Hot, warm or cold wash: How to make the right choice for your laundry (2024)

It’s no secret that saving money on utility costs is a priority for most laundry operators. Especially when you consider that operating a typical on-premise laundry consumes more than one-third of all the water, electricity and gas consumption of the premises.

Also, the need to have clean, disinfected linens is paramount to the health of your guests and residents. In fact, the primary goal of any laundry operation is generally disinfection and wash quality.

Therefore, it is vitally important to ensure that your laundry is both efficient, saving you money on utilities, and effective, ensuring a deep clean every time.

Whether you wash in hot, warm or cold water will significantly affect your results in these areas. However, what is best for one laundry may not be best for another.

Do you know what temperature is best for your situation? Or what the ideal temperature for washing clothes is? Read the following guide to help you make an informed choice and secure maximum efficiency and effectiveness for your commercial laundry.

What is the ideal temperature for washing clothes?

Hot washing (65 degrees or more)

Washing in hot water at 65°C for 10 minutes or 71°C for 3 minutes results in thermal disinfection, according to AS/NZS4146:2000.

The primary benefit of hot washing is the certainty that disinfection will occur once the thermal disinfection requirements have been met. This also generally results in superior wash quality compared to the lower temperatures, provided that all other variables remain the same.

The drawback of hot washing is that it typically results in longer cycle times due to the additional heating time. This may increase electricity and water consumption, compared to washing at lower temperatures. There is also a risk of damage to heat-sensitive fabrics if they are washed in a hot wash.

Warm washing (40 degrees)

What are the benefits of warm water in machine wash?

Washing in warm water and using a correct combination of specialised chemicals will result in chemical disinfection at the same level of effectiveness as thermal disinfection.

The benefit of warm washing is that it requires shorter wash cycles than a hot wash, as little to no heating is required. There is also no need to maintain or service an engineering solution such as an ozone unit. Both of these factors mean that the costs of running your laundry may be less if washing in warm water as opposed to hot.

The drawback of washing in warm water is that the process of injecting hot and cold water during the fill steps (fill modulation) can add extra time to the wash cycle, compared to a cold fill. Also, it may not be as effective as hot water in removing heavy soiling. If heavy soiling is not removed in the warm wash cycle, the linens will need to be washed again on a longer, hotter cycle. Therefore, the cost benefits of a warm water wash will not be achieved if soiling is heavy and the wash cycle is long.

Impact of warm water on different fabrics:

When it comes to doing laundry, many of us may not pay enough attention to the water temperature we use. The choice between hot, warm, and cold water can significantly impact the cleanliness, longevity, and appearance of our clothes. In this blog post, we’ll explore the effects of warm water on various fabrics and understand why it might be the best compromise for everyday laundry needs.

Warm water, typically set at temperatures between 32°C and 43°C, strikes the perfect balance between hot and cold water. Its moderate temperature makes it a versatile option for a wide range of fabrics, as it effectively removes dirt and stains while being gentle enough on delicate materials.

Cotton and Linen: Fabrics like cotton and linen, commonly found in everyday wear, benefit from warm water’s ability to break down oils and dirt effectively. Warm water opens up the fibres of these natural fabrics, allowing for better stain removal without causing excessive shrinkage or damage.

Synthetics: Polyester, nylon, and other synthetic fabrics respond well to warm water, as it helps loosen and eliminate body oils and odours. The heat aids in restoring the fabric’s resilience, ensuring it retains its shape and appearance for longer periods.

Wool and Delicates: While warm water may be ideal for most fabrics, wool, silk, and other delicate materials demand extra care. For these items, it’s best to stick to cold water to prevent shrinking or warping. However, some modern washing machines offer specialised wool and delicate cycles that utilise warm water at a gentle spin speed for a safe clean.

Cold washing (20 degrees)

A cold water wash, in combination with an ozone system and particular chemicals correctly mixed and applied, will deliver chemical disinfection to the same level as thermal disinfection.

The cold water wash is a popular option for those who have light to medium soiling and are interested in minimising utility costs. It is usually the shortest wash cycle, as the machine fills directly from the cold valves with no fill modulation or heating required, depending on the wash cycle classification. This method yields the greatest savings to water, electricity and gas consumption, and also leaves the smallest environmental footprint.

A cold wash is not without its limitations, however. Because the cold wash may not yield the best wash quality, particularly when heavy soiling is involved, the effectiveness of the laundry is heavily reliant on staff to correctly sort the linens and use the correct wash cycle to achieve consistent results.

Is there an ideal temperature for removing stains?

When it comes to battling stubborn stains, water temperature plays a crucial role in determining the success of your laundry efforts and the effectiveness of stain removal. Different types of stains respond differently to varying temperatures, and choosing the right setting can make all the difference in achieving spotless results.

Warm Water & Cold Water for Bloodstains:

Bloodstains should first be flushed with warm water. When doing this initial flush, be careful to avoid temperatures over 35 degrees as hot water will set the stain. After the stain has been flushed with water, spray and saturate the area with an enzyme-based cleaner. Allow at least 15 minutes for the cleaner to penetrate and dissolve the stain. Then, place the item in the machine for a normal wash cycle on either cold or warm water.

Warm Water for Grease and Oil Stains:

Grease and oil stains, often encountered from cooking or outdoor activities, can be effectively removed with warm water. Warmth helps dissolve these stubborn stains, allowing the detergent to penetrate the fabric and lift the oils away. For heavily soiled items, pre-treating with a stain remover before washing can enhance the results.

Cold Water for Wine, Juice, and Coloured Stains:

Stains caused by beverages like wine and juice, as well as colourful substances like ink or makeup, are best handled with cold water. Hot or warm water may set these stains, making them even harder to remove. Cold water prevents the stain from spreading and makes it easier for the detergent to target the colour particles.

Combination Techniques:

For laundry loads with a mix of stains, using a combination of water temperatures can be effective. Consider sorting the laundry based on the types of stains and fabric types.

While water temperature significantly impacts stain removal, it’s equally vital to consider the fabric type. Always check the garment care label for recommended water temperatures and follow any specific instructions. Delicate fabrics like silk and wool should be treated with extra care, regardless of the stain type.

Your commercial laundry experts

The Aqualogic team are experts in the set up and maintenance of commercial laundries, and we can help you to determine what options are best for you. At Aqualogic we know commercial laundry solutions, whether you are looking for coin operated machines, commercial washers or even dryers like commercial dryers or industrial dryers we have you covered! As your commercial laundry experts, you can rely on us to get the best wash results in your laundry and ensure that your commercial washing machines perform at their best every time. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs: contact us online or call 1300 222 119.