However, hot water can also set protein-based stains like blood or sweat, making them harder to remove. Cold water is better for preventing colour bleeding and setting stains, especially for delicate fabrics. It's advisable to refer to the garment's care label and treat stains promptly.
Typically, cold water works great on blood, as well as food, beverages and water-based paint, while hot water works best on protein-based stains. Unfortunately, there's no golden rule to stain removal. For example, most food stains should be soaked in cold water, unless it's egg, mustard or a tomato-based product.
Cold water is fine for most clothes and other items that you can safely put in the washing machine. It can remove many stains from clothing, including grass on your kid's jeans or makeup smudges on a sweater. Delicate fabrics (lace and silk) and dark, colorful fabrics actually do best in cold water.
Issues with Fabric Softener
The use of fabric softeners can lead to stained clothing in the washing machine. In most cases, people use too much fabric softener, which then doesn't have ample room to spread throughout the washer.
Removing stains
Hot water may be best for disinfecting and removing bacteria, but cold water is actually more effective in removing certain kinds of stains. A cold water soak and cold wash cycle will help fight tough food, coffee, or sweat stains more effectively than hot water.
Start by using cold water to flush as much of the stain away as you can. After applying an enzyme detergent to the stain and letting it sit, wash the garment in hot water or the warmest setting recommended on the care tag to remove the stain.
Hot water cycles, which typically run at 130°F or above, can sanitize the nasty things quite well — like vomit, feces, and urine. Hot water is also exceptional at loosening and rinsing away dirt, grass, oily stains and sweat stains.
Separate lights and pastels from dark-colored clothes, then wash similar colors together. If any dyes are released, they won't discolor other clothes. Turn clothes inside-out to reduce friction that leads to fading on the outside. Wash heavy fabrics apart from more delicate ones, and zip all zippers to reduce friction.
One of the most common causes is using too much detergent. If you add too much detergent, the fabric will react with the washing powder, leaving behind brown flakes. Another common cause is using too much Fabric softener. The product is made of oil, and when you use too much, it causes a stain.
How Often Should I Be Washing My Washer? Washing machines should be rinsed once a week by going through a “clean cycle” where the washing machine is completely empty and does not have clothes or detergent. It is recommended that every washing machine should be deep-cleaned at least once a month.
Using hot or warm water
Flushing a fresh stain with hot water may seem obvious, but it can have the opposite effect. Hot water can permanently set some stains, particularly those that are protein-based, like blood. Instead, always use cold water.
Use warm water
White denim should be washed in warm water to help remove germs and dirt.
Most care labels on towels say to wash them in cold water on a delicate cycle. Jones and Dowling second this, and in our towel testing, I do the same to accurately compare the feel, shrinkage, absorbency, and color fading.
With an increased amount of solvents, hot water can dissolve more material than cold water. This is why hot water is the first choice for cleaning hard-to-wash stains such as dirt, grease, and oil. Besides that, hot water transfers heat when it comes in contact with anything.
Water stains can be removed relatively easily from washable clothing.
OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover works in any temperature water, but best in warm to hot water. Do NOT use boiling water.
Orange and Brown Stains on Towels
Those brown or orange stains are probably not rust. They are usually caused by make-up, acne medicine, sunscreen, or self-tanners, especially on beach towels.
Liquid stains or heavy grease stains can seep into the fabric more quickly because of the oil content. Gravy, chocolate, rich sauces and dressings are all common culprits for leaving greasy brown stains on white clothing, so always begin by absorbing these types of stains.
Keep stains wet: With the exception of oil stains, it's recommended that you keep the stain wet until you're able to treat it properly. Even a melting ice cube can work in a pinch! Rinse fabric inside-out: Always initially rinse your stained garment from behind, or the underside of the fabric.
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 (130 F or above) is most effective in removing dirt and stains.
Bright colors are an absolute no-no since they highlight sweat stains and soaked pits like nobody's business. Stay far away from your hot pink shirt - it'll draw attention to your wardrobe yes, but also, sweat stains if they're present. Greys are also not your friend so pass on them as well.
Remove that sweaty stain by dabbing it with a half-strength solution of ammonia and water before the wash. Before washing, try rubbing the stained armpit area with cold water. The use of hot water can result in the stain setting, so always turn to cold water in this situation.