Do you wash whites in hot or cold
Do you wash whites in hot or cold water? |
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By Tara King
last updated
Keeping whites white is something we all want to achieve with our laundry, but do you wash whites in hot or cold water in order to retain their original color?
As a general rule, higher temperatures are the most effective at removing dirt and stains, so if it’s bright whites you’re after, hot water is a good bet. However, that doesn’t mean you go straight in for the hottest cycle setting – there are other things to consider, too.
While your laundry room ideas will create a space that’s stylish and functional, washing savvy is also a prerequisite to keep fabrics looking and feeling as good as new so here we’ve put together a guide to the temperature that’s right for washing whites.
Do you wash whites in hot or cold water?
‘What temperature you decide to wash your whites should be dictated by several things; mainly the material they’re made of – whether white or not, certain fabrics do not do well in heat – as well as the level and type of stain they’ve suffered,’ say the cleaning experts at Essential Living .
Washing standard white loads in hot water every time isn’t the most eco-friendly decision – or the most cost-effective, for that matter. With that in mind, it’s worth taking a little time to understand the best heat setting for your needs – for your sake, your clothes, and the environment, too. This is the lowdown.
Start by reading the garment care label
Regardless of how stained your whites are, it’s important to check out the laundry symbols on the garment’s care label and stick to the recommended water temperature and washing cycle.
‘Polyester blends are best washed using warm water, while cotton can tolerate hot water, for example’, says WeThrift ’s homes expert, Nick Drewe.
Make a note of any specific instructions and alter the temperature setting on your washing machine accordingly.
When to wash whites in hot water
Having hotter cycles (130ºF (50ºC) and above) as your default washing machine setting is not necessary for your usual day-to-day laundering. Save on energy bills – and decrease your carbon footprint – by reserving them only for heavily stained items (assuming the fabric can take the heat). Consider making these washes shorter than usual to reduce your energy expenditure even further.
High temperatures kill bacteria, so hot washes are always the best option if someone in the household is poorly, though.
When to wash whites in cold water
Cold water cycles (between 60 and 80ºF (15 and 30ºF) cause the least amount of damage to fabrics, so it’s a good idea to wash garments (white or not) you’re unsure about in cooler temperatures to avoid disappointment when you pull your clothes out of the drum. If you’re not satisfied with the results, you can always try a slightly warmer setting next time.
‘Delicate whites always require a cool wash (no more than 80ºF (30ºC)) on a delicate or hand-wash cycle,’ says Sally Hughes, founder of luxury laundry care brand, Kair .
When washing whites in cooler temperatures, change your machine setting to a gentle wash and use a specially formulated cold-water detergent to ensure a deep, thorough clean.
If you’re washing at cooler temperatures on a regular basis, it’s worth heeding this caution from Sophie Lane at Miele . ‘Washing at low temperatures for long periods of time can result in bacteria and odors building up in a washing machine,’ she says. ‘Over time, this buildup can cause whites to go gray and dull.’ To prevent this Sophie recommends cleaning a washing machine regularly.
How to wash whites in a washing machine
Hot water cycles are often the default setting on our washing machines, with most people never bothering to change them. However, based on the above, it’s safe to say this is a mistake. For a standard white wash (ie lightly stained, nothing too set-in), take the time to check your garment care labels.
Separate them based on the temperatures required and change your washing machine settings accordingly.
‘I suggest using the warmest water recommended for the fabric – this will help lift dirt and grime which might otherwise dull fabric over time, while minimizing the risk of shrinkage’, says Sally Hughes.
When a hot wash is required, such as for heavily stained items, Sally recommends changing the cycle setting. ‘Most modern machines will have setting options such as heavy duty or whitest whites which can be used depending on the severity of the staining,’ she says.
Pre-treat stains with the correct water temperature
Whether it’s coffee, red wine, chocolate or mud, white clothing does not take kindly to tough stains. Thankfully, practically any stain can be removed with a little extra TLC. Depending on what the stain is, different pretreatment strategies might be required, often involving different water temperatures, so it’s important to know what you’re dealing with.
Pretreating tough stains with a specialized stain remover then washing according to the garment care label is fine, but there are exceptions. ‘Red wine, chocolate and coffee, for example, can set in further if washed in warm or hot temperatures, so it’s safer to presoak them in cold water first,’ say the cleaning experts at Essential Living.
Do whites have to be washed in hot water?
It’s long been assumed that washing whites in hot water is the only way to ensure bright whites – housekeepers used to boil garments and linens in big pots for hours to get the stains out. These days, that’s just not the case. While there’s a time and a place for hot water washes (more on that in a minute), improvements in washing machines and laundry detergents mean lukewarm water (between 90 and 110ºF (30 and 40ºC)) is perfectly adequate for regular, day-to-day white laundering.
Does washing whites in hot water make them whiter?
While it remains an efficient way of keeping whites bright, regularly washing clothes in hot water comes with its own set of problems – not only can it cause damage to your clothes, but it’s not great for your energy bills or the environment.
Luckily, nowadays, washing whites in hot water isn’t the only way to keep them looking their best. Using a specially formulated cold-water detergent, combined with the right settings on your washing machine, means washing your whites in cooler temperatures can keep them looking fresh and bright.
For 10 years, Tara King worked as a Content Editor in the magazine industry, before leaving to become freelance, covering interior design, wellbeing, craft and homemaking. As well as writing for Ideal Home, Style at Home, Country Homes & Interiors, Tara’s keen eye for styling combined with a passion for creating a happy – and functional – family home has led to a series of organization and cleaning features for H&G.
Why Do We Wash Whites in Warm Water and Brights in Cold?
Experts break down the fundamental laundry practice of washing white garments in warm water and colorful items in cold water.
Caroline Biggs, Freelance Writer portrait
By Caroline Biggs June 24, 2021
If you're curious about how natural cleaning products work or why baking soda is such a powerful ingredient, you've come to the right place.
We'll explain the science behind some of the most popular cleaning methods and tools, so you can you clean smarter-not harder. Follow along with Clean Science to see which technique we break down next.
Make no mistake about it: The correct water temperature is crucial to your laundry. "Water temperature determines the strength of the cleaning process, and selecting the appropriate water temperature for a particular fabric is essential to minimizing damage over time," Gwen Whiting, the co-founder of The Laundress, explains. "The correct water temperature ensures a more effective cleaning and can reduce the chance of color bleeding, warping, or damage to the fabric." While most fabrics composed of densely woven fibers (like cotton and linen) can typically be washed in warm water without the risk of shrinking or fading, lifestyle and laundry expert Cheryl Nelson, the founder of Prepare with Cher, says that it's smartest to use cool water when in doubt. "Not only can cold water minimize the chance of damage, but it requires less energy, so it's great for the environment and saving money," she explains.
Interested in learning more about why we wash white items in warm water and brightly colored fabrics in cold? Laundry experts share their insight ahead.
clothes spinning around in washer machine
Credit: Getty / Werayuth Tessrimuang / EyeEm
Warmer water leaves whites brighter, but proceed with caution.
While the common trope is to wash all white clothing in hot water, this isn't always the best course of action. Unfortunately, certain fibers can shrink and weaken in hot (above 130 degrees Fahrenheit) water, but won't get a deep, thorough cleaning in anything considered too cold (between 60 to 80 degrees). The trick? "Wash white linens in lukewarm water, which generally falls between 90 to 110 degrees," Nelson explains. Lindsey Boyd, co-founder of The Laundress, affirms this, adding that warm water is typically recommended because it can effectively lift the accumulation of dirt, body oils, and stains while minimizing the risk of shrinkage.
"Both hot and warm water may cause certain fabrics to fade or shrink," she notes. "However, hot water shrinks items to their maximum shrinkage capacity after one wash, whereas warm water will shrink them more gradually over multiple washes."
To ensure your white clothes get a deep, thorough clean in warm water, Nelson recommends washing them on the gentle cycle of your washing machine with similarly hued fabrics. "Don't wash them with colorful fabrics or else the colors may bleed," she warns. "And don't put too many items in the washing machine, as this can cause the fabric to twist or pull."
We wash bright fabrics in cool water to prevent color transfer.
Since colorful fabrics are made with dyes that can fade, bleed, or transfer in hot and warm water, Whiting says bright and dark-hued items (as well as ones composed of delicate fabrics such as cashmere, silk, or wool) should always be washed in cold water (go warmer, and dye transfer becomes more likely).
"If you have stains on colorful fabric, you can pretreat the item as you would with white linens," she explains. To give these garments a deep cleaning, Nelson recommends washing them on the gentle cycle with as much cold water as possible so they can move around freely in the machine. "To keep the longevity of your vibrant colors, it also helps to turn your bright linens inside out before washing," she adds.
When in doubt, use cool water.
To avoid accidentally washing your beloved garments and bedding in the incorrect temperature, Whiting recommends setting your washing machine to use the cold water cycle for all loads. "This will minimize the risk of fabric damage," she explains. And if a white garment sneaks into a load of brights or vice versa, don't fret, says Boyd. "If you notice some dye transfer, you can soak the white linens in a basin or sink of hot water with two capfuls of a bleach alternative and wash as normal with hot water," she says.
How to wash things correctly so as not to spoil them
January 28, 2020 A life
Done right, your favorite sweater won't fit two sizes.
Cotton
Brian A Jackson / Shutterstock.comHow to wash
Heavy cotton items can be washed at temperatures up to 95°C, but it's best to experiment with hot water less often, otherwise the fabric fibers will quickly break down and a hole will appear on your favorite shirt . White items can be washed at up to 65°C, for colored items a temperature of 30 to 40°C is suitable (washing in hot water may fade the garment). The optimal spin mode is up to 800 rpm. nine0003
Wash colored and white items separately. Before putting clothes in the washer, check to see if they are shedding. Moisten the corner or inseam of the product with soapy water and run a dry cotton pad over it. If a distinct color mark remains on it, it is better to wash such a thing by hand.
Soak clothes with stains in warm water with a stain remover before washing. It is better not to soak colored things for a long time, otherwise the fabric will lose its brightness.
How to dry
After washing, shake the garment to remove wrinkles and hang it on a line or clothes dryer.
Heavy cottons can be sent to the tumble dryer to keep your favorite terry dressing gown soft, even without air conditioning. nine0003
Cotton knitwear should dry on a flat surface such as a clothes dryer covered with a towel. Hanging a wet cotton sweater on a string can cause it to stretch and lose its shape.
Do not overdry cotton clothes, otherwise you will be tormented by ironing creases in the fabric. If the item still dries for too long, sprinkle it with water before ironing. Cotton can be ironed at high temperature with steam.
To make things dry faster and softer, you can get a tumble dryer. You simply load the laundry into the drum and take it out warm and dry. Such devices do not take up much space: the Italian brand Candy has a narrow model that fits easily into cramped pantries, closets or small bathrooms. It can even be installed directly on the washing machine. nine0003
Candy dryers are equipped with a special water collection tank, so they do not need to be connected to a drain.
If you wash and dry clothes every day, you won’t have to worry about the bills: the device works on a heat pump and saves energy.
Learn more
Down jackets
How to wash
First of all, read the information on the sew-in label: your down jacket may only be dry clean. If you can wash, then unfasten the hood and remove the fur. Check for holes in the pockets or on the lining, otherwise, after washing, you will have to remove the escaped filler from the machine. nine0003
Zip up the down jacket with press studs, turn inside out and put in the machine with a couple of laundry balls. Instead, you can use regular tennis balls. They will not allow the filler to stray into a lump.
For washing, it is better to use a special liquid detergent: ordinary powder is more difficult to rinse out and leaves stains on the fabric. Wash the down jacket at a temperature not exceeding 30 ° C with an extra rinse, and set the spin cycle to 600 revolutions per minute.
How to dry
After washing, open the zippers and turn the down jacket right side out. You can dry it on a coat hanger, but periodically you have to shake the jacket, whipping the filler.
If the apartment is cool, a jacket with natural down will take a long time to dry, and the filling will begin to rot. In this case, the dryer will help out: the jacket can be dried in it at the minimum temperature. Pre-wring out the item by hand or in a washer so that water does not drip from the down jacket.
Wool
rossella / Shutterstock.comHow to wash
Wool clothes are tricky to care for: if you wash your favorite sweater in too hot water, it will shrink by several sizes, and you won’t be able to restore its former appearance. Washing is completely contraindicated for some things - for example, it is better to dry-clean a cashmere jacket, otherwise you can say goodbye to it right away.
Woolen clothes should be washed on a delicate cycle so that the water temperature does not exceed 30 °C.
You can only wring out such things in the machine at minimum speed. nine0003
For washing, use special delicate products instead of powder: they will gently remove dirt and soften the fibers so that the clothes do not prick. In a pinch, a mild shampoo will do, but then you'll have to add an extra rinse cycle.
How to dry
After washing, do not twist wool garments by hand as they will lose their shape if handled rough. To remove excess water, place the sweater on a clean terry towel, roll up and roll. The towel will absorb water, and the sweater will dry faster after this procedure. nine0003
To keep wool items from stretching, dry them flat. You can use a tumble dryer, but make sure it has the right setting. If the image of the dryer is crossed out on the label of the clothes, it is better not to risk it: the thing may become covered with spools or decrease in size. Wool perfectly absorbs odors, so things should dry in a well-ventilated area away from the kitchen.
It is best to iron at the lowest temperature, turning the garment inside out. To prevent shiny marks from appearing on the fabric, iron it through damp gauze, gently applying the iron. nine0003
Denim
Tomo Jesenicnik / Shutterstock.comHow to wash
Jeans are machine washable up to 40°C. So that they do not shed, it is better to use a liquid product for colored things. Spin can be set to 600 rpm, and even 800 rpm is suitable for thick fabrics.
If the jeans are obviously dirty, soak them for half an hour in warm water with the addition of a special detergent before washing. Gently rub the stained areas and send to the machine. Leaving jeans in a basin of water for the whole day is not worth it: there is a risk that the fabric will shed, and rust will appear on the accessories. nine0003
Before putting your garment in the washer, close the zipper and button, turn inside out and make sure nothing is in the pockets. New jeans may shed at first, so wash them separately from other items.
How to dry
It is better to dry your jeans vertically by hanging them from your belt. Straighten them first so that there are no obvious creases. Denim is not particularly demanding, so you can send such things to the dryer.
If the trousers are too short, there is a way to make them a little longer. Step on the bottom edge of the wet jeans, take the belt in your hands and gently pull it up. Repeat the procedure a couple of times, and then hang the item to dry. nine0003
Tight trousers do not need to be ironed after washing, they will perfectly straighten out on the body. Straight and flared models are best ironed inside out on a setting suitable for cotton.
Synthetics
How to wash
It is recommended to wash synthetic clothes in the machine on a delicate cycle. It is better to put things made of fabric imitating silk into laundry bags so that there are no puffs. A suitable temperature is 30-40 ° C, and the maximum allowable spin mode is 600 rpm.
You can add a conditioner with an antistatic effect to the powder: so the clothes will not stick to the body and shock. nine0003
Wash fleece with liquid detergent and do not wring by hand or machine. Let the water drain and hang the clothes to dry. It dries quickly even without prior twisting.
Membrane garments such as jackets and ski pants can be machine washed, but care must be taken. Set the delicate mode with a minimum spin, and for washing use only products intended for membrane fabric.
How to dry
Synthetic shirts and blouses should be hung on the clothes dryer, while jumpers and cardigans should lie flat to dry to keep their shape. Synthetics can be sent to the dryer, but make sure it has the right setting. Such fabrics are afraid of hot water and air, so the device must handle them with the utmost gentleness. nine0003
Synthetics can be ironed at the lowest temperature, otherwise the fabric may melt. It is better to iron things from the inside out and only through gauze - it can be slightly moistened to smooth out the wrinkles faster.
Silk
ben bryant / Shutterstock.comHow to wash
Natural silk is a tricky fabric, so it's best to hand wash this garment. Forget about bleaches and harsh stain removers, they can ruin things. For washing, use special gels for delicate fabrics or regular shampoo. nine0003
Silk is suitable for water temperatures up to 40 °C. Soak clothes for a maximum of 15 minutes and wash gently, do not rub or stretch the fabric. Rinse your clothes thoroughly so that there are no streaks on them after drying. You need to rinse several times, gradually lowering the temperature of the water.
How to dry
Silk must not be twisted: the wet fabric can be easily damaged. Gently wring out, let the water drain, and then dry the item with a terry towel (like wool). nine0003
It is better to dry silk clothes in a horizontal position. You can use a clothes dryer or a rope, but then you should put a layer of thick fabric under things (at least the same terry towel).
Clothespins are banned, they will leave traces.
Iron silk garments inside out at the lowest temperature. It is not worth steaming or spraying it with water: stains and stains will appear. To get rid of them, you have to wash and dry the thing again. When ironing the product, let it cool down, otherwise wrinkles will appear again. nine0003
Linen
How to wash
Undyed linen can be washed at temperatures up to 90°C, while colored items can be washed in cooler water - 30-40°C. Such things endure spinning at 600 rpm, but you should not twist it manually: you can overdo it and stretch or tear the fabric.
Chlorine bleaches are not suitable for linen. If you need to remove a stubborn stain, use oxygen products. Soak clothes with them before washing and set the extra rinse cycle. nine0003
If there is embroidery on the linen, it is better not to take risks and wash such a product by hand so that it does not shed. It is impossible to soak for a long time and violently rub the area with a pattern, as you will only ruin the clothes.
How to dry
To keep colored linens from shedding, dry them in partial shade, not in the sun. There is no need to wait for the fabric to dry completely. Linen is easier to iron when slightly damp.
The same temperature is suitable for ironing as for cotton. Light-colored items can be ironed from the front side, and dark ones - strictly from the inside, otherwise they will be covered with glossy stripes. It is also better to iron the embroidery from the wrong side so that it does not lose volume. nine0003
Wrinkles in wrinkled fabrics such as linen and cotton can be difficult to remove. A good dryer will help. Machines of past generations could ruin clothes, but modern ones take care of linen and allow you to work less with an iron. Candy dryers even have a special mode for shirts to prevent wrinkles. Clothes after it do not need to be ironed at all - you take them out and hang them in the closet.
Another plus of the dryer is that you do not need to litter your apartment or bathroom with things and wait for days for them to dry.
If you have an Android smartphone with NFC, you can control your Candy car through the mobile app. Using voice commands, you can select the desired program, start drying and check if the machine is working properly. nine0003
Select dryer
Can I wash white and colored clothes together in cold water?
QUESTION: I have a mountain of clothes that need to be washed in the washing machine. About 25% are white and 75% are colored. I need save time and wash all clothes together . Most of the clothes for my kids. I have a full-time job and a baby. I don't have time to unpack my clothes. If I wash all clothes in COLD water , will other colors flow into white clothes? I have a top loading Kenmore washing machine which works great but the tub is not that big. I'm just trying to save time. Any tips or tricks are welcome.
Can I wash white and colored clothes together?
ANSWER: It is not recommended to wash white with colored clothes if you want your white clothes to remain white.
Washing in cold water will not fade the color of the clothes, as in hot water. Color reproduction can still occur when using cold water only, so it's better to separate colors and whites. nine0142
If you have NO CHOICE but to wash ALL CLOTHES TOGETHER (coloured clothes and whites): the dye that colors it has faded. Colored clothes should be washed many times before washing white clothes. Set the washing machine to the shortest wash cycle and the coldest water setting. Do not use excess detergent. When washing white clothes, make sure colored clothes are not new. Excess color must be washed off new clothes. This usually requires 3 to 4 washes. Use a product called SHOUT COLOR CATCHER. nine0003 How to wash whites and darks together Shout Color Catcher absorbs and traps spilled dyes to keep colors vibrant. Shout Color Catcher is specially designed to work like a sponge. It absorbs and traps loose dyes in the wash, locking them in securely so they can't re-deposit on other clothes. Shout Color Catcher keeps clothes bright and new, wash after wash. You can mix colors in one download. Saves you time and money. Shout Color Catcher - erase white and dark together Scream Catcher Colors: Important notes about washing colors and whites together
Bright, saturated colors on clothes are more likely to bleed into lighter ones, especially if they are brand new. Washing in cold water can help, but it's not ideal.
It may take no more than 1-2 washes to "treat" the problem. You can then go back to the no-sort rule, and there will usually be no color bleed issues.
Allows you to mix light, medium and bright colors (green, khaki, blue and black).
Retains vibrant colors and brightens whites.
