Hot or Cold: Which Water Temperature is Best for Your Laundry?
When doing the laundry, most people focus on choosing a suitable detergent to remove dirt and grime. However, the water temperature used during washing also plays a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of the process. The question of whether to use hot or cold water often arises, leaving many wondering, which option is best. Here’s what experts have to say.
Hot Water: What Does It Do to Your Clothes?
Hot water is ideal for removing tough stains and killing germs and bacteria that may be present in dirty laundry. It’s especially useful for cleaning white fabrics often stained by sweat or bodily fluids. In most cases, experts recommend using hot water when washing bed linens, towels, and underwear. However, hot water can cause colors to fade or bleed and shrink some fabrics, especially those made of wool or silk.
Cold Water: Is It Effective for All Types of Laundry?
While hot water is beneficial for some laundry items, cold water works for just about anything. It’s gentle on clothes, helping them last longer, and it doesn’t cause colors to fade. Moreover, using cold water saves energy, reducing the electricity bill. Cold water also prevents some types of stains, such as blood and wine, from setting into the fabric. However, cold water doesn’t kill bacteria and may not remove oils and grease from clothes effectively.
When to Use Warm Water with Detergent
Warm water strikes the perfect balance between hot and cold. It’s suitable for people who don’t want to use hot water but also want to avoid the drawbacks of cold water washing. Warm water is efficient in cleaning heavily soiled items, such as clothes with food, oil, or grass stains. It’s also effective in dissolving detergent, making it easier to rinse off. Warm water is ideal for colored fabrics that need to retain their vibrancy during washing.
Ultimately, the choice of whether to use hot or cold water with detergent depends on the clothes being washed. Consider factors such as color-fastness, stain type, and the type of fabric used. If in doubt, check the label on the garment to see what the manufacturer recommends. In general, hot water is ideal for heavily soiled items, while cold water works for nearly everything else. Also, remember warm water is an excellent substitute when you don’t want to use either temperature extreme.
