Agnes Bouchier Hayes, Home Economist and lecturer at the Technological University of the Shannon, joined Claire Byrne on RTÉ Radio 1 to discuss the perfect laundry cycle. Listen back above.
For many of us, it often feels as if the washing machine is barely emptied before being filled up and started again. With rising energy costs, however, now is an important time to ensure we get the most out of every cycle.
With so many capsules, powders, and liquids on the market, it's tricky to know exactly what we should be using on our most treasured clothes and fluffiest towels.
Agnes Bouchier Hayes broke things down for RTÉ Radio 1 listeners, explaining that there are three things needed for "efficient laundry": chemical energy, mechanical energy and thermal energy.
This means that we can drop the temperature on our laundry loads to 20 or 30 degrees - which should reduce your energy bills - as long as we have the correct detergent and a machine that is running efficiently.
"There is nothing wrong with reading your machine manual," she insists, reminding listeners that different machines have different capacities and settings.
While some people believe bedsheets must be washed at 60 degrees, Agnes insists that bacteria can actually live between minus five to over 70 degrees, so the most important thing to focus on is using the correct detergent rather than heat.
When it comes to particularly muddy GAA gear or ketchup-stained shirts, a 40-degree wash may be needed to shift tough stains, but Agnes says 30 degrees may work if you have the right detergent.
Powder detergents tend to have bleachers and brighteners in them, making them ideal for white sheets, while liquid detergents may be better for colourful items as they will be less likely to dull them.
Another important note when it comes to detergents - especially liquids - is using the correct amount: "Stick to the measurement that you're given and, again, read the bottle."
She also notes that powders must be put in the dispenser rather than directly into the machine.
The first step to any wash, says Agnes, is to empty out your washing basket and separate the items into two piles: the colours and the whites.
"Try to put as much white in together as much as you can," she insists, adding that discoloured items can be put through a fresh wash or left to sit in a brightening laundry detergent that has a little bleach in it.
Depending on the fabric of your items, you may want to spot clean or air out your clothes rather than washing them as too many washes can fade or damage the material.
"The further away it is from your skin, the less frequent it needs to be washed," she says, using the example that underwear needs to be washed after every wear but jeans can get away with six to ten wears.
For more tips to get the most our of your next wash as well as washing the machine itself, listen back above.
