09/09/2014
CHOOSE THE CORRECT WATER TEMPERATURE
When To Use Hot Water
For most clothing the hotter the water, the cleaner the clothing will be. This is a general rule, but works out to be true for most of the clothing you'll encounter. Most linens and white clothing are washed in hot water to remove germs and heavy soil. However, many of our clothes will not come out looking very nice if they are washed in hot water. Hot water tends to make some clothing shrink, wrinkle, and fade. Different colors may turn out splotcy after using hot water. Other fabrics are delicate and don't respond well to high temperatures.
When To Use Warm Water
For most people the majority of their laundry is washed with warm water. Warm water is actually exactly what it sounds like, a mix of hot and cold. Some machines mix the hot and cold water 50-50, although many newer machines mix 60-40. Warm water is usually the best choice for permanent press and jeans. It allows good cleaning action without as much fading, wrinkling, and shrinking.
When To Use Cold Water
Cold water is usually used for delicate items, or items with instructions to be washed in cold water. It's also the best options for clothing that have bright colors that may run or fade in higher temperatures. If your cold water items are heavily soiled or dirty, you need to be especially diligent about checking and pre-treating for stains. You may also have to wash the items for longer, or allow them to soak before washing if they are heavily soiled.