Let’s be honest: the washing machine might just be the unsung hero of the modern home—especially if you share yours with a particularly muddy dog or a houseful of enthusiastic laundry-makers. But if you’re like almost everyone else, there’s a button on your machine you’ve probably ignored. Here’s why it matters—even if your current laundry strategy is “press start and hope for the best.”
The Forgotten Button and What It Actually Does
Modern washing machines come equipped with a specific function intended purely to keep the drum clean. In many cases, there’s even a little indicator light reminding you to use it—assuming, of course, you actually know what it’s for. Yet most people, even the most diligent laundry enthusiasts, don’t use this program. Why? Because like almost everyone, we gravitate towards one or two trusted cycles, often at lower temperatures.
The Myth of the Cold Wash—and Why I Was Wrong
For years, my washing machine has worked overtime in a bustling home (did I mention the dog?), yet I’ve always leaned on the automatic setting, washing everything between 30°C and 40°C. In conversations with appliance manufacturers—perks of working as a tech journalist—I learned that my approach was far from unique. But, as one very honest technician pointed out, it’s a big mistake.
Let me explain: Regular use of low-temperature, automated cycles isn’t just about saving money and protecting clothes (which, let’s admit, was exactly my reason). I’d always told myself that unless my clothes were absolutely covered in stubborn stains, anything hotter would just ruin them. Hot washes were reserved for that rare, apocalyptic mud or grease scenario. Turns out, I was wrong. Washing clothes always at low temperatures does not guarantee the complete removal of germs or bacteria.
Why Heat (Sometimes) Rules in Laundry
There is a reason washing machines come with cycles that get as hot as 60°C or 90°C. These higher temperatures are not just overkill; they’re actually much more efficient both for stain removal and essential disinfection. Think about items like bedding, towels, or the clothing of sick family members. Disinfecting at high temperatures eliminates bacteria, dust mites, and those pesky microorganisms that your standard cold wash leaves behind.
But the benefits aren’t just about what you wear or sleep on. According to the technician I spoke with, consistently washing at low temperatures leaves your washing machine itself in a sorry state. The internal parts don’t get hot enough to dissolve and remove detergent residue, softener buildup, and grime that accumulates inside the drum. That’s the perfect recipe for a less hygienic machine—and, let’s face it, potentially funkier-smelling laundry.
Here’s what the pros recommend:
- Use the drum cleaning program regularly, as indicated by your machine—especially if your machine flashes those reminders at the start of your usual cycles.
- Every now and then, run a 60°C or 90°C cycle. Not only does this minimize residue and calcium buildup inside your washer, but it also keeps things fresher, longer.
Does Hot Water Really Drain Your Wallet?
Many of us (my former self included) have been taught that hot washes are energy vampires. Yes, it’s true: washing at 30°C or below can save up to 60% in energy costs, according to the OCU. But here’s the twist. The technician told me the belief that 60°C or 90°C cycles are automatic energy hogs isn’t entirely accurate. There are two important details:
- The machine only reaches these high temperatures during a specific phase of the wash, precisely when detergent and softener are at work.
- This targeted heat use doesn’t send your energy bill through the roof, especially if it’s not your daily routine.
Even better, if you occasionally wash the right laundry (bedding, towels, or heavily soiled items) on these higher temp cycles, you may not need to run the separate drum-cleaning program at all—which, for the record, uses a whole lot of energy.
The Bottom Line: Your Machine (and Your Laundry) Will Thank You
That mysterious button for the cleaning program isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a simple answer to a cleaner washing machine and healthier clothes. You don’t have to abandon your beloved low-temperature cycles, but don’t neglect the drum cleaning routine (or those occasional high-temp washes) if you want to avoid detergent buildup, persistent odors, and hidden germs. In short: sometimes, hotter is better. Maybe even your dog will notice the difference.
