ANSES cautions that washing at 30°C leaves microbes alive

A microbiologist explains that washing most laundry at 30 °C removes visible dirt but does not reliably kill bacteria, viruses or fungi. The low temperature acts only mechanically, allowing many pathogens to survive on fibres and potentially spread to other items in the same load.

France’s food‑safety agency, ANSES, states that temperatures below 60 °C are insufficient for proper disinfection. For effective eradication of common respiratory viruses and bacterial contaminants, a wash at 60 °C or higher is recommended, especially for items such as tissue handkerchiefs that may carry flu or cold viruses. Continuing to wash at 30 °C can create a moist incubator inside the machine and increase the risk of cross‑contamination between garments.