Should I Use Hot or Cold Water to Wash Laundry?

Should I Use Hot or Cold Water to Wash Laundry?

One of the most common laundry questions we hear is, “Should I wash my clothes in hot or cold water?”
The truth is, the best water temperature depends on what you’re washing and your goals for cleaning, fabric care, and energy savings. Here’s a helpful guide to make laundry day easier.

Hot Water: The Deep-Clean Choice

Hot water (120°F and above) is ideal when you need a thorough, sanitizing clean. It helps remove heavy soil, grease, and many types of bacteria.

Best for:

• White cotton towels, sheets, and undergarments

• Diapers and baby cloth items

• Heavily soiled work clothes

Pros:

• Excellent for killing germs and dust mites

• Effective for stubborn stains like oil or grease

Keep in mind:
Hot water can shrink, fade, or weaken delicate fabrics over time. Always check clothing care labels first.

Cold Water: The Gentle & Energy-Saving Option

Cold water (60–80°F) is perfect for most everyday laundry. Modern detergents are designed to clean well even in cold cycles.

Best for:

• Dark or brightly colored clothes (helps prevent fading)

• Delicate fabrics like lace or silk

• Lightly soiled everyday wear

Pros:

• Saves energy and lowers your utility bill

• Reduces color bleeding and fabric wear

• Gentle on clothes, keeping them looking newer longer

Warm Water: The Balanced Middle Ground

Warm water (90–110°F) is the “just right” option when you want a balance of cleaning power and fabric care.

Best for:

• Synthetic fabrics like polyester and blends

• Jeans, T-shirts, and lightly soiled towels or sheets

Clean Right Tip: Sanowash Ozone Protection

At Clean Right Laundromat, all our washers use Sanowash Ozone-sterilized water, which means even cold washes are sanitized and safe. You get deep cleaning without worrying about germs—while saving on energy.

Cheat Sheet

• Hot water = sanitize & heavy stains

• Warm water = everyday balance

• Cold water = color care & energy savings

With our Huebsch Galaxy Touch 200G washers and Sanowash Ozone system, Clean Right makes every cycle—hot, warm, or cold—fresh, safe, and effective.