Martin Angove wrote in message ...
In message ,
(Andrew Gabriel) wrote:

In article ,
"Suz" writes:

"Martin Angove" wrote in message
...
Since dishwashers have some quite hot programmes, why is it that they
usually only have a cold feed? Washing machines rarely come without a
hot feed, why not dishwashers?

Our washing machine has a hot and cold feed, but only takes hot water for a
boil wash. I suppose there could be a risk of too hot water hitting clothes
that can't take it. Or the cost of something that accurately measures and
adjusts hot/cold ratio on filling.

Modern washing detergents require a profiled temperature wash.
They contain various enzymes, each designed to break down a
different kind of dirt, but each with a different operating
temperature. For the enzymes to work, the water must be heated
slowly or in stages, allowing time for enzymes to operate before
going above the point where that enzyme is destroyed. They are
all well destroyed by 60C anyway -- they are intended to give
good results at 35-40C, and will work better on many types of
soiling than a 60C wash which relies on the detergent alone.

I have a microprocessor controlled Hotpoint, and that does
indeed mix the hot and cold aiming for a 30C fill temperature,
which is the starting point for the profiled temperature wash.
It starts with cold only, but then starts mixing in hot. If
the hot water actually isn't vert hot at all, it ends up
shutting off the cold and filling just with the hot.


That sounds like an excellent idea - I'll have to look out for this sort
of thing when the WM decides to die. Our current (Zanussi) model only
bothers turning on the hot feed for 50C or hotter washes, and only turns
off the cold for a 90C wash. There is usually hot water reasonably
close-by in the pipework :-)

How does your advice and Andy's relate to people like us who don't use
enzyme washing powders? Several people in our family have sensitive skin
and so at the moment (not recommending the brand) we use Fairy which (as
I understand it) is simply a detergent / soap and not "biological" at
all. There is such a plethora of non-bio powders and liquids about that
it must represent quite a large part of the market so presumably there
is also a market for 60C washes.

Hwyl!

M.

You could try using ecover washing up liquid, it works well in washing
machines and is not irritant like traditional detergents or soap.

Its one noticeable limitation is it has no antifoaming additive, so
dont put too much in or it may get carried away 2 tablespoons is
somewhere about right for a full load.

It hasnt got all the usual additives in, but still does a decent job.
For grimey stuff just add a spoonful of trad powder as well.

Oh, and dont try using cheap washing liquids.


Regards, NT