Cold Water Vs. Hot Water Laundry Washing

Traditional Laundry Technique

• When doing laundry, hot water is traditionally used to wash linens, whites and heavily soiled clothing. Warm water is used for lightly soiled clothes, while cold water is for colors and delicate clothing. Clothing manufacturers include labels inside clothing listing the recommended washing technique, including the temperature of the water. Mary Gagliardi, a researcher and product tester for Clorox, recommends the use of the warmest water listed on the fabric care label for the best cleaning results.

Cold Water Advantages

• Seventy-five percent of the energy used in laundry washing goes toward the heating of the water, according to Madison Gas and Electric. The use of cold water for washing reduces laundry costs and damage to the environment. Many detergent manufacturers offer laundry detergents specifically designed to work with cold water to clean clothes. Volunteer Guide recommends using cold water on all clothes, except those with oil or grease stains in order to reduce energy consumption.

  Hot water could fade the colors of clothing, shrink cottons and cause wrinkling in permanent press clothing. Cold water may offer longer wear out of clothing by reducing the amount of damage to the fabric.

Hot Water Advantages

• Science supports the use of hot water for laundry. The molecules in hot water move faster, releasing more kinetic energy. This gives the liquid a better chance of dislodging solid materials, according to Indiana University Northwest. Hot water aids in removing dirt from heavily soiled items.

  In addition to cleaning fabric, hot water may help eliminate the buildup of scum within a washing machine. Hot water helps to dissolve soap into the water, keeping it from clinging to the insides of the machine.

Germ Removal Factors

• Hot water aids in the killing of some germs, depending on the temperature of the water. Keep in mind that the temperature of the hot water reaching the machine is cooler than that leaving the hot water heater. Susan Wright, extension specialist with New Mexico State University, recommends setting the hot water heater to a higher temperature when very hot water is required in the machine.

  Laundry additives may help to remove germs from cold-water washing. Chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach, color-safe bleaches and borax may help in killing germs and fungi in clothing and other fabric.