With the cost of energy bills at an all time time, many of us are looking for ways to reduce bills.
And one way to cut costs is lowering the temperature of your washing machine when cleaning clothes and bedding. But many may be concerned about the safety of lower temperatures - is it hygienic and will it still kill off bacteria?
Fortunately, experts have issued some top tips, with one suggesting a specific laundry cleanser ensures "99 per cent of bacteria is killed", reports The Express.
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The advice came after one cleaning fan posted on the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook group, as she was wondering the best way to wash her bedding.
The comments soon came flooding in, with one person saying: “I use 60 for bedding and towels. 30 for everything else.” Another person agreed: “I put mine on 60 so they get really clean and it kills bacteria.”
Meanwhile a third echoed: “Always do 60 for bedding & towels.”
Some, on the other hand, chose a lower temperature: “I do mine at 40 and use anti-bacterial cleaners in with the softener l every week.”
However, some may be opting for a lower temperature in a bid to cut costs. Fortunately, there are some brands that make detergents specifically for lower temperatures to help kill bacteria more effectively.
The Express previously spoke to Astonish, who have a Protect + Care Laundry Cleanser that “is a biodegradable additive that kills 99.9 percent of bacteria on your fabrics and inside the drum, even at low temperatures, giving you a hygienically clean wash”.
The product is “ideal for towels, children's clothes, sportswear, underwear, socks, bedding and more, with an allergen free fragrance”.
To use, simply add four capfuls to the fabric softener drawer of the washing machine and wash as normal using your usual laundry detergent.
Detergent company smol, on the other hand, suggests changing the wash temperature based on whether you're using non-bio products or not.
Kathleen Bell, a sustainable cleaning expert at smol told Express.co.uk: “smol’s concentrated bio laundry capsules are best used in mid to low-temperature washes (ideally between 30-40 degrees).
“The detergent contains enzymes that help break down common stains, such as food stains, sweat stains, grass stains and grease.
“These enzymes are really effective at breaking down these hard to remove stains, and lifting them from your clothes."
In terms of how often you should be putting your bedding in the wash, Ryan Thaker, marketing executive at MattressNextDay, told Express.co.uk: “The general guideline is that those sheets and pillowcases should be stripped off and you should change your bedding at least once a week.
“If your sheets feel damp and ‘clammy’ after a night’s sleep, it’s well worth putting them through a wash and dry so that they’re fresh for the next night.
"If you’re going through menopause and hot flushes or night sweats are part of your hormonal torment, popping fresh sheets on can make you feel better."
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