Wash clothes in cold water
Cold water washing powder washes clean down to 20º C.
Washing powder with enzymes for cold washes
In Denmark, Care cold water wash is the only powder which is tested for energy efficiency and wash properties. It is available in supermarkets such as Fotex, Bilka, A-Z warehouse and sometimes Netto.
Care cold water wash has been developed in a partnership between the Danish Technological Institute and Danlind; Novozymes supplied the enzymes. Care cold water wash carries the EU’s Flower Eco-label.
Other washing powders capable of washing at low temperatures are 'Cold n' Clean' sold by SuperBest, and 'Tusindfryd' sold by Irma. 'Tusindfryd' also carries the Swan Nordic Ecolabel.
Washing machines for cold washes
Not all washing machines can wash at 20º. You should use an ordinary wash programme and reduce the temperature. A wool or delicates programme does not produce the same wash quality as a normal wool programme.
Most producers make a washing machine designed for cold water washing. Check the manual, or contact the producer if you are not sure how your machine works.
You can stop your machine smelling by washing once a month at 60º. Leaving the machine door open after a wash also prevents unpleasant odours. And remember, you can avoid dust mites by washing bedlinen at 60º.
Page last updated 24.02.2011