Cologne is turning down: Free cold washing for the environment!

Cologne is turning down: Free cold washing for the environment!

In the heart of Cologne, environmental protection is very important. The #WirDrehenRunter initiative, launched by WWF and Procter & Gamble, has now also found its way into the cathedral city. The first campaigns have already taken place in laundromats in Munich and Berlin in recent months, and now the people of Cologne can look forward to a temporary cold laundromat. This exciting event takes place in the “CoolMool Wash” laundromat at Stammheimer Straße 117 and allows anyone interested to wash for free at 30 degrees, on work days and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger reports that the cold laundromat not only offers practical advantages, but also sets an important example for environmental protection.

But why is washing at low temperatures so important? A look at the numbers quickly shows that cold washing has several advantages. On the one hand, the lifespan of clothing is extended and, on the other hand, energy consumption is massively reduced. The Federal Environment Agency shows that washing at 30 degrees not only saves electricity, but also significantly reduces CO2 emissions. Modern detergents now clean just as effectively at low temperatures as at higher ones. Umweltbundesamt emphasizes that lowering the temperature not only benefits households, but also the environment.

A look at the numbers

The initiative has already achieved visible success: Since its launch in Hamburg in 2022, the average washing temperature in Germany has fallen from 43.2 degrees to 42.2 degrees. This leads to a saving of 115,000 tons of CO2 emissions, which is a considerable contribution to climate protection. Sebastian Tripp from WWF and Gabriele Hässig from Procter & Gamble said they were satisfied with the response seen in Cologne at the opening of the cold laundromat. There were not only dry lectures, but also lively discussions about fashion, sustainability and the role of each individual in environmental protection, supported by prominent voices such as actress Chryssanthi Kavazi.

Another interesting aspect that the Oeko-Institut has shown is that by reducing the washing temperature by just one degree, electricity consumption can be reduced by up to 38 percent. On average, this could reduce electricity consumption in private households by around 1.5 percent. This results in significant savings potential – not only for your wallet, but also for the environment. Looking at the household models shows that a household that washes 75 percent of its laundry at 30 degrees only consumes around 35.24 kWh of electricity per year and therefore only emits 21.7 kg of CO2, while an average household with higher washing temperatures consumes and emits significantly more.

Sustainable washing made easy

How can you wash in an environmentally friendly way? There are a few simple tips that every household can follow. Choosing an efficient washing machine that meets your personal needs is just as important as deciding to wash your laundry regularly at 60 degrees to eliminate germs. Interestingly, over 96.2 percent of households in Germany own a washing machine, which offers the opportunity to permanently change the washing habits of many people. Better sustainable explains that major savings can be achieved through simple adjustments - such as making full use of the washing machine or avoiding pre-washing with highly efficient detergents.

Now everyone is required to address these issues and make a lasting contribution. Because one thing is clear: the future of our planet depends on how we deal with our everyday decisions today. So why not start with washing?