Choosing the right water temperature for your laundry can feel like a real head-scratcher. Should you opt for a piping hot wash, or stick with a cool, refreshing rinse? At The Laundry Lady, we generally use cold water, unless our customers tell us otherwise.
But why? This post will break down the cold vs hot water washing debate. You will learn about the best water temperature for laundry, and get some handy eco-friendly laundry tips along the way.
Why Cold Water is Often the Best Choice
You might be surprised to hear that cold water is often the best choice for washing your clothes. Here’s why:
- Gentle on fabrics: Cold water is kinder to your clothes. Delicate fabrics like lace and silk benefit from cold washing. Hot water can cause shrinking and damage. Cold water helps maintain the shape and integrity of your favourite garments.
- Prevents colour fading: Hot water can cause colours to bleed and fade, especially in vibrant or darker items. Cold water helps to lock in the colour, keeping your clothes looking newer for longer.
- Effective stain removal: Many believe hot water is essential for removing stains. However, modern detergents are formulated to work effectively in cold water. Research shows that enzyme-based detergents are just as effective, if not more so, at removing stains in cold water compared to hot.
- Energy efficient: Heating water accounts for a significant portion of your home’s energy consumption. Washing in cold water reduces your energy bill and is one of the simplest eco-friendly laundry tips you can implement. You save money and help the planet at the same time!
When Hot Water Makes Sense
While cold water is usually preferable, there are times when hot water is necessary:
- Heavily soiled items: For heavily soiled items like work clothes covered in grease or mud, hot water can be more effective at lifting the dirt and grime.
- Sanitising laundry: If someone in your household is sick, washing bedding and towels in hot water (at least 60°C or 140°F) can help kill germs and bacteria.
- Specific stains: Some stains, like blood or certain food stains, may respond better to an initial soak in cold water followed by a hot water wash.
Eco-Friendly Laundry Tips: Beyond Water Temperature
Choosing the right water temperature is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to eco-friendly laundry. Here are some other tips:
- Use eco-friendly detergent: Choose detergents that are biodegradable and free from harsh chemicals.
- Wash full loads: Avoid washing small loads, as this wastes water and energy.
- Skip the fabric softener: Many fabric softeners contain harmful chemicals. Consider using natural alternatives like vinegar.
- Air dry your clothes: Whenever possible, hang your clothes outside to dry. This saves energy and is gentle on your clothes.
- Consider a laundry service: Laundry services like The Laundry Lady can help you save time and water. We use efficient machines and follow best practices to minimise our environmental impact.
At The Laundry Lady, we’re committed to providing a convenient and environmentally responsible laundry service. We carefully select our detergents, optimise our washing processes, and prioritise cold water washing to minimise our impact on the environment. We understand that laundry can be a chore, so let us take care of it for you while you enjoy your free time, knowing that your clothes are in good hands.Want to know more about laundry and about what we’ve been doing? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Stay tuned!
