For most loads of laundry,cold water is the best choice.
Read on to find out when you shouldwash your clothes in cold waterand when you shouldn’t.
Look for the icon that resembles a tub with a wavy line across the top, to represent water.
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These symbols indicate the following temperatures:
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Does Cold Water Shrink Clothes?
Although cold water will not prevent all shrinking,cold water does not generally shrink clothing.
Unless your care label specifies otherwise, you should default to a cold temperature for your laundry.
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Longer-Lasting Clothes
If you want your clothes to last longer, cold water is the best choice.
Warm or hot water is more likely tofade,wrinkle, and evenshrinkyour clothes than cold water.
Cold water is much gentler on clothes, especiallydelicate itemslikebrasand clothes withsilkor lace as well as certain fabrics likerayonandwool.
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Protect the Environment
During a wash cycle, your clothes will shed tiny microfibers.
If you want to prevent less waste, choose cold.
Nevertheless, the best temperature for removing a stain depends on the stain itself.
For instance, warm and hot water will be more effective at removing stains fromoilandsweatthan cold water.
You Live in a Colder Climate
Mostlaundry detergentswork best at a temperature of 60 degrees or greater.
Unfortunately, if you live in a cold-weather state, your tap water may run closer to 40 degrees.
Tip
Powder laundry detergentsmay not be as effective with cold water.
Depending on the fabric, warm and hot water may cause clothing to shrink or change shape.
Always check your item’s care label for proper wash instructions.
