Washing settings guide
How to Wash Whites Properly
A UK guide to keeping white clothes, shirts, towels, and bedding cleaner and brighter.
Wash whites separately, use a suitable detergent, choose 40°C for most white clothing, and use 60°C for white towels or bedding where labels allow.
Last updated: 29 April 2026
Quick answer
Best washing machine setting
Program
Cottons or Mixed
Temperature
40°C, or 60°C for robust hygiene loads
Spin
1000 to 1400 rpm
Why: Sorting whites properly matters as much as the programme because dye transfer and residue make whites look dull.
Safe tip: Do not mix whites with pale colours that may still bleed.
Step-by-step setup
- 1.Sort whites from colours and darks.
- 2.Pre-treat stains before washing.
- 3.Select Mixed for white clothing or Cottons for robust cotton whites.
- 4.Use 40°C for most white clothes or 60°C for towels and bedding where allowed.
- 5.Use the correct detergent dose and avoid overloading.
Related problems and error codes
When to use this setting
- White shirts, underwear, socks, bedding, and towels.
- White cotton or polycotton items that are machine washable.
- Loads where brightness and residue control matter.
When not to use it
- Delicate white fabrics needing low spin or hand wash.
- Items with coloured panels that may bleed.
- Hot washes on whites that are labelled 30°C only.
Common mistakes
- Mixing whites with pale colours that are not colourfast.
- Using too much detergent, which can leave dull residue.
- Using low-temperature quick washes repeatedly for heavily soiled whites.
Related guides
Washing Machine Leaves Residue on Clothes
Residue is often caused by too much detergent, overloading, low water movement, short cycles, poor rinsing, or drainage issues.
What Setting to Wash Shirts
Most shirts suit an easy-care, synthetics, or mixed programme at 30°C to 40°C with a moderate spin to reduce creasing.
What Temperature to Wash Clothes in the UK
Use 30°C for lightly worn clothes, 40°C for more soiled everyday items, and 60°C for towels, bedding, or hygiene loads where the care label allows.
Frequently asked questions
Should whites be washed at 40°C or 60°C?+
Use 40°C for most white clothes. Use 60°C for robust towels or bedding when hygiene matters and the label allows.
Why are my whites going grey?+
Common causes include mixed colours, too much detergent, overloading, low-temperature washing for dirty items, or residue in the washer.
Can I wash white shirts with white towels?+
It is better to separate shirts and towels because towels are heavier and often need a stronger cotton cycle.