Cool cleaning

What

Wash your clothes at a cool and efficient 30°C and all that will shrink is your carbon footprint (oh, and your energy bills). Most modern detergents are designed to work perfectly at cooler temperatures, so you'll still get your whites sparkling.

Why

There's nothing more frustrating than ruining your warmest woollies, shrinking your favourite skirt, or running the dyes of your smartest top because of washing them too hot. Avoid the risk: wash on cool.

How

Well, this one is pretty self-explanatory. Turn the dial down to 30°C.

The washing powder

Modern detergents are designed to work perfectly at 30°C, so unless you've been rolling around in the mud or have been eating like a complete mucky-pup, then your clothes should emerge as fresh and clean as ever.

The Ethical Superstore are a pretty friendly bunch who have some great offers on all sorts of household goods - including some nice eco friendly washing powder and free fabric conditioner, helping to keep clothes cleaner at a lower temperature.

The washing machine

Perhaps you have a pretty old washing machine that doesn't have a 30°C setting? If that's the case then it's probably time to upgrade to an AAA rated machine.

Otherwise, it's pretty simple: set the temperature to 30°C, and off you go.

There are a few other laundry-related good deeds you can do while you're at it:

  • Always wait until you have a full load
  • Use the Eco settings wherever possible, they use less water
  • Use eco-friendly detergent (think of the fishies!)
  • Hang your laundry to dry naturally