Washing machine program wasting water? Newcastle study reveals truth
11:01 AM EDT, July 31, 2024
The washing machine is one of the most essential appliances in the home. You throw dirty clothes into the drum, add detergent, pour in fabric softener, and set the appropriate program. Unfortunately, many of us choose a program that consumes a huge amount of water.
We use the washing machine several times a week. Thanks to it, we can enjoy clean, beautifully smelling laundry without hand washing. Although the appliance is considered eco-friendly, it depends on which program we use. One of them consumes large amounts of water. Which program are we talking about?
Does the washing machine use a lot of water?
Standard washing machines offer several different programs adapted to other types of fabrics. Each of them is characterized by different temperature settings and spin cycles, which directly impact energy consumption—the more spins, the higher the electricity consumption, similar to higher temperatures.
Most of us use two or three programs. One of the most frequently chosen is the one for washing bedding and towels, as they must be washed at the highest temperature for hygiene. Another popular program is designed for dark fabrics, followed by the delicate wash. It might seem that the latter uses the most water. It turns out that this is entirely different.
Which program uses the most water?
Scientists at Newcastle University have proven that the delicate wash program consumes the most water and energy. The study showed that up to 1.4 million microfibers are released from polyester fabrics during a delicate wash. In comparison, during the use of a standard cotton wash program, about 800,000 microfibers are released. A large amount of fibers is associated with significantly higher water consumption and, consequently, electricity.
Fabrics such as cotton, polyester, nylon, linen, and muslin can be washed at temperatures as low as 104 degrees Fahrenheit, which minimizes the risk of damaging or shrinking the material. However, experts warn against washing at this temperature because a washing machine set to 104 degrees uses twice as much energy as one set to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wash clothes at 86 degrees Fahrenheit and towels and bedding at 140 degrees to save electricity and water. Consider using mild detergents that are safe for the skin and the environment. You can easily make them at home. Laundry detergent can be replaced with baking soda or washing soda with soap flakes. Fabric softener can be replaced with vinegar with a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
