Temperature · fabrics · energy
For ordinary lightly to moderately soiled clothes, 30°C is a sensible first choice when the care label and detergent allow it. Energy Saving Trust explicitly recommends 30°C instead of higher temperatures as part of using a washing machine more efficiently. For normally soiled cotton labelled washable at 40°C or 60°C, EU rules require a standardised eco 40-60 programme.
Quick decision
SituationGood starting pointWhyEveryday colours, lightly soiled30°COften enough for routine washing while reducing water-heating energy.Normally soiled cotton labelled 40/60°CEco 40-60This is the EU-standardised efficient programme for that load class.Heavier soil or a specific fabricFollow the care label and suitable programme40°C can be useful, but it is not universally better.Infectious or biological contamination riskUse specific hygiene guidanceDo not reduce decontamination to a simple 30-vs-40 choice.
Why 30°C is a strong default
Heating the wash water is a major part of a conventional cycle's energy use. Energy Saving Trust therefore includes washing at 30°C rather than higher temperatures among its key saving tips. Its quoted annual saving combines colder washing with running one fewer load per week; it should not be attributed to the temperature change alone.
Where 40°C still fits
40°C remains useful when the care label allows it and the load carries more grease, odour or soil, or when the selected programme and detergent are intended to work that way. There is no reason to raise every ordinary load from 30°C to 40°C automatically. Check the garment label, detergent instructions and machine manual.
Eco 40-60 does not mean “always washes at 40 or 60°C”
The name is regulatory. The European Commission defines eco 40-60 as a programme able to clean together normally soiled cotton declared washable at 40°C or 60°C. EU efficiency, washing, rinsing, duration and water-use requirements are tied to this programme. It is therefore misleading to read the name as a promise that the water sits at either number throughout the cycle.
Practical rule: 30°C for many everyday loads; eco 40-60 for suitable normally soiled cotton; a hotter or special cycle only when fabric, soil or hygiene requirements justify it.
When hygiene changes the answer
Blood, body fluids, infectious risk, healthcare or professional linen needs a risk-specific process. Official health guidance treats laundering as a combination of temperature, detergent, mechanical action and procedure. Follow the relevant hygiene guidance and the highest safe textile-care temperature rather than assuming that 40°C alone solves decontamination.
Decide in one minute
- Read the garment care label.
- For routine everyday clothes, start at 30°C.
- For suitable cotton, compare it with eco 40-60 — often the stronger efficiency choice.
- For stubborn soil, use the right programme/detergent and raise temperature only within the care label.
- For a special hygiene risk, follow specific health guidance.
SourcesEnergy Saving Trust — fewer, colder washes including 30°CEuropean Commission — eco 40-60 and consumer eco tipsRegulation (EU) 2019/2023 — eco 40-60 definitionChecked on 10 September 2026. Follow the care label and instructions for your specific machine.
