Washing Machine Temperature Chart
Laundry labels give wash temperatures in °C. Here is what 30, 40, 60 and 90 °C are in Fahrenheit and which clothes each one suits.
Wash temperatures
| Setting | °F | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 20 °C | 68 °F | Eco wash, lightly soiled clothes |
| 30 °C | 86 °F | Delicates, darks and colors |
| 40 °C | 104 °F | Everyday wash, synthetics, cotton |
| 60 °C | 140 °F | Towels, bedding, underwear, hygiene |
| 90 °C | 194 °F | Heavily soiled whites, cloth diapers |
US machine settings (approximate)
| US setting | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Cold | 60–80 °F (16–27 °C) |
| Warm | 90–110 °F (32–43 °C) |
| Hot | 120–140 °F (49–60 °C) |
Notes
Lower temperatures save energy — heating water accounts for most of a washer’s energy use — and modern detergents work well at 30 °C. Use 60 °C to kill most bacteria and dust mites on towels and bedding. Care labels show the maximum temperature with dots in the washtub symbol: one dot ≈ 30 °C, two ≈ 40 °C, three ≈ 50 °C, four ≈ 60 °C.
Frequently asked questions
What is 30 °C in Fahrenheit?
86 °F.
What is 40 °C wash in Fahrenheit?
104 °F.
What is 60 °C in Fahrenheit?
140 °F.
Does washing at 30 °C clean clothes?
Yes, with modern detergents, for everyday dirt; use 60 °C for hygiene loads.
What is 90 °C in Fahrenheit?
194 °F — a boil wash for heavily soiled whites and cloth diapers.