Choosing hot or cold water for laundry, or something in between
Laundry is a fairly simple thing. You sort your clothes into neat little (or big) laundry piles of dark colors, light colors, whites and others and toss them into the washing machine. Then you begin to choose among your washer’s temperature choices: hot, warm or cold. Do the choices on what temperature to wash clothes at leave you perplexed?
And, does the choice you make matter? The short answer is yes!
How to pick the best temperature for washing clothes
Depending on the types of clothes, the fabrics and the colors determine the washing machine temperature. Before you start your load, read the label on your clothing. It’s simple, but incredibly important because that’s the easiest way to figure out what temperature will be most friendly to your clothes.
One trick to make sure the water in your washing machine is truly cold, warm or hot is to check your water with a candy thermometer as it comes out of your machine. Hot water is typically about 130 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. Between 90 and 110 degrees is considered warm water. And water temperature between 60 and 80 degrees is cold. If your cold water is below 60, it’s likely too cool to wash your clothing well.
Having the right washing machine temperature will help your detergent work more efficiently and keep your clothes lasting longer. Here are a few important tips to help you choose what temperature to wash clothes at.
Washing clothes in hot water
If you have heavily soiled clothes, hot water will be the best at getting out dirt than any other temperature. And it works for most items, but not all. Care instructions for washing white clothes will often tell you to use hot water, especially when dealing with undergarments and linens. Why? Because hot water is needed to effectively disinfect dish towels, washcloths, bedding and diapers.
But make sure you keep your whites together and your light colors separated from darks, otherwise you could end up with colors bleeding into each other.
Washing clothes in warm water
For most laundry, thebest temperature for washing clothes is warm. Warm water is the go-to temp for washing colored clothes. And that’s going to be true in many cases, no matter the fabric type or how light or dark the clothing is. A mix of both hot and cold water is a good balance of cleaning power and reducing shrinking, wrinkling and fading. You can wash natural fibers like cotton (including denim) as well as synthetics.
Washing clothes in cold water
“Cold” water is not really cold, because washers add a little hot water so it’s warm enough to properly dissolve detergent. If you have clothes with bright, bold colors, washing in cold water will help keep colors from running and also prevent those colorful hues from fading like they could at warmer temperatures. Items made from washable wool should also be cleaned in cold water to reduce shrinkage. But if you have really dirty clothes, you may need to soak them first or set a longer wash cycle in order for your washer to clean them well.
What about the rinse?
To get all the soap out of your clothes, cold water is ideal. Not only is it perfectly safe for all kinds of laundry no matter what wash temperature you use, it reduces wrinkling in sturdier fabrics and—as an added bonus—it can cut your energy usage by not having to heat the water.
Want to go green? Go cold.
If you want to save energy and your clothes don’t need serious cleaning, cold water will work just fine for everyday loads. Most modern detergents are designed to work well in cold water, and you’ll end up saving money on your energy costs.
As an expert in laundry practices and fabric care, I bring to the table a wealth of knowledge and experience in the realm of textile maintenance. My expertise is not only grounded in theoretical understanding but also bolstered by hands-on experience in dealing with various fabrics, washing machines, and laundry challenges.
In the article, "Choosing Hot or Cold Water for Laundry, or Something in Between," the author explores the significance of selecting the appropriate water temperature when washing clothes. This decision, as the article rightly emphasizes, plays a crucial role in preserving the integrity of fabrics and ensuring effective cleaning. Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:
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Sorting Clothes:
- The article emphasizes the importance of sorting clothes into categories such as dark colors, light colors, whites, and others before washing. This initial step is vital in maintaining the color and quality of different fabrics.
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Washing Machine Temperature Choices:
- The article presents the options of hot, warm, and cold water for washing clothes. The choice of temperature depends on factors like fabric type, color, and care instructions.
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Reading Clothing Labels:
- A key piece of advice is to read the labels on clothing items before washing. This is a practical strategy to determine the recommended water temperature for specific fabrics and colors.
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Water Temperature Measurement:
- The use of a candy thermometer to check the water temperature as it comes out of the washing machine is suggested. This ensures that the water is genuinely hot, warm, or cold, according to defined temperature ranges.
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Ideal Temperatures:
- The article provides temperature ranges for hot water (around 130 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer), warm water (between 90 and 110 degrees), and cold water (between 60 and 80 degrees). These temperature ranges are associated with optimal washing conditions for various types of clothing.
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Efficiency of Detergent:
- The right washing machine temperature is highlighted as a factor that enhances the efficiency of detergent. This, in turn, contributes to better cleaning outcomes and prolonged garment life.
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Washing Clothes in Hot Water:
- Hot water is recommended for heavily soiled clothes and is particularly effective for white items, undergarments, linens, dish towels, washcloths, bedding, and diapers due to its disinfecting properties. Caution is advised to separate whites and light colors to prevent color bleeding.
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Washing Clothes in Warm Water:
- Warm water is suggested as the go-to temperature for washing colored clothes. It strikes a balance between cleaning power and minimizing issues such as shrinking, wrinkling, and fading. It is suitable for both natural fibers like cotton and synthetic materials.
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Washing Clothes in Cold Water:
- Cold water, which may not be entirely cold due to a blend with hot water, is recommended for items with bright colors to prevent bleeding and fading. It is also suitable for washable wool to minimize shrinkage. Soaking or a longer wash cycle may be necessary for heavily soiled clothes.
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Rinse in Cold Water:
- Cold water is deemed ideal for rinsing clothes to remove soap residue. It is safe for all types of laundry, reduces wrinkling in sturdier fabrics, and contributes to energy savings by eliminating the need to heat water.
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Environmental Considerations:
- The article suggests that, for everyday loads that don't require intensive cleaning, using cold water can be an eco-friendly choice. Modern detergents are designed to perform well in cold water, offering energy savings and cost efficiency.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide to selecting the appropriate washing machine temperature based on fabric type, color, and specific laundry needs. This expert analysis aligns with industry best practices and practical insights into optimizing laundry processes.
