Why Washing in Cold Water Makes So Much Sense

Do you need your washing water cold or hot when you visit any of your preferred laundromats in Chula Vista? When hot or warm, the popular solvent is a powerful, stubborn stain remover. However, there are many laundry applications in which cold water is equally effective or better. Here’s a look at when cold-water washing is a more environment-friendly and cost-effective option.

The following are a few advantages of washing your clothes in cold water:

Eco-Friendliness

When you wash your clothes in cold water, you help protect the environment. According to one study, hot water (such as at 104 degrees Fahrenheit) accelerates the release of microfibers in the fabric into the environment. It also absorbs more color and dye, both of which are potential pollutants.

Energy Savings

Cold-water washing is a more cost-effective option as it requires less heat energy. Your washing machine will use 75-90% less electricity if you don’t heat the water. This way, you also get to lower your monthly energy bill.

Protects Your Clothes

The dye on your garments fades off at a higher rate during hot-water washing. Also, some fabrics shrink easily at higher laundry temperatures. Use cold water instead to prolong the life of your attire.

When Can I Use Hot Water Instead of Cold Water?

You can use hot or warm water at the laundromat if:

  • You’re washing clothes with tough stains like oil
  • Your objective is to wash and eliminate any bacteria on your clothing
  • You’re washing white garments

When Cold Water Washing Gives the Best Laundry Results

Washing in cold water is most effective in situations such as:

  • Your clothes are safe for machine-wash and have easy-to-remove stains like grass
  • You’re washing dark or colorful clothing items
  • You’re dealing with silk, lace, or other delicate fabrics
  • The stain in question could set into the fabric if you wash in hot water, such as blood or sweat

3 Laundry Tips: When You Shouldn’t Use Cold Water

Cold water isn’t always the best option. Here are instances when you should consider washing in hot water instead:

  • When hot water is more effective in cleaning your specific type of fabric, for example, warm water works better with artificial fabrics like nylon.
  • Cold water isn’t effective in killing germs in any piece of fabric. When washing clothes or bedding that has been used by a sick family member, use hot water to sanitize it.
  • When the temperature drops too low in your location, such as 40 degrees Fahrenheit, detergents may be ineffective in tap water. You may need to warm your water to get better laundry results if you live in such an area.

Use the Correct Temperature Setting for Each Item

Always use the right heat setting for your laundry. Most clothes or garments will have a label indicating their appropriate wash water temperature range.

This specification should override any personal preferences because you want to protect your clothes besides doing an excellent laundry job. For some clothing labels, dots indicate the maximum wash temperature, such as one dot for 30 degrees Fahrenheit or two dots for 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Others show this specification in numbers.

Cold Water Vs. Hot Water: Which One Should You Use?

You don’t have to always wash your laundry in hot water. Cold water works fine in many scenarios and is great for the environment and your budget. Always be guided by the specific wash water temperature needs for each type of garment you’re washing.

If you’re after quick and efficient self-service laundry, visit us at Fresh & Clean Laundry. We provide best-in-class laundromat facilities for all your laundry needs.

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