TV doctor Dr Xand van Tulleken has shared the washing machine temperature settings he warns against, and added that switching could help cut your energy bills14:23, 01 Jun 2026Many of us are confronted by what feels like an endless pile of laundry perpetually demanding attention in the washing machine. But have you stopped to think about the ideal temperature for running a wash cycle?‌A doctor reckons that using your washing machine in a specific way could boost cleanliness, enhance your health and save you money.‌British TV doctor and presenter, Alexander Gerald van Hoogenhouck-Tulleken, better known as Dr Xand van Tulleken, recently shared his expertise on BBC Morning Live.‌The expert revealed why washing your clothes at two particular temperatures - 40 and 90 degree settings - might not produce the best outcomes. Here's what he recommends instead...Doctor's advice on washing machinesWarning against the 90 degree setting, Dr Xand said: "The hottest your washing machine will go is 90 degrees usually and that will kill everything, it's almost boiling it."It's bad for the clothes, it's very expensive. Whatever's happened to those clothes... I think you've got to get new clothes at this point."‌Instead, he suggested that 60 degrees can be "quite good" as "certain bugs will be killed". He added: "So, if you've got an infection going around your house, particularly think of something like norovirus, put it up to 60 [degrees] along with the mechanical cleaning and detergent." Dr Xand then expressed his reservations about the 40-degree setting, pointing out it's "too hot to be cheap and too cold to kill anything". He suggested that opting for either a hot or cold wash would deliver better results than settling for a medium temperature."30 degrees gets the job done," he said. "It is much cheaper, so going from 40 to 30 saves you almost 40% in energy costs. It's quicker." He advises purchasing a lower temperature detergent if you frequently use this setting.The doctor describes himself as a "20 degrees guy for everything", with the exception of gym kit. He revealed that switching to a 20C setting on your washing machine could slash your bills by 62%.‌Dr Xand emphasised the importance of keeping your machine well-maintained when operating at lower temperatures. He continued: "You've got to think about cleaning your machine. One [trick] is that the tray that you pull out, the detergent tray where all the mould grows, that can be a real nuisance to clean."The expert pops it in the dishwasher for cleaning. To disinfect the washing machine drum, he recommends wiping it down with a cloth and some white vinegar. He advises doing this once a week and leaving the door ajar each day.Public opinion on washing machine settingsA flurry of reactions followed after footage of the TV segment was posted on Instagram, revealing people's varying laundry habits. One viewer remarked: "I have never had to use the 90 degrees settings." Another person revealed: "Cold wash every time. Anything grubby soaked first. Any stains pre-treated. Hang things out to dry, sunshine and wind are the best bacteria killers." A third agreed, saying: "Cold, always cold. Never had a problem." A fourth supported this approach, commenting: "20 for everything except to do a machine clean. Sometimes 30 if it's sports tops."‌Someone else described their washing habits: "I'm a 30C girly and always will be, detergent, stain remover, laundry sanitiser and conditioner and then a low heat tumble dry. Clothes are lovely and soft, stains are gone and totally fresh. Only do a 90° wash for bedding and white towels."Yet others were staunch supporters of the 40C and 90C programmes on their machines. One individual declared: "Nah mate, 40 degrees all the way. Hot enough to kill bacteria and get rid of hard stains but cold enough so it doesn't ruin clothes."One contributor suggested: "A 90 degree every now and again for something like towels is good and blasts the machines though too. It's there for a reason."Article continues belowWhile another observed: "Bedding and towels 90 degrees now and then. 30 degrees delicates only and the rest mainly 40 or 60. Too much bacteria buildup with 30 degrees (won't kill you but nevertheless bacteria)."