Washing clothes in cold water is a really good idea – most of
the time. It saves money on hot water and on wear and tear on your washer and water
heater. Dark or bright clothes keep their vivid colors longer, white items take
longer to look dingy, and everything you wash lasts longer in cold water. So
why not set the machine to “cold” and leave it there? Here’s why: Some
detergents need hot or warm water to function properly. If your load’s extremely
dirty, one cycle in cold water might not be enough to get it clean. Really hot
water (130F or higher) disinfects; something you’ll need if you’re washing
diapers, or if someone in the house has the flu. Even if no one’s sick (yet)
hot water is your best bet for sheets, towels, underwear and socks. Whatever you
wash, set the rinse cycle to “cold.” It saves energy, and your clothes end up
with fewer wrinkles.
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