Yes, it can cause shrinkage in delicate or non-colorfast fabrics, so always check care labels. On the wrong items, like delicate or dyed fabrics, hot water can cause shrinkage, fading and wrinkling.
When to Use Hot Water -- For whites, visibly dirty or odorous clothes and diapers, use hot water (130°F or above). Hot water is best to remove germs and heavy soil. However, hot water can shrink, fade and damage some fabrics, so be sure to read your clothing labels before selecting the hot option.
It might be possible for hot water to shrink certain clothing items to their maximum shrinking capacity after just one wash. Besides shrinkage, washing your clothes with hot water can also damage items by permanently causing color fading.
Similarly, hot water may cause your clothes to shrink and fade color over time. Typically, fabrics that are safe to wash with hot water include certain synthetic fibers such as nylon or polyester, as well as preshrunk cotton. Never wash materials such as wool, silk, viscose, or other delicate fibers with hot water.
Boiling your clothes is not a recommended method for removing odors. While heat and moisture can help eliminate some smells, boiling can damage fabrics, cause colors to fade, and even lead to shrinkage. Instead, consider these alternatives:
Wash jeans in warm water: Most of the time when you have something that you want to wash gently you wash it in cold water. But that's not the case when you are washing denim jeans. Warm water will help the color stay in the jeans and help keep the jeans from shrinking. Hot water is too hot and can destroy the fabric.
The boiling method is more likely to damage the print than the washer. If your t-shirt has stains, pre-treat or remove them before shrinking (stains that haven't been pre-treated will be permanently set in the fabric by the heat). Check your shirt's tag to see if it's pre-shrunk.
Washing in Cold Water Can Help Reduce Fading & Color Bleeding. Hot water is more damaging to fabric fibers. Washing dark-colored fabric in cold water can help keep rich, deep colors looking their best.
When to Use Warm Water – For man-made fibers, knits and jeans, use warm water (90°F). Most of your clothes can be washed in warm water. It offers good cleaning without significant fading or shrinking. When to Use Cold Water – For dark or bright colors that bleed or delicate fabrics, use cold water (80°F).
Hot water will set some stains, particularly protein based stains. Use cold or warm water on these before washing in hot water. Always test to be sure that a stain removal product will not damage fabric by applying to a small part of the fabric that is not easily seen.
Hot water opens up fibers in the clothing, which releases dye, while cold water helps keep them closed, trapping the dye to help prevent color bleeding. An exception to this rule is sheets and towels, especially during cold and flu season.
Towels should be washed in the warmest water appropriate for the fabric according to the care label. Generally, warm or hot water is recommended for washing towels. Use a cycle specifically for towels or a normal/regular cycle.
Hot water cannot bond with any insoluble dirt, making it a better medium to clean than cold water. Therefore, hot water is more effective for cleaning purposes than cold water as it has higher kinetic energy, extra space between its molecules, and is more compatible with detergents.
New garments often have excess dye that hasn't fully set, and this dye can easily transfer to other items in the wash. Which is why, before washing new clothes, soak them in a mixture of water and white vinegar or salt. This helps set the dye and reduces the likelihood of it bleeding during future washes.
Presoak your workout clothes if necessary
White vinegar is a natural deodorizer, and the acidity of the vinegar helps break down sweat stains and other lingering build-up that can trap odors and bacteria over time. Cold water is best for washing workout clothes, since excess heat can damage the fabric and elasticity.
While hot water is effective for cleaning, it's important to note that does hot water shrink clothes? Yes, it can cause shrinkage in delicate or non-colorfast fabrics, so always check care labels. On the wrong items, like delicate or dyed fabrics, hot water can cause shrinkage, fading and wrinkling.
60°C is the perfect temperature for killing bacteria, viruses and removing stains. This wash setting is also highly recommended for washing towels and bedding, but obviously this setting is going to increase running costs as the higher the temperature the higher the cost.
Choose the Right Wash Cycle
A regular cycle is best for sturdy and dirty clothes, while the permanent press setting is fine for the average load. Use the delicate cycle for lacy and loosely woven fabrics. Use hot water for white loads, warm water for the average load, and cold water for bright colors.
Hot water can shrink, fade, or otherwise damage some of the more delicate white fabrics, so it's always best to separate your whites by fabric type to keep them looking fresh.
Good for Your Wallet
Check your garment care labels, and you'll see that many clothes specify to wash them in cool or cold water. This is because cold water is gentler on your clothes, and can protect them from fading, shrinking or bleeding.
Leave plenty of room in the sink (never overload it). Allow the garment to soak for at least 10 minutes (up to 30 minutes is fine), and then gently squeeze the fabric through the water.
While boiling might seem like a quick fix for a tough stain or funky smell, it's not worth the risk. Stick to regular washing methods (machine or hand-washing, for example) and follow the care labels on your clothes.
Sweat itself is not the culprit when it comes to damaging clothes. However, the minerals and salts in sweat, when left to dry on your clothing, can lead to unsightly stains and unpleasant odours.
Clothes are much more likely to shrink when exposed to hot water or high dryer settings. Washing clothes in cold water goes a long way toward preserving the “off-the-rack” size. Avoiding heavy duty cycles, fast spins and high-heat drying can also prevent shrinkage.