The right washing temperature based on the type of clothing and level of soiling

24. 02. 2026

The right washing temperature plays a key role in helping your favourite clothes retain their colour, shape and softness even after dozens of wash cycles. Washing at unnecessarily high temperatures can weaken the fibres and cause colours to fade. We’ve prepared a practical guide to help you choose the right temperature based on the fabric and level of soiling.

Why does washing temperature matter?

There are several reasons:

Higher temperatures = dissolve grease and remove stains more effectively, but they also put more strain on the fibres and increase energy consumption.
Lower temperatures = are gentler on clothes and save energy, but may not remove all bacteria and stains.

And the “worst” combination? High temperatures and an unsuitable laundry detergent. Fabric softener creates a coating on the fibres. While it may make fabrics feel softer in the short term, over time it coats the fibres and reduces their natural performance – absorbency in towels and breathability in technical clothing.

What is the right washing temperature for each type of fabric?

Choosing the right washing temperature doesn’t have to be complicated. Simply follow a few basic guidelines and always check the care labels on your clothes.

Delicate fabrics: 20–30 °C

Silk, lace, viscose and delicate underwear require gentle care. Wash them at 20–30 °C, choose a delicate cycle and use a low spin speed of up to 600 rpm.

Important: Water that is too hot can damage the fibres. Just one wash cycle at 60 °C may be enough for your favourite silk blouse to lose its natural sheen.

Choose this temperature when you simply need to freshen up clothes that aren’t visibly dirty – for example, a T-shirt worn once to work or a pair of jeans without stains. Most modern laundry detergents work effectively even at low temperatures.

TIP: If you use Issencia laundry detergent sheets, they dissolve in just 3 seconds even at 20 °C and leave no white marks on dark fabrics.

Everyday clothing: 30–40 °C

This is the most common washing temperature for most everyday clothes. It effectively tackles sweat, ordinary stains and everyday dirt. It isn’t too harsh on the fibres, yet it still provides effective cleaning. At this temperature, you can wash:

jeans,
linen clothing,
children’s clothing,
cotton T-shirts and shirts,
everyday clothing made from cotton blends.

If your clothes aren’t heavily soiled, 30 °C is usually more than enough. A lower washing temperature means:

less colour fading,
a lower risk of shrinkage,
lower energy consumption.

For you, this means a longer lifespan for the wardrobe that reflects your personal style.

Towels and bed linen: 60 °C

Here, hygiene becomes particularly important. Residues from cosmetics, sweat and moisture create a favourable environment for bacteria. This category includes:

bed linen (especially if you have allergies),
towels (white, light and dark),
kitchen towels,
selected children’s clothing,
underwear.

Temperatures above 90 °C can damage the fibres and accelerate wear.

Important: Not all coloured clothing can withstand washing at 60 °C without fading. Always check the care label.

TIP: If you want a fragrance that reminds you of a luxurious hotel suite every time you open your wardrobe, add 5 ml of laundry perfume to your wash. One beautifully scented load costs just a fraction of the price of premium fabric softeners used in much larger quantities. Try Ylang Ylang, for example. Its deep floral notes can transform ordinary bed linen into a relaxing evening wellness ritual.

Sportswear: 30–40 °C

Technical fabrics don’t respond well to high temperatures or fabric softener. Fabric softener coats the fibres and reduces their breathability. Wash sportswear at 30 °C and use a gentle cycle.

For a fresh feeling, choose the Green Allure fragrance. It neutralises unpleasant odours and replaces them with the crisp, “green” freshness of morning air.

Expert advice

Fill the washing machine drum to no more than 2/3 of its capacity. Fabrics need room to move. If you overload the drum, the water won’t rinse the clothes evenly and detergent residue may remain trapped in the fibres. Laundry detergent sheets make precise dosing easy – 1 sheet is enough for 4 kg of laundry. No measuring. No waste.

The most common mistakes that shorten the lifespan of your clothes

Washing everything at 60 °C “just to be safe”
Using too much liquid detergent
Neglecting to clean your washing machine
Using fabric softener on towels and sportswear

Traditional fabric softeners can create a slimy build-up inside the washing machine. This can provide a favourable environment for mould and unpleasant odours. Issencia laundry perfumes blend completely with water and don’t leave sticky deposits behind. Your washing machine stays clean, while your laundry fragrance avoids the “chemical undertone” that can make a scent feel cheap.

Did you know…

… Issencia laundry detergent sheets are biodegradable and don’t leave microplastics in wastewater? Unlike plastic laundry capsules, they dissolve completely in water. Washing at a lower temperature therefore helps protect not only your clothes, but the environment too.

Help your clothes last longer

The right washing temperature is a simple step that can extend the life of your wardrobe, preserve colours and save energy. Combine it with high-quality laundry detergent sheets and laundry perfumes, and you’ll enjoy beautifully clean clothes and a fragrance that becomes the signature scent of your home. What more could you ask for?