The Advantages and Disadvantages of Doing Your Laundry in Cold Water

When it comes to doing laundry, do you always follow the washing recommendations on the tag? Or, do you just toss your clothes into the machine, add detergent and press play? While cold water is the universally acceptable temperature for doing most laundry, there are times when hot water may be more appropriate. With that in mind, today we'll discuss the pros and cons of doing your laundry in cold water.

The Advantages of Doing Your Laundry in Cold Water

1. All washers are equipped to wash in cold water

Modern washing machines are designed to be used with cold water, so you never have to worry that you can't wash your clothes because you lack warm or hot water.

2. Most detergents are designed to work in cold water

Many detergents have enzymes that will start working in temperatures as low as 60℉. There are also detergents that are specifically formulated to work in cold water.

3. Doing your laundry in cold water does a better job of removing stains

Cold water typically does a better job of tackling tough stains without issue. In fact, some stains will set when treated in warm or hot water (such as sweat or blood). We find that grass stains on your kid's baseball pants or makeup smudges on a shirt can easily be removed in cold water.

4. Delicate fabrics are safer when doing your laundry in cold water

Delicate fabrics such as lace and silk, as well as dark or colorful fabrics tend to do better in cold water. Warm or hot water tends to fade, wrinkle or break down fabrics more than cold water.

5. No worries of shrinkage when doing your laundry in cold water

Hot water tends to shrink fabrics, which is great if you accidentally bought a shirt or pair of pants too big, but not great if you want to keep your clothing in the condition that you bought it. When you use cold water, you don't have to worry about shrinkage.

6. Fewer wrinkles doing laundry in cold water

If you're able to move your clothing from the washer to the dryer without much delay, you may notice fewer wrinkles when using cold water.

7. More energy savings when doing your laundry in cold water

We find that by not heating your water in the washing machine, you may reduce your energy (electric/gas) bill. It is estimated that 75 to 90% of all the energy your washer uses goes into heating the water. Make the switch to cold water and you'll almost immediately notice some savings.

The Disadvantages of Doing Your Laundry in Cold Water

1. Sometimes warm or hot water is necessary

Certain fabrics respond better to warm or hot water. For example, knits and synthetic fabrics (spandex, polyester, rayon blends or nylon) seem to wash better in warm water.

2. Hot water is a must for sanitizing

If you are trying to sanitize your clothing for any reason (someone in your family is sick, you work in the hospital, you've been exposed to Covid-19, etc.), then washing your laundry in hot water is a must to help stop the spread of germs.

3. Cold water may be too cold

Depending on where you live, your detergent may not be able to perform in cold water. For example, if your tap water reaches 40℉ or lower in the winter, you may need to use warm water to wash your clothes in order for your detergent to work effectively.