Setting the best temperature to wash clothes is more important than you think. It can increase the effectiveness of the cleaning cycle, remove stains and help make your clothes last longer. While cold water is best for delicate and colored items, hot water is better for white clothing and towels when the label allows. Warm water is suitable for everyday mixed loads.
Washing your clothes correctly involves more than just getting them soapy and rinsing them off. Choosing the right setting can be the difference between removing a grease stain and shrinking a wool sweater. Temperature determines how the fabric, dye and stain in your clothing react to the ingredients in your detergent. Here’s a simple laundry water temperature guide:
Cold water is the most fabric-safe choice, as it protects colors from fading and prevents shrinkage. Modern detergents are formulated with enzymes and surfactants that are more effective in cool temperatures. Opting for a cold-water wash also helps save energy, as the heater isn’t used for this cycle type.
It is best to use cold water between 60° and 80° Fahrenheit to protect delicate, vibrant clothes, including:
Warm water is a versatile option for most loads, combining cleaning power with fabric care for mixed loads, synthetic blends and moderately soiled items. It is gentle on fabrics and colors while providing stronger cleaning power compared to colder cycles. You can use this cycle type if you need a thorough clean without sanitizing clothes.
It is best to use warm water between 90° and 110° Fahrenheit to wash lightly stained fabrics and combinations, including:
Hot water is the go-to solution for deep cleaning and sanitization. It is the most effective temperature to dissolve all types of detergents, allowing them to fully activate their cleaning agents and break down and lift dirt, grease and stains. Higher temperatures also kill bacteria, viruses and other microbes, providing sanitization and disinfection for maximum hygiene.
It is essential to follow the washing directions on your items before washing with hot water, as some fabrics can shrink, fade or lose their shape in this temperature setting. Hot washes of 130° Fahrenheit and higher are most effective with durable materials that are heavily soiled, including:
To care for your clothes and ensure the most effective wash cycle, it is important to prepare for laundry day in advance. Here are some shared laundry tips to streamline the process:
You can use water temperature to effectively target specific stains and soils. Here are some of the most common stains and the right temperatures to use for them:
Caldwell & Gregory provides seamless laundry experiences for residents and facilities. Contact us online to learn more about our advanced app, payment solutions and responsive support for a hassle-free laundry day.
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