[Goosegirl]

Do I use programmes on my washing machine and dishwasher that have a shorter run time but a higher temperature, or one with a longer run time with a lower temperature?

[Aunt Sally]

Most of the electricity is used to heat the water!

[mumofstig]

Unless things are really dirty/stained, rather than just worn for a couple of days, I find shorter time at usual temperature works just fine.
Most things have a recommended temp on the label, so raising the temp isn't a good idea IMO

[JayG]

My guess would be that heating the water to a higher temperature would use far more electricity than a longer run time - whether you are happy with the results of a low-temperature wash is another matter though. 

[Yorkie]

Lower temp and longer run time for me too (unless stained etc., as already mentioned).

[Growster...]

Our wash takes an hour and three-quarter, and starts from cold and only gets to around 40 degrees, so I guess we're happy with that!

The water feed is only from the cold pipe...

[Odders]

Use Aldi Almat Bio washing powder for clothes & save yourself a fortune.
Which tested lots of powders, pods & liquids & it came out top for cleaning, even on a short wash, plus it's cheap.
I bought some to try & after seeing how well it did, can't wait to finish off the rest of the far more expensive pods.
Even better; it's NOT perfumed to heck!

[mumofstig]

Our wash takes an hour and three-quarter, and starts from cold and only gets to around 40 degrees, so I guess we're happy with that!

The water feed is only from the cold pipe...

My 'cheapo Beko' machine is cold fill as well, and tells me how long each wash I select will take, and my 'daily quick' at 40C takes 40 mins, which, as I said before, is fine for clothes that aren't badly stained.

[Goosegirl]

Thanks all. I'll use the longer time prog.

[Growster...]

At times like this, I always wish that more rugby shirts were made with dark collars...

[JayG]

My washing machine defaults to a 40C wash on most programs - 30C is an option which I have yet to try... 

Has anyone tried it with their machine, and what were the results like?

[mumofstig]

I've only tried it for my wool jumpers (none of which are pale colours) and it works ok for those. How it would cope with white/pale colours, I'm not so sure...

[Christine]

The dirty gardener suggests it won't.

[Growster...]

I've only tried it for my wool jumpers (none of which are pale colours) and it works ok for those. How it would cope with white/pale colours, I'm not so sure...

Mine shrank a little, but next time, I'll hang them out in the shower while wet, as they usually get back their shape and length!

[mumofstig]

Mine shrank a little, but next time, I'll hang them out in the shower while wet, as they usually get back their shape and length!

That's weird, mine are 100% Scottish wool and haven't shrunk at all - I dry them on a flat airer, also in the warmth of the bathroom