Washing settings guide
What Temperature to Wash Clothes in the UK
A simple UK temperature guide for clothes, towels, bedding, whites, darks, and baby items.
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.
Last updated: 29 April 2026
Quick answer
Best washing machine setting
Program
Match programme to fabric
Temperature
30°C, 40°C, or 60°C
Spin
800 to 1400 rpm
Why: Temperature should follow fabric type, soil level, and hygiene need rather than one setting for every wash.
Safe tip: Always follow the care label when it conflicts with general washing advice.
Step-by-step setup
- 1.Read the care label before choosing a temperature.
- 2.Use 30°C for lightly worn clothing and energy saving.
- 3.Use 40°C when clothes are more soiled or worn close to the body.
- 4.Use 60°C for towels and bedding when hygiene matters and the label permits it.
- 5.Use the correct detergent dose so lower temperatures still clean effectively.
Related problems and error codes
Samsung Washing Machine SUD
The washer has detected too much foam inside the drum.
Bosch Washing Machine E18
The washer cannot drain within the expected time
Samsung Washing Machine 5C
The washer cannot drain the water away
Hotpoint Washing Machine F05
The washer has not drained the water out before the spin stage.
When to use this setting
- 30°C for lightly worn everyday clothes and colours.
- 40°C for underwear, shirts, school clothes, and more soiled everyday laundry.
- 60°C for towels, bedding, and hygiene loads where the care label allows.
When not to use it
- Avoid 60°C on fabrics likely to shrink, fade, or lose shape.
- Avoid cold or very low temperatures for smelly towels or hygiene loads.
- Avoid changing temperature without also choosing the correct programme.
Common mistakes
- Washing towels at low temperature every time, which can allow smells to build up.
- Using 60°C on dark clothes, which can speed up fading.
- Assuming temperature alone fixes residue when the issue may be detergent dose, rinsing, or drainage.
Related guides
Best Washing Machine Setting for Towels
Use a cottons programme, 40°C to 60°C, and a high spin for towels. Avoid overloading, too much detergent, and fabric softener build-up.
How to Wash Whites Properly
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.
What Setting to Wash Bed Sheets
Most cotton bed sheets suit a cottons cycle at 40°C, with 60°C useful for hygiene where the label allows. Do not overload the drum with bulky bedding.
Frequently asked questions
Is 30°C enough to wash clothes?+
Yes for lightly worn everyday clothes, but 40°C or 60°C may be more suitable for underwear, towels, bedding, and hygiene loads.
Should towels be washed at 60°C?+
60°C is commonly recommended for hygiene where the towel label allows it. 40°C can be acceptable for lightly used towels with good detergent and drying.
Does 60°C kill bacteria?+
A 60°C wash can improve hygiene compared with lower temperatures, but follow the care label and use a suitable detergent.