Can You Wash Clothes During a Hard Freeze?
Many people experience cold winters during which temperatures drop to uncomfortable lows and may even remain below freezing for periods of time. One potential concern which can arise during a hard freeze is whether it is possible to still wash your clothes without damaging them or your washing machine.
Understanding Hard Freeze Temperatures
A hard freeze is a period of time in which temperatures remain below 32℉ (0℃) for several hours or longer. During this time, it is important to avoid, if possible, any activity which may lead to the water being exposed to below freezing temperatures. This includes washing your clothes.
Potential Damage to Clothes and Washing Machine
Although it is not recommended, you may still choose to wash your clothes during a hard freeze. However, there are a few potential risks to consider. Firstly, water which is exposed to temperatures below freezing for too long can become extremely cold. This can result in it freezing your clothes and potentially damaging them.
It can also potentially cause damage to the washing machine. Cold water combined with extremely low temperatures could lead to the gears and/or other components of the machine freezing, resulting in potential permanent damage.
Things to Keep in Mind
If you would like to wash your clothes during a hard freeze, there are a few measures you can take to lessen the potential risks:
- Wash with warm water: Try to make sure the temperatures of the water are achieved at or above 32°F. This will both lessen the chance of the water freezing and also ensure that the clothes do not become too cold.
- Keep the cycles short: Make sure to monitor each washing cycle closely and keep them short to reduce the chances of the water freezing.
- Consider air drying: An alternative to washing your clothes during a hard freeze is to air dry them. During this process, the clothes are usually not exposed to the cold temperatures and can be kept warm.
In conclusion, it is generally not recommended to wash your clothes during a hard freeze. However, if you must do so, make sure to take all appropriate measures to ensure that neither your clothes nor your washing machine are exposed to potential damage.