When you’re doing laundry, you probably focus on sorting lights and darks, pre-treating stains, and using the right setting. But there’s an often-overlooked setting that can have a major impact on your clothes: the water temperature. Experts explain that the best water temperatures for laundry vary depending on what you’re washing.
A common misconception is that you should always use hot water to get items truly clean. And while that is true for some items, like sweaty workout clothes, using hot water isn’t always necessary. In fact, most everyday items can be washed in cold water. Modern detergents are designed to work just as well in cold water as they do in hot water. Cold water is often gentler on delicate fibers and is less likely to cause items to fade or shrink. (Plus, it can save you a bit of money on your energy bill!)
When to Use Cold Water vs. Hot Water for Laundry
In some cases, cold water is actually the recommended choice. Delicates like silk and rayon should always be washed in cool water and often air-dried or hand-washed to avoid damage. Spandex should also be washed cold and line-dried to maintain its stretch. Even wool fares better in cool or warm water rather than hot, which can cause it to shrink.
That doesn’t mean you should forget all about using warm or hot water, though. Those higher temperatures can help loosen body oils, dirt, and heavy soil that detergents alone may struggle to tackle, making them especially useful for sweaty workout gear, towels, or bedding.
So the next time you throw in a load of laundry, take a second to think about what your clothes really need. For most everyday washes, cold is the smartest choice, but when stains or soil call for backup, a little extra heat can go a long way.
