What does a 40 degree wash actually cost

Short answer: A 40 degree wash costs different amounts in different homes. It depends on your machine, your electricity and water prices and how full the drum is, so there is no single figure. Here is a simple way to work it out and how to use 40 degrees sensibly.

What a 40 degree wash costs in your home

The price of a wash is made up of electricity, water and detergent. The electricity use per programme is often listed in the manual or on the energy label. Multiply it by your price per kilowatt hour, then add water and detergent. That gives you a figure that applies to your household.

Why 40 degrees is often a sensible starting point

Forty degrees cleans most everyday clothes without putting unnecessary heat stress on the fibres. That includes bamboo sweatwear, where hoodies, sweatshirts and joggers usually get dirty from daily wear rather than heavy soil. Always follow the care label in each garment, because it has the final say.

A full drum or a half drum

The biggest saving is rarely the temperature, but the load. A half empty machine often uses almost as much water and power as a full one. Fill the drum so there is still a hand's width of space at the top, so the clothes can move around and come out clean.

Eco programmes and running time

Many machines have an eco programme that runs longer but heats the water more gently. That can lower the consumption even when the dial says 40 degrees. Check your machine's manual, since programmes differ between brands, and the time on the display tells you nothing about the bill.

When 30 degrees is enough

If a garment has only been worn for a day and is not very dirty, 30 degrees can be enough, and you save a little each time. Use 40 degrees when clothes have been worn for sport, work or gardening, or when they smell of sweat. Choose by how dirty the clothes are, not by habit.

Drying can cost more than the wash itself

If you use a tumble dryer, it can easily use more power than the washing machine. Hang clothes to dry when the weather and space allow, and shake them out first. That is also kinder to the fabric, so bamboo clothing for men keeps its shape and softness for longer.

Detergent and dosing

More detergent does not make clothes cleaner, and too much can leave residue in the fabric. Dose by the packaging and by your water hardness, and use less for a small load. You save money and the clothes feel softer, because no soap residue is left in the fibres.

The cheapest wash is the one you skip

The cheapest option is to air clothes instead of washing them after every wear when they are not dirty. A T-shirt can often be worn several times between washes, while underwear and socks are changed daily. For everyday wear there are, among others, bamboo T-shirts for men, which are easy to keep fresh.

Frequently asked questions

What does a 40 degree wash cost on average

There is no fixed figure, because it depends on your machine and your prices for electricity, water and detergent. Read the consumption in the manual and multiply it by your own prices.

Is 40 degrees much more expensive than 30 degrees

A higher temperature needs more energy to heat the water, so 40 degrees usually costs a little more than 30. The difference is small compared with a full drum and with drying.

Can bamboo clothing be washed at 40 degrees

That depends on the individual garment, so read the care label. A moderate temperature and a gentle programme usually keep the fabric soft and in shape for longer.