What clothes should not be washed in cold water?

Author: Oscar Connelly  |  Last update: Monday, January 26, 2026

Things You Should Never Wash in Cold Water
  • Aprons, Dish Towels, and Potholders. ...
  • Clothes with Greasy, Oily, or Waxy Stains. ...
  • Items Used by Someone Who Has Been Sick. ...
  • Items Used by Someone with Infections or Contagions. ...
  • Heavily Soiled Items. ...
  • Contaminated Work Clothes. ...
  • Cloth Diapers and Baby Clothes. ...
  • Pet Bedding, Towels, and Toys.

What should you not wash in cold water?

Where it comes to sweat, dust, dirt, cold water is perfectly ok. For greasy, oily stains, like old motor oil or machine grease, ballpoint ink you'll need heat. First off, detergents have vastly easier time isolating and separating liquid fats, than solid ones, so the temperature should be enough to make the oils melt.

Should black clothes be washed in cold water?

Washing Dark Colors

Cold water is best for preventing fading, so stick to a cold setting on your dark loads. (This is why it's important to separate your clothes into light and dark laundry loads.) While white items do best in hot water, cold water prevents fading in your dark items.

What detergent works best in cold water?

Tide advertises that all its detergents are effective in cold water. I use Tide powder, 2 tbsp per load. It lasts forever.

Does Tide really clean in cold water?

With Tide, you can save up to $150 on your yearly energy bill simply by turning to cold water. *** Tide is designed to work powerfully in cold water temperatures, giving you a great clean in every single load.

Does Washing Clothes In Cold Water Really Get Them Clean

What is the healthiest laundry detergent?

The best non-toxic laundry detergent is one that delivers cleanliness to your clothes while ensuring safety and sustainability.
  • NaturOli* (Our Top Pick)
  • Truly Free*
  • Ecos Free & Clear*
  • Meliora Unscented Powder Detergent*
  • Molly's Suds*
  • Aspen*
  • ATTITUDE*
  • Clean Cult*

Does OxiClean work in cold water?

OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover works in any temperature water, but best in warm to hot water. Do NOT use boiling water.

Do you wash towels in hot or cold water?

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.

Is it better to wash black jeans in cold water?

Machine washing your black jeans in cold water prevents the fibers from releasing dye. The cold water actually helps trap the dye inside the fabric and prevents color bleeding. Washing your jeans in warm or hot water will speed up fading and cause them to shrink, so washing in cold water is always best.

Should you wash clothes inside out?

The washing process can agitate or loosen dyes and hot water temperatures are typically known for causing color bleeding. Turning your clothes inside out before washing can help to reduce fading.

Why are my clothes shrinking in cold water?

There are still multiple reasons for clothes shrinking even after using cold water. The washing cycle of the washing machine and the temperature can cause such an effect. So, it's better to lower the temperature and set the gentle washing cycle for how to avoid clothes from shrinking.

Why shouldn't you shower with cold water?

Heart and Blood Pressure Problems

Cold water can cause a sudden spike in heart rate and blood pressure. This increase can cause heart failure and stroke for vulnerable people.

What happens if you wash clothes with cold water?

Cold-water washing means clothing is less likely to shrink or fade and ruin clothes. Cold water can also reduce wrinkles, which saves energy costs (and time) associated with ironing.

Can you wash kitchen towels in cold water?

This is especially true of kitchen towels, which can be cross-contaminated due to contact with raw meat or unwashed produce. Experts recommend washing kitchen towels in hot water immediately after using them to clean, as well as after cooking meat or fish, to prevent bacterial growth that can lead to food poisoning.

Is it okay to use the same towel for a week?

Dead skin cells, bacteria, and even sweat can accumulate quickly on your towels, so using a fresh one about every three days is a simple rule of thumb—for all kinds of towels.

Should bed sheets be washed in hot or cold water?

The best way to maintain good-looking sheets is to wash them in low-temperature cycles—cold water is ideal. Sometimes, though, you will need to use warmer wash cycles. We recommend using warm water to lift out tough stains, like coffee, because the heat helps loosen and lift out the stain.

How to keep new towels soft and fluffy?

It's especially important to wash brand-new towels separate from your more seasoned towels, as new ones can be serious offenders when it comes to lint creation. For super soft towels, add fabric conditioner to your load of laundry.

What does borax do for laundry?

Borax is often confused with other cleaning agents, but it stands out due to its ability to soften water, neutralize odors, and enhance the cleaning power of regular laundry detergents. The combination of these properties makes borax a go-to solution for many households looking to elevate their laundry game.

How do you disinfect cold water laundry?

To kill bacteria, use Lysol Laundry Sanitizer in the fabric softener compartment or pour directly into the rinse cycle. Use two caps filled to the correct line for your machine. To disinfect, pre-soak with laundry sanitizer. Use 2 capfuls in 1 gallon of cold water.

What is America's number 1 laundry detergent?

America's favorite detergent, Tide, has every laundry detergent you need - whether it's HE detergent or Tide PODS® with Febreze. For over 75 years, we have been committed to changing the way laundry is done while always delivering the hardest working laundry detergents.

Why you shouldn't use a lot of laundry detergent?

Detergent build-up can clog hoses, valves and other components, preventing water from draining properly. Over time, this creates a moist environment that supports the proliferation of mold, mildew and bacteria. This, in turn, can lead to mold and mildew growth on rubber gaskets and bad odors.

What is the #1 dermatologist recommended laundry detergent?

all Free Clear is the #1 recommended detergent brand by dermatologists, allergists and pediatricians for sensitive skin. 100% free of perfumes and dyes, all Free Clear is Tough on Stains, Gentle on Skin.

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