water temperature is crucial
A lot is taken into account when cleaning the household, but very few people think about the temperature of the water used for cleaning. However, according to Ökotest, it makes a crucial difference whether hot or cold water is used. However, the reason for this is not sustainability or cost aspects, but the fact that the use of warm water can have a negative effect on the cleaning result.
Preferably use cold water
The reason for this connection lies in the chemical composition of most of the cleaning agents used. Most of the commercially available all-purpose cleaners are designed as so-called cold water cleaners. A main component of these agents is alcohol, which evaporates under the influence of heat and can therefore lead to suboptimal cleaning results if the water is too warm. In addition to negatively affecting the cleaning power, the use of warm water in combination with aggressive sanitary cleaners can lead to the release of harmful vapors. According to Ökotest, consumers should therefore always pay attention to the instructions for use printed on the products. In most cases, cold water is preferable for cleaning floors, surfaces, windows or textiles.
Exception dishwashing
So cold water is the better choice for everyday cleaning in many cases, but there is one exception. When washing dishes, warm water is irreplaceable, according to Ökotest. The reason for this is the better fat and oil solubility at higher temperatures. In addition, the higher temperatures render germs and bacteria harmless.
N. Lorenz / Editor finanzen.net
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