Can You Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water?
When it comes to washing your clothes, you may wonder whether cold or warm water is best. The simple answer is that it depends on what you’re washing. While cold water can be used for some garments, it’s not always the best choice.
Benefits of Washing Clothes in Cold Water
Cold water has some benefits that may make it a preferable choice when doing laundry:
- It’s More Energy Efficient – Using cold water can save energy since your washer won’t need to use as much energy to heat the water.
- It Helps Preserve Colors – Cold water helps preserve the colors of your clothes. That’s why it’s important to use cold water for certain garments like delicates and bright colored fabrics that could fade in hot water.
- It Can Reduce Overall Wear and Tear – Your clothes won’t fray or wear down as much when washed in cold water.
Problems With Using Cold Water
Despite the benefits, there’s also a case to be made against using cold water. While using it can be helpful, it also has drawbacks:
- It’s Not Always as Effective – Cold water doesn’t work as well as hot water when it comes to cleaning your clothes. If you’re washing clothes that are heavily soiled, the best results will still come from using warm or hot water.
- It May Not Completely Remove Stains – Cold water may not remove stains as effectively as warm water. In some cases, stains may need to be treated before washing in warm water to get the best results.
- It May Not Kill Bacteria – Similarly, cold water may not be enough to completely kill bacteria, so it may be necessary to use hot water for certain items.
The Bottom Line
There’s a time and place for washing clothes in cold water. It can be a great option for keeping colors bright and reducing wear and tear, but keep in mind that it may not remove all dirt or bacteria. If you’re dealing with heavily soiled items or tough stains, warm or hot water is often a better choice.