Overview
- Dr Xand, who outlined wash temperatures on BBC Morning Live Wednesday, urged 60°C when infections such as norovirus are in the home and 20–30°C for routine loads to save money.
- He argued 40°C is poor value because it costs more without sanitizing well, and said 20°C saves about 62% versus 40°C with 30°C saving roughly 38%.
- He warned 90°C cycles kill most germs but can damage fabrics and run up bills.
- NHS guidance backs 60°C for underwear, towels, and bedding or 40°C with a bleach-based detergent, and Which? says 20°C works for lightly soiled clothes when you use liquid detergent.
- He advised cleaning the detergent drawer, wiping the drum, running a hot self-clean cycle as directed, and airing the machine to prevent mould and keep washes effective.