Why your washing machine never washes at 40°C — the real reason behind it and what you can do to fix it. Practical household advice for more efficient laundry.

Your Washing Machine Never Washes at 40°C — Here’s Why

Many users trust the temperature display on their washing machines. You select a 40°C program, press start, and assume your clothes are being cleaned at the temperature shown. But in reality, that’s not always the case. Washing machines often don’t reach 40°C, even when that setting is selected — and there’s a very logical reason behind it.

Energy Efficiency Comes First

Modern washing machines are designed to save energy. To meet eco-standards and reduce electricity usage, manufacturers often lower the actual water temperature during washing cycles. So when you select 40°C, the machine may only heat the water to around 30–35°C. This difference saves energy, but it can affect washing performance — especially with grease and bacteria.

Real Temperature vs. Displayed Temperature

Here’s what’s really happening inside the drum:

Selected Temperature Actual Temperature Reason
40°C 30–35°C Energy-saving design
60°C 50–55°C Preserves textiles and saves power
90°C 70–75°C Protects internal components
Manufacturers adjust these values to comply with EU energy regulations and prolong the machine’s lifespan.
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