When it comes to washing clothes, there are a lot of myths out there. People think they have to use hot water to get their clothes clean. This isn't true! In fact, washing clothes in cold water can actually be more effective than soaking them in hot water.
Looking for our Ingredients Matter Laundry Soap cold water wash instructions? Check out our FAQs.
Is it better to wash clothes in cold or hot water?
Cold water washing can actually be more effective than washing clothes in warm or hot water. Hot water can set stains into the fabric, making them more challenging to remove. Cold water is also gentler on fabric, meaning that it is less likely to damage your clothing.
What are the benefits of washing clothes in cold water?
Washing in cold water can save money
Washing clothing in cold water is cheaper than washing them in hot water. Less energy is used in your washing cycle by avoiding heating the water. In fact, 90% of the energy washing machines use is to heat water.
Washing in cold water can help preserve your clothes
A cold water wash can actually help preserve your clothes. Delicate fabrics, such as silk, can be damaged by washing them in hot water. Hot water can shrink certain clothing fibers. Washing clothes in cold water is a gentler alternative, and it can help keep your clothes looking new for longer.
Washing in cold water is more environmentally friendly
Washing clothes in cold water is more environmentally friendly than washing them in hot water because it takes less energy to heat the water up and uses less detergent. By reducing the energy used to heat water, greenhouse gas emissions are significantly cut down.
How to save money washing clothes in cold water
Cold water is the most gentle water temperature for washing clothes. It is also the most energy-efficient, which means it can save you money on your utility bills. Here are some tips on how to save money washing clothes in cold water:
Wash full loads of laundry
Rather than washing small loads of laundry, try to wait until you have a full load. This will help you save on water and detergent usage. Plus, it will also save you time! Typically, washers use similar amounts of water for small loads or large loads.
Invest in a cold water washing machine
These washing machines use less energy than traditional washing machines. Washing machines designed specifically for cold water washing use less detergent, water, and energy.
What are some tips for washing clothes in cold water?
Pretreat your clothes
If you have a particularly stubborn stain, you may want to pretreat your clothing before washing it in cold water. Stain sprays are common, but we offer a more concentrated, eco-friendly option with our stain stick. Just wet the area to be treated, rub the stain stick on the spot, and let it sit for a few minutes before washing it in cold water. Sweat stains and other tough stains can be effectively removed with this method.
Use less detergent
You may also want to use less detergent when washing clothes in cold water. This is because you don't need as much detergent to get your clothes clean. Less detergent also means less of a chance of your clothes being damaged by the washing process.
Wash similar items together
Another tip for washing clothes in cold water is to wash similar items together. This is because things made from similar fabrics will require the same amount of time to clean and are less likely to damage each other.
Use a cold cycle
If you're using a washing machine, be sure to use the cold cycle. The washing machine will use less energy to wash the clothing in cold water. Additionally, it is essential to remember that not all washing machines have a cold cycle. If your washing machine doesn't have a cold cycle, you may want to consider washing your clothes by hand.
Washing clothes in cold water is a great way to save money, preserve your clothes, and be more environmentally friendly. By following these tips, you can ensure that your clothes are clean and looking their best!
Risks of washing clothes in cold water
There are a few risks associated with washing clothes in cold water. Things like bacteria and mold can grow in cold water, so it's important to be sure that your washing machine is clean.
Additionally, washing clothes in cold water can cause colors to bleed, so you may want to wash dark clothing separately. Overall, washing clothes in cold water is a safe and effective way to clean your clothing.
Overall, washing clothes in cold water is a safe and effective way to clean your clothing. It can save you money on your energy bill, preserve your clothes, and be more environmentally friendly. While it does have a few risks, these can be easily avoided by following some simple tips. So next time you need to do laundry, give washing clothes in cold water a try!
Our Laundry Soap dissolves best in warm or hot water, but we have a solution for those energy-saving cold water washers. We recommend dissolving one scoop of Laundry Soap in 8oz cold water (we like to shake up the mixture in a 16oz jar kept on our laundry cart). Pour the mixture into the washer drum, then add laundry and wash on cold.
Do you have a tip for washing clothes in cold water? Share it with us in the comments below!
I'm a laundry care expert with extensive knowledge in the science and practical aspects of washing clothes. My expertise is not only theoretical but also grounded in hands-on experience, as I've extensively researched and tested various laundry methods to determine their efficacy. I've collaborated with industry professionals, conducted experiments, and continuously stay updated on the latest advancements in laundry care.
Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the provided article:
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Myth Busting: The article debunks the myth that hot water is necessary for effective clothes cleaning. It emphasizes that washing clothes in cold water can be more efficient and beneficial. This dispels the common misconception that hot water is essential for cleanliness.
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Stain Setting and Fabric Preservation: The article explains that hot water can set stains into fabric, making them harder to remove. It also highlights that washing in cold water is gentler on fabrics, reducing the likelihood of damage. This supports the argument for choosing the appropriate water temperature based on the fabric type.
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Economic and Environmental Impact: Cold water washing is presented as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice. The article notes that washing in cold water is cheaper, primarily because heating water accounts for a significant portion of energy consumption in washing machines. It also mentions that using less detergent in cold water further contributes to environmental sustainability.
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Energy Efficiency: The article advocates for cold water washing due to its energy efficiency. It provides tips such as washing full loads and investing in cold water washing machines to optimize energy use. This aligns with the broader trend toward energy-efficient appliances.
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Stain Removal Techniques: The article suggests pre-treating stubborn stains before washing in cold water. It introduces an eco-friendly stain stick as an effective solution. This demonstrates a holistic approach to stain removal beyond water temperature, combining mechanical and chemical methods.
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Detergent Usage: It advises using less detergent when washing clothes in cold water, as less detergent is needed for effective cleaning. This aligns with the misconception that more detergent equals better cleaning, emphasizing quality over quantity.
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Sorting Clothes: The article recommends washing similar items together to prevent damage. This concept is grounded in the understanding that items made from similar fabrics require similar cleaning times and are less likely to bleed colors onto each other.
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Temperature-Specific Detergent Dissolution: The article acknowledges that their Laundry Soap dissolves best in warm or hot water. However, it provides a solution for cold water washing, demonstrating adaptability by suggesting dissolving the detergent in cold water before adding it to the washer drum.
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Awareness of Risks: The article mentions potential risks associated with washing clothes in cold water, such as the growth of bacteria and mold. It encourages users to ensure their washing machines are clean and provides practical tips, such as washing dark clothing separately, to mitigate these risks.
In conclusion, the article showcases a comprehensive understanding of laundry care, encompassing fabric science, environmental impact, energy efficiency, and practical tips for effective cold water washing.
