Cold washing

[chakka35]

When visiting our daughter who now lives in North Carolina we were surprised to see that she does her clothes washing on the COLD setting of her machine, using cold-water detergent bought in the local supermarket. Though it would probably not work with badly-stained or contaminated clothing, her normal wash came out as clean, fresh and soft as if washed in hot water. Wanting to try this when we got home we could not find cold-water detergent anywhere, and Proctor & Gamble, when approached, said that they do not market it in UK or Eire. Considering how much energy would be saved if everyone washed this way, is this attitude not astonishing?

[Robert G]

I presume you're looking for Tide Coldwater, or similar. I think you're right. I cannot seem to find it available in the UK either. Yet the USA and Australia seem to be 'with it', in this instance more obviously concerned about reducing energy consumption, and hence doing something to help reduce global warming.

I agree with you. The situation we find in the UK is astonishing.

[chakka35]

Thanks, Robert G. Glad you agree. The amount of energy that would be saved throughout the nation would exceed that saved by low-energy bulbs and so on. Yet no-one is interested. I wrote to BBC Radio 4's "You and Yours" programme which deals with things like this but they didn't even acknowledge my letter, let alone comment on it. The Times wasn't interested either.

[spudqueen]

I've bought quite a few clothes in the states and have noticed that the washing instructions nearly always say 30 degrees wash. One day someone will introduce it here and then we'll be away.

[BBWCHATT]

Chakka - I live in the USA and I had no idea these products were not readily available everywhere - we have had them for years. Have you tried using your regular liquid laundry detergent in cold water to see what happens?

[chakka35]

BBWCHATT, thanks for the suggestion. I'l try it and report back.

[BBWCHATT]

Chakka I will be waiting to hear your results.