Defying the Trend: The 30-Degree Dilemma - Why Germans Insist on Washing Energy-Inefficiently
- By Wiebke Tomescheit
- 3 Min
Energy Efficiency Dilemma: Understanding the Resistance Towards Energy-Saving Laundry Practices - Energy Efficiency Debate: The 30-degree conundrum: why avoiding laundry is a preference due to energy savings
Check out the Video: Washing Machine - These Four Common Mistakes You Need to Avoid. For years, we've been told to wash our clothes at 30 degrees. It's energy-efficient, it saves money, and it's gentler on our clothing. But something's not quite right – Germans just can't seem to break free from their 40-degree habit, or even venture to the higher 60-degree settings of yesteryear.
Germans Persist in Washing at 40 Degrees
It might be because we don't quite get the impact of just 10 degrees on our planet. Every household that switches from 40 to 30 degrees can save a whopping 38% on their energy costs for washing. That's not all – you'll also save around 8 cents per wash.
In the past two years alone, Germany has reduced its average washing temperature from 43.2 to 42.2 degrees. That small drop has led to savings of 115,000 tons of CO2 emissions. If all 40 million households with washing machines switched to 30 degrees, Germany could ditch a staggering 570,000 tons of emissions.
A Matter of Ten Degrees
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Procter & Gamble, creators of Ariel and other washing powders, aim to prove that 40 degrees is not always necessary. By taking over laundromats in many major cities and offering customers their own eco-friendly washing powder, they've demonstrated that 30 degrees gets the job done just as well.
However, some concerns remain. We often fret that lower temperatures won't remove stains or battle unpleasant odors, bacteria, and viruses. Some of us even cling to outdated practices of pre-treating stains at higher temperatures.
Modern Detergents Are More Versatile
Gabriele Hässig, who works on sustainability at Procter & Gamble, reassures us that modern detergents, coupled with 30 degrees, are up to the task. For items that come into direct contact with dirt, like dishcloths or bed linens, 60 degrees may be essential. But for our everyday clothes like t-shirts, pants, and sweaters, 30 degrees is perfect. And the bacteria we imagine linger on our clothes are easily eradicated by today's detergents.
Many European countries, including Italy, Spain, the UK, Netherlands, and France, have already embraced 30-degree washing. The only holdouts? Guess who.
Is Our Discussion About Washing Too Minimal?
"We don't talk enough about washing" remarks Selina Sinning, a researcher at WWF, who focuses on behavioral studies. Our beliefs about washing, which stem largely from our parents and longstanding traditions, are difficult to change.
Moreover, many people remain unaware of the advancements in washing detergents. Long gone are the days when 30-degree washing wouldn't have been possible, says Gabriele Haessig. Now, laundry pods, powders, and other products contain enzymes and polymers that don't necessitate high temperatures for cleaning. It's common knowledge, claims Haessig.
Our Clothes Last Longer
One last reason to consider washing at 30 degrees is that it helps preserve our clothing, extending their lifespan. When we don't have to replace our clothes as often, we save resources, protect the environment, and keep our wallets fuller. Who wouldn't want to hold on to a favorite sweater for just a little while longer?
- Laundry
- Environment
- GermanyGermans are typically aware of the energy savings and environmental benefits that come with washing at lower temperatures such as 30°C. However, several factors contribute to German resistance to adopting this practice more widely.
Hygiene and Cleanliness Concerns
Germans often prioritize cleanliness, associating higher temperatures with greater effectiveness at killing bacteria and removing stains. This mindset is rooted in cultural tradition and education that emphasizes thoroughness and germ elimination.
Misconceptions about the Effectiveness of Lower Temperatures
Some Germans believe that lower temperatures cannot effectively clean heavily soiled clothing or thoroughly remove stains and odors. This mindset prevails despite advancements in modern detergents and washing machines designed for optimal performance at lower temperatures.
Skepticism about Modern Detergents
While modern detergents can effectively remove stains and odors at 30°C, some consumers remain skeptical and cling to older methods due to lack of trust in new products. They may not fully understand the capabilities and benefits of modern detergents and washing machines.
Cultural Factors and Tradition
Deep-rooted cultural attitudes play a significant role in German laundry habits, reinforcing a preference for "tried and tested" methods over energy-efficient practices. In Germany, order, precision, and thoroughness are highly valued, making it difficult to abandon traditional cleaning methods.
In summary, despite understanding the energy and environmental benefits associated with washing at 30°C, German resistance to adopting this practice continues due to hygiene, effectiveness, skepticism, and cultural factors.
- Despite the efficiency of modern detergents in cleaning clothes at 30°C, the discussion about energy-saving washing temperatures often overlooks cultural concerns, such as hygiene, effectiveness, and deep-rooted traditions.
- German resistance to adopting lower washing temperatures, like 30°C, is not only due to the impact on the environment but also the impact on individual lifestyles, such as the fashion-and-beauty industry that favors higher temperatures for cleaning delicate clothing items.
- In terms of environmental-science, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Procter & Gamble are striving to demonstrate that 40°C is not always necessary for effective washing, advocating for the use of climate-change friendly detergents in the home-and-garden sector.
