This function helps keep the drum of the washing machine clean. Most modern washing machines are equipped with a small indicator that signals that this program is necessary, although many people do not know how to use it.
Almost no one knows how to use their washing machine, me first and foremost.
For several years, the washing machine has established itself as an essential element of my daily life. With a dog at home, it works almost without interruption. However, in my daily use, I mainly rely on the automatic program, washing clothes between 30 and 40 degrees. As part of my work as a tech journalist, I have often had the opportunity to interact with manufacturers of large household appliances. They all told me the same thing: almost everyone only uses one or two wash programs. My case is far from isolated. However, a technician recently pointed out to me that this was stupidity.
Constant use of this type of program affects not only the cleanliness of clothes, but also the internal condition of the washing machine. By almost always avoiding higher temperatures, the machine does not have the opportunity to self-clean properly, leading to the accumulation of detergent residue, fabric softener and dirt in the drum.
The importance of high temperatures
Like me, you most likely opt for lower temperatures in order to save energy but also protect your clothes. I always told myself that, when my clothes don’t have stubborn stains, raising the temperature would only damage them. I reserve high-temperature washes for special occasions, when more persistent stains, like grease or mud, are present. Okay, there you go, I was wrong. The technician told me that always washing at low temperature does not guarantee the complete elimination of germs and bacteria.
Using higher temperatures, such as 60 or 90 degrees, has the advantage of being much more effective not only in removing stains, but also in disinfecting. This type of washing is particularly useful for bed linen, towels or clothing of sick peoplebecause it eliminates bacteria, mites and other micro-organisms that low temperatures cannot eradicate.
Additionally, the technician explained to me that constantly washing at low temperature prevents cleaning of the inside of the machine. The heat of the water is essential for removing fabric softener and detergent residue, as well as dirt left over from laundry. For this reason he recommended me to use the drum cleaning program periodically, a tip that the machine itself briefly recalls at the start of each cycle.
This cleaning schedule would not be necessary if 60 or 90 degree cycles were used more frequently. Although these cycles are more intensive, it is advisable to perform them from time to time to avoid the accumulation of residue and limescale inside the machine.
Excessive consumption of electricity? Yes but
Finally, the technician clarified a preconceived idea. We know that washing in hot water results in higher energy consumption. According to OCU, washing at 30 degrees or lower saves up to 60% energyalthough this does not guarantee the same effectiveness in cleaning difficult clothes nor the same hygiene.
Many people think that washing at 60 or 90 degrees involves excessive energy consumption, but there are two nuances to consider, as the technician told me. On the one hand, consumption is not that high, car the water only reaches these temperatures during one phase of the cycleprecisely when the detergent and fabric softener mix, thus optimizing their use and guaranteeing a more thorough cleaning of both the laundry and the machine itself.
Furthermore, if this type of program is used occasionally, and with the appropriate laundry, it avoids having to use (in machines that offer it) the 90 degree drum cleaning program. A program that consumes a lot.
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