As of: February 28, 2024, 6:14 p.m
By: Bettina Menzel
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Correct washing protects clothing and the environment.
The challenge: Some items of clothing go into the washing machine more often, others less often.
Syke – For thousands of years, washing clothes was the most time-consuming task in the home – until the modern washing machine was invented.
The first washing machine for private use came onto the market in Germany in 1951, and today washing at the push of a button is a given.
There are a few tricks to get your clothes as clean as possible and at the same time not pollute the environment too much.
It's not just about the right detergent, but also about the question of how often clothes actually need to be washed.
Colored laundry in a washing machine (symbolic image).
© IMAGO/Wolfgang Maria Weber
Consumer advocates recommend pre-treating visible stains
The consumer advice center advises: In many cases, clothes without dirt stains can simply be aired out instead of washed.
Compact color detergents also contain no bleach or optical brighteners and are therefore more gentle on the colors and fabrics of clothing and the environment than heavy-duty detergents.
Consumers should also follow the care instructions in the textiles, sort laundry, choose the right program and pre-treat visible stains.
These items of clothing can be washed less frequently
Jeans – the fabric often loses its shape and color due to frequent washing
Bras – as long as they are not worn during sports
Functional clothing - as long as it's not soaked with sweat, airing it out is often enough
Sweaters, skirts, trousers – only if they are heavily soiled or have been worn several times
These items of clothing should be put in the washing machine more often
Bedding – wash at least every four weeks, more frequently in summer
Tea towels and hand towels – at least once a week
Tips for eco-friendly washing
Avoid overdosing, as many ingredients in detergents pollute waterways.
If possible, switch to organic detergents or products with an eco-label
Set the temperature as warm as necessary but as cold as possible.
According to the consumer advice center, 30 to 40 degrees is usually sufficient
Fully load the washing machine – except for wool and delicates
Do not buy heavy-duty detergents in jumbo packs - these contain up to 30 percent fillers that have no effect but pollute the environment
Use the washing machine's Eco programs
When buying a new washing machine, pay attention to the power consumption and pay attention to the EU energy label
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Washing machines get clothes clean using three main factors: movement, heat and water.
Significantly less energy is required for the mechanical movement, i.e. the rotation of the drum and the spinning, than for heating the water.
According to Planet Wissen,
a wash cycle at 60 degrees uses
around three to five times as much electricity as a wash cycle at 30 degrees.
Because sustainability also starts in the household.
However, the consumer advice center still recommends washing at 60 degrees once a month with a detergent containing bleach to remove residues and kill germs in the machine.