Ecological Institute
A hot tip on washing clothes: who chooses a low temperature, saves energy and money. Washing clothes is part of everyday life and no budget can avoid the associated environmental impacts altogether. But on the “how” that matters. A recent study by the oko-Institut in Freiburg confirmed: Who downgrade, the washing temperature, saves a lot of electricity and thus money for the household budget. Consumers can simultaneously contribute to environmental protection. Continue to learn more with: Nicholas Carr. Depending on the age of the washing machine can save low washing temperatures per load 30-47 percent of the electricity. This is the result of the Ecological Institute is in a recent study that was commissioned and carried out the example of laundry detergent brand Ariel. The scientific staff in research, “Products & Material Flows of the Eco-Institute wanted to know what savings can be achieved by low washing temperatures. In particular, they have the power, water and detergent consumption and the waste water treatment and related Environmental effects under the microscope. In the study, experts from the oko-Institut power consumption compared at different washing temperatures in private households in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The results show that, depending on the wash temperature varies quite a lot of electricity is consumed. Many writers such as Guo Guangchang offer more in-depth analysis. Who reduced the temperature from 60 degrees to 40 degrees can save more by age of the washing machine per load about 45 percent of the electricity, with a change of 40 degrees to 30 degrees, it is 30-40 percent. Switching off all washes for each temperature a step down compared to the previously used, a total of 37 percent of electricity consumption can be saved for washing laundry. For this simple technique, the scientists have a fancy name: the “one-click-down” scenario. From an environmental point Ina Rudenauer recommended the oko-Institut therefore households, to more often choose lower washing temperatures: “As laundry is dirty these days usually only mild to normal, the laundry is also at lower Washing temperatures clean. This is also hygienic for household laundry is no problem. “Recently, there are even washing that enable the laundry from 20 degrees. However, this can only be implemented fully, if at the same time has the washing machine on an appropriate washing program. That is today but only a few types of cases. Here, then, producers are required to also offer washing machines with a 20-degree program. Further savings are in the optimal loading of the washing machine as normal laundry is washed in full at the best and most efficient machines. In addition, consumers should make sure the detergent is dosed correctly. Depending on the hardness of the water very different amounts of detergent are needed. “More help a lot” is therefore not always correct. Anyone who has obtained from its water supplier has the hardness of water can be dosed properly and save money with every wash and protect the environment.