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3.8 The function of the water temperature
The variety and quality of natural and synthetic fibres which comprise the fabrics, which are sometimes
present in percentages that are not declared correctly on the labels, make it necessary in many cases to use
a detergent whose washing action is effective at low temperatures. As a result, the consumer today tends to
use washing programmes with a maximum temperature of about 60°C, partly due to increasing sensitivity to
energy savings.
Manufacturers of detergents, in line with this trend, have modified the quality of their products to meet this
need, and frequently emphasize these characteristics in their promotional activities.
Temperature helps to dissolve the dirt (solvent effect)
Temperature facilitates and accelerates the chemical reactions, especially when bleaching.
The "CORRECT" temperature in the various phases of the washing cycle:
reduces the cohesion of the dirt
facilitates the suspension of the dirt in the water
facilitates the reaction of the alkalis (swelling the fabrics so that the dirt is dissolved more easily)
High temperatures do not facilitate the removal of all types of dirt; in fact, blood, egg-yolk, milk etc. are more
easily removed if washed in cold water; if hot water is used, these stains adhere more strongly to the fibres
and become more difficult to remove.
3.8.1
Using the correct temperature
The temperature of the washing solution is used to remove the dirt and to ensure hygiene.
HIGH TEMPERATURE = 80 - 90°C
Suitable for difficult soiling: cotton and linen (whites) with bleach, perborate and hydrogen peroxide.
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE = 50 - 60°C (most washing cycles)
Suitable for washing colour-fast fabrics: cotton and linen (coloured) with hypochlorite-Based bleaches.
LOW TEMPERATURE = 30 - 40°C
Suitable for washing wool, synthetic fabrics, other delicate fibres, and for soaking of fabrics soiled with blood
or protein-based substances.
SOI/DT 2006-01 dmm
17/71
599 37 47-13
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