Hot vs. Cold: How to Get the Best Out of Your Laundry at Made New Laundry
At Made New Laundry, we want to ensure that your clothes come out looking their best! One of the key factors to getting great results is knowing when to use hot water and when to opt for cold. Here's a simple guide to help you choose the right water temperature for every load.
When to Use Hot Water
Hot water is your best friend when it comes to removing tough stains and sanitizing. It can help dissolve detergents more effectively and kill germs that thrive on fabrics. However, it’s important to be mindful of fabric care instructions because not all materials do well with high temperatures.
Use Hot Water For:
Whites: Hot water keeps white fabrics bright and removes body oils and dirt.
Tough Stains: If you’re dealing with grease, oils, or grime, hot water helps break down the substances.
Heavily Soiled Items: Think towels, bedding, and cloth diapers, where extra sanitization is needed.
Durable Fabrics: Cotton, linens, and items marked as safe for hot water in the care instructions.
What to Watch Out For: Hot water can shrink clothes, cause color fading, and wear out fabrics faster, so avoid it with delicate or brightly colored garments.
When to Use Cold Water
Cold water is perfect for saving energy and preserving the life of your clothes. It’s gentle on fabrics, prevents shrinking, and reduces the risk of color bleeding. In fact, most modern detergents are designed to work effectively in cold water.
Use Cold Water For:
Bright or Dark Colors: Cold water prevents fading and keeps colors vibrant.
Delicate Fabrics: Wool, silk, and lace hold up better in cold temperatures.
Clothing with Elastics: Items like workout clothes and bathing suits stay stretchy and last longer when washed in cold water.
Lightly Soiled Items: For everyday wear and clothes that just need a refresh, cold water is more than enough.
What to Watch Out For: Cold water may not be as effective at removing grease or stubborn stains, so pre-treating them is essential for the best results.
The Middle Ground: Warm Water
For those times when you can’t decide, warm water can be the perfect compromise. It’s effective at removing stains, while still being gentle enough for most fabrics.
Use Warm Water For:
Synthetic Fabrics: Polyester, nylon, and blends clean well in warm water.
Clothes That Need Extra Freshness: Warm water is great for everyday wear that needs a bit more cleaning power without the risk of shrinking or fading.
Mixed Loads: If you have a load with mixed fabrics and colors, warm water is usually safe for both.
At Made New Laundry, our high-efficiency Electrolux machines allow you to choose the right temperature setting for your load. Whether you’re using hot water for deep cleaning or cold water to preserve your delicates, we’ve got you covered!
Don’t forget to check your garment tags for care instructions, and when in doubt, cold water is always a safe choice! Happy washing!
