquid Detergents are better than powder detergents because you will need to learn and accept the facts that newer washer in the near future might only take liquid detergents formulas if 1 day dtergents company decided to stop production of powder detergents because of newer detergents formulas. And this is my only post in this topic and also feel free to read this article as well about cold water washing and in term of cleaning power for me in my case nothing will beat a good old fashion top load water that are truly energy saving du to the fact that they do not have water heaters in them.

http://www.bchydro.com/guides_tips/green-your-home/appliances_guide/washing_laundry.html

 

[aquacycle]

truly energy saving du to the fact that they do not have wat

Rubbish! With the amount of water toploaders use, I'm surprised they're still legal! Give it 20 years and I'm willing to bed 80% of the world will be on frontloaders as they're far more efficient. There'll never be a washing machine with no heater - certainly not a frontloader, anyway (as toploaders are mostly a thing of the past in Europe). Cold water washing will NEVER catch on because people will not want to waste money on the additional products that would be required to clean effectively and be as hygienic as possible when they can spend no extra money and just turn the dial on their washing machine up a few notches

 

[bosch2460]

Pierre

Give it up. You have said the same thing on 1000 posts here. You wash in cold and use liquid detergents, we get it.

 

[aquacycle]

Pierre, there are some further interesting points on that website you linked that you appear to have ignored...

"Buy an ENERGY STAR front-loading washing machine. Front-loading machines can cut water use by nearly 40% and electricity use up to 65% compared to a conventional top loader"

"Front-load washing machines do not have agitators, the large paddle-devices in the centre of top loaders. This gives them on average 30% more capacity for clothes. The extra space also improves washing of bulky items like sleeping bags, bedspreads and throw rugs"

"Front loaders spin more rapidly than top loaders, so clothes come out drier, which reduces drying time and protects fabrics. As of 2007, ENERGY STAR-rated washing machines use 35–50% less water and at least 36% less energy per load than standard machines"

 

[pierreandreply4]

for anyone 's info

I did see this as well but for me in my case i am more the top load washer user kind and for 1 thing thats what i have at the moment a fl whirlpool duet but i do not like it because for one thing it leaves my clothes smelling like detergent and i am very sensitive when it comes to strong detergent smells and cycles like whitest white, heavy duty i do not need these cycles and there is also thye fact that its not normal for a washer to skip the first spins when i have to use the hand wash cycle or gentle cycle. And this might be my next daily driver with matching dryer. and for me high speed spin or lower since i live in a condo i have to rely on the dryer alot to dry my clothes.

 

[alr2903]

Bosch2460     No kids here,  so our hot water  is set on Extreme Scalding Danger.  Laundress would you weigh in about hospitals used to Require ironing (at least i think you or sudsmaster  posted about that in the past).  It was also an incorrect assumption in the article that nurses uniforms are laundered by the facility in the U.S.  that is mostly false unless it's  a "sterile area such as surgery". American nurses pay for their own uniforms, and launder them at home or the coin op.  Cold water, liquid detergent and a fabric softner addict, could quickly create a toxic stew in an american machine with no heater .  Keep in mind that turberculosis is a wax encapsulated spore that can live for years, not to mention the superbugs like MRSA.  Clostridium difficile is also rampant in hospitals.  Also consider the visitors that scrounge across sickbeds and nowdays drooling toddlers on the Floor in a hospital, brought by their parents to visit a sick relative. I have no idea how the visitor policies in hospitals got so lax, but thats another thread. If my vintage Maytag has condensation on the left of the control panel the water is hot enough. alr

 

[pierreandreply4]

proof of a fl washer with no water heater

Here is a proof of a washer with no water heater have a look at this picture of my daily driver this is my actual set and the washer do not have a water heater and even if it did it would not be active. and the only reason you see it on the hot water temp is because i am washing a pet bed usaly its set on cold water wash