How to Decide What Water Temperature to Use for Laundry

Introduction

Cold or hot? Warm cold or cool cold? Choosing the water temperature for washing clothes can greatly impact the effectiveness of the cleaning process. No matter if you’re trying to remove tough stains, preserve fabric quality or save some energy, understanding when to use hot or cold water can make a significant difference in achieving the desired laundry results.

Here, we explore the various scenarios in which washing clothes with hot water is recommended and when cold water is the better choice. By examining some of the benefits as well as drawbacks to each choice, you’ll be more equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions that lead to cleaner clothes and more efficient laundry habits.

When to use hot water

Hot water is typically the best choice when attempting to remove specific types of stains and for washing certain fabrics. 

Types of stains that require hot water

• Grease and oil-based products: Hot water helps to break down and dissolve greasy residues, making it easier to remove stains like cooking oil, butter, and makeup from fabrics.
• Blood: Hot water helps break down the proteins in the blood, making it easier to lift them from the fabric.
• Stubborn dirt and grime: Hot water can effectively tackle dirt and grime that has settled deeply into fabrics, particularly in work clothes or other heavily soiled items.

Fabrics and items that benefit from hot water

• White cotton and linens: You can brighten and whiten white cotton garments, bed sheets, and towels with hot water, effectively removing any yellowing or discoloration.
• Towels and bedding: Hot water can also be used to eliminate bacteria, odors, and other buildup from towels and bedding, ensuring they are thoroughly sanitized and refreshed.
• Underwear and socks: Undergarments and socks are cleaned best in a hot water wash since they often come into contact with sweat, body oils, and bacteria.

Tips for washing with hot water

• Check garment labels for temperature recommendations: Before using hot water, always review the care labels on clothing items to make sure they can withstand higher temperatures.
• Use a high-quality detergent designed for hot water: To maximize the effectiveness of hot water washing, choose a detergent specifically formulated for use in that temperature.
• Avoid hot water for delicate fabrics and colors that may bleed: Delicate fabrics like silk or wool and brightly colored or patterned garments are best washed in cold water to prevent damage or color bleeding onto other items.

WATCH: Washing Machine Troubleshooting

When to use cold water

Cold water washing has its own set of advantages and is particularly suitable for delicate loads and preserving fabric quality.

Benefits of washing with cold water

• Energy efficiency and cost savings: Cold water washing requires less energy since there’s no need to heat the water. This leads to reduced utility costs and environmental impact.
• Preserving fabric colors and preventing shrinkage: Cold water helps prevent colors from fading or bleeding, preserving the vibrancy of your garments. It also minimizes the risk of shrinkage, especially for delicate fabrics.
• Gentle on delicate fabrics: Cold water is less harsh on delicate fabrics like silk, wool or lingerie and helps keep them in good condition over a longer period of time.

Types of clothes and stains best washed in cold water

• Dark-colored and vibrant garments: It’s best to wash dark-colored and vibrant clothing in cold water since it helps keep the colors looking fresh and vibrant while preventing fading.
• Delicate fabrics like silk and wool: Cold water is ideal for delicate fabrics. It’s gentler and reduces the risk of damage or distortion that can occur with hot water.
• Lightly soiled clothes: Clothes that are not heavily soiled and only worn for a short time benefit the most from a cold water cleanse that can remove light dirt and freshen them up.

Tips for washing with cold water

• Pre-treat stains before washing: If you have stains on your clothes, it’s important to pre-treat them with a stain remover or detergent specifically designed for cold water to enhance stain removal.
• Use a detergent specifically designed for cold water: Some detergents are formulated to work more effectively in cold water, ensuring proper cleaning and stain removal.
• Use a proper washing machine setting for cold water washes: Most modern washing machines have dedicated settings for cold water washing. Select the appropriate setting to optimize the cleaning process.

Considerations for mixed loads

Here are some tips for handling mixed loads of laundry containing garments with different water temperature requirements:

• Sort clothes based on water temperature requirements: Before starting the wash, sort your clothes based on their recommended water temperature. Keep the hot water items separate from the cold water items to ensure optimal cleaning results.

• Use warm water as a compromise: If you have a mixed load and want to find a middle ground between hot and cold water, consider using warm water. Warm water can help remove some stains and is particularly helpful for cleaning moderately soiled items and fabrics that can tolerate that temperature.

• Pre-treat stains in mixed loads: If you plan to clean heavily soiled items or garments with stubborn stains in a mixed load, it’s best to pre-treat those stains before washing. You can apply a stain remover directly to the affected areas and allow it to sit for a few minutes. This helps maximize stain removal even when washing in cold water.

Remember to read and follow the garment care labels for temperature recommendations. If you have any doubts or concerns, it’s best to err on the side of caution and choose the lower water temperature option to avoid damaging delicate fabrics or causing color bleeding.

Conclusion

Choosing the right water temperature for washing clothes can significantly impact the cleanliness, appearance, and lifespan of your garments. By understanding when to use hot water and when to opt for cold water, you can optimize your laundry routine and achieve the best results for any situation.

If you have any further questions or need assistance with appliance repairs, visit us at AppliancePartsPros.com. Our knowledgeable team can provide expert guidance, answer your questions and offer replacement parts to help you keep your washing machine and other appliances running smoothly.

With these guidelines and our support, you can make the appropriate decisions about water temperature and achieve clean, fresh, and well-maintained clothing with each laundry cycle. Happy washing!