Germans Prefer Washing Clothes at Higher Temperatures, Opting Against Energy-Efficient Laundry Practices - Germans Prefer Energy-Wasteful Washing at Higher Temperatures Than Energy-Saving 30 Degrees
In an effort to promote energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Procter & Gamble have launched a campaign called "Cold Wash Salon." The campaign aims to show people that 40 degrees Celsius is not always necessary when washing laundry.
Despite the encouragement for households to wash laundry at 30 degrees, many Germans continue to use higher temperatures. However, reducing the average washing temperature from 43.2 to 42.2 degrees over the past two years in Germany has saved 115,000 tons of CO2 emissions.
Initially, skepticism was expressed by many participants, but after seeing clean laundry, there were nods of approval. Many people are not aware of the advancements in washing detergent technology, which can effectively clean everyday items like T-shirts, pants, and sweaters at 30 degrees.
The resistance to washing laundry at 30 degrees Celsius in Germany primarily stems from cultural habits, concerns about hygiene, and preferences for cleaning effectiveness that persist more strongly there than in other European countries.
Germans tend to prefer washing clothes at higher temperatures, typically 40 or 60 degrees Celsius, believing it ensures better sanitation and cleanliness. There are also worries that washing at 30 degrees might not fully eliminate bacteria or remove all dirt, especially for items like underwear and towels.
Historically, washing machines and detergents were optimized for higher temperature washes. Although front-loading machines in Europe have improved energy efficiency and work well at lower temperatures, the "effective rinsing" and "detergent residue" issues highlighted in washing machine efficiency discussions show a complexity in balancing energy-saving with cleanliness standards.
Consumer behavior and awareness also play a significant role. Despite EU-wide energy-saving campaigns, behavior change in laundry habits can be slow. Germans may prioritize traditional thorough cleaning habits over newer environmentally friendly approaches, partly due to higher sensitivity to allergens and residues potentially left by energy-saving cycles.
In contrast, southern European countries often face hotter climates and have different laundry habits, sometimes favoring quicker, cooler washes for comfort and practicality. Additionally, cultural acceptance of related energy-saving methods such as limited use of air conditioning contrasts with German attitudes, reflecting broader societal tendencies toward frugality with energy balanced against hygiene concerns.
As part of the "Cold Wash Salon" campaign, laundromats were taken over, washing powder was handed out, and machines were set to 30 degrees. Gabriele Hässig, who dedicates herself to the topic of sustainability at Procter & Gamble, notes that modern detergents contain special enzymes and polymers that allow for effective cleaning at lower temperatures.
By lowering washing temperatures, not only can households save on electricity costs per wash cycle, but they can also prolong the lifespan of clothing. If all 40 million households with a washing machine in Germany washed their everyday laundry at 30 degrees, the country could avoid 570,000 tons of emissions. This shift could also help save resources and money by reducing the need for new clothing.
Selina Sinning, responsible for behavioral research at WWF, suggests that lack of information about washing routines and the ingrained nature of old washing habits may be reasons for Germans' reluctance to lower washing temperatures. The "Cold Wash Salon" campaign aims to address these issues and encourage more households to embrace energy-efficient laundry practices.
