There are times to choose hot water for specific use-cases (we'll explain those below), but most items can be washed in cold water to help save energy and get them clean.
Cold: The cold setting is ideal for washing delicate items, dark colors, silks, and synthetics. Cold water is gentle on clothing and helps prevent shrinking or bleeding of dyes (1). Warm: The warm setting is commonly used for washing cotton fabrics and everyday clothes that wrinkle easily.
Cold Water: Best for dark colors and delicate fabrics to prevent shrinking and fading. Warm Water: Good for synthetic fabrics and moderately soiled clothes. Hot Water: Effective for whites and heavily soiled items but can shrink or fade some fabrics.
Use shorter cycles for less soiled and delicate clothing, and longer cycles for heavily soiled and bulky items. Always opt for the shortest possible cycle to get the job done; the less time garments spend being spun around in the wash, the longer they'll last.
It's recommended to use the delicate wash cycle on your appliance when cleaning these and other items such as undergarments and delicate fabrics like lace and rayon. Use the normal wash cycle when cleaning moderately soiled cottons, linens and other mixed fabrics.
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).
Cold Water Washing Helps Clothes Last longer
Hot water is more damaging to clothing fibers, leading to them wearing out faster and shedding more microfiber particles. Washing in cold helps protect your fabrics to keep them looker newer longer.
Every time you wear them: tights, leggings, yoga pants, exercise clothing, T-shirts, socks undershirts/underpants and swimming suits. Every two days: hand towels and dish towels. Every three to four times you wear or use them: bath towels, bras, slips, dresses, sweaters, skirts, pajamas, slacks and jeans.
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.
In some instances, yes. However, a 30-minute wash is enough for your clothes depends on a few factors: Soil Level: Heavily soiled clothes from exercise, outdoor work, or greasy messes likely won't get fully clean in a 30-minute cycle. These clothes require a longer, more thorough wash at a higher temperature.
Use delicate cycles for soft fabrics and heavy-duty settings for tougher stains. Water temperature affects cleaning power and energy use. Warm water is good for most clothes, while cooler temperatures protect delicate items. Extra options like extra rinse or steam clean can boost cleaning effectiveness.
The Power Steam program is perfect for lightly soiled cotton, synthetic, and mixed fabrics items, effectively removing stains. The SpinDry/Rinse program rinses your load and spins it dry without detergent.
More Tips for Unshrinking Clothes & Garments
Instead of using a conditioner or baby shampoo, you can create a vinegar solution by mixing one part white vinegar with three parts lukewarm water. Soak the clothes in this solution for about 30 minutes before gently stretching and reshaping them.
Choosing overly loose or baggy outfits might seem like a comfortable choice, but it can backfire by hiding your body's natural contours. These loose silhouettes can create a shapeless appearance, making you appear larger than you are. Opt for clothes that flatter your body shape without drowning it in excess fabric.
The next time you're doing laundry, consider what kind of clothing you're washing. Hot water can cause bright colors to run and fade, and can shrink certain types of fabric. Hot water can also damage certain synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and vinyl.
It's not just time, energy, and water that can be saved by reducing the amount we wash our clothes–washing less means that our garments last longer, too. “Over-washing contributes to shrinkage, color fading and quicker deterioration of clothes,” Dr.
It depends on how much laundry you are doing. “Small loads need about two tablespoons of liquid detergent, medium loads take three to four tablespoons and large loads require five tablespoons,” says Matt O'Connor, co-founder of NoScrubs.io, a laundry delivery service in Austin, Texas.
Silk and other delicate fabrics
And along with your bras and silk underwear, it's best you don't put any other lingerie or stockings in the dryer either. These materials may shrink or become wrinkly because of the high temperatures inside the dryer, and it's next to impossible to reverse such damage.
As always, do check the manufacturer's instruction book or the wash care labels on individual garments for their own recommendations: Cottons: 1400 rpm. Delicates: 600 rpm. Woollens: 1200 rpm.
Sheets should be washed at a warm temperature to kill bacteria. A good temperature to wash bed sheets is 40 degrees but a 60-degree wash will be better at killing germs and should be used if someone in the house has been ill. As always, it's best to consult your bedding care labels for guidance on temperature.