Grayson West
Let’s talk laundry! We all know some clothes need a cool wash while others crave hot water. But it’s not just about tossing in detergent and crossing your fingers. Choosing the right temperature can make your clothes last longer and get them clean. Let’s break down seven things that prefer a steamy wash and seven that need the chill.
Wash in Hot – Towels
Frequent use and moisture can leave towels with a lingering smell. Hot water helps break down oils and keeps towels fresh, eliminating bacteria that can build up over time. So, crank up the heat next time you wash them to keep those towels feeling clean and ready for the next use.
Wash in Hot – Bedding
Sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers are in close contact with us every night. The hot water handles sweat, oils, and dust mites like a champ, thoroughly refreshing your bedding. This warmth keeps your sheets softer and cozier for that dreamy sleep setup.
Wash in Hot – Underwear
Your intimates deserve a good clean, and hot water is the key to keeping them hygienic. This temperature helps remove bacteria and stubborn odors, so every wash leaves them fresh. With hot water, your undergarments stay safe and sanitized—just the way they should be.
Wash in Hot – Dish Towels
Used for everything from wiping counters to drying hands, dish towels benefit from a good, hot wash. Heat effectively removes stains and kills germs, leaving them ready for another round. High-temp washing restores dish towels to their former glory, ensuring they’re safe for kitchen use.
Wash in Hot – Socks
For socks that work overtime on your feet, hot water helps lift out odors and sweat buildup that cold washes may leave behind. A hot rinse keeps them feeling fresher, longer, and more resistant to wear and tear. Freshen up your sock drawer with a hot wash for an extra-clean feel.
Wash in Hot – Kitchen Aprons
Hot water is the hero here with the splatters and spills aprons endure. It breaks down grease and tackles stubborn stains from cooking adventures. A high-temp wash keeps your aprons looking clean and smelling fresh, ready for your next culinary masterpiece.
Wash in Hot – Cleaning Cloths
These cloths handle a lot—from muck to dust, they come into contact with various surfaces. High temperatures sanitize and remove germs, ensuring they’re ready for more cleaning tasks. A hot wash rejuvenates these clothes, keeping them effective for future messes.
Wash in Cold – Dark Colors
A cold wash is key to keeping dark hues vivid. Cold water prevents colors from fading, letting blacks and navies retain their depth. Dark clothes stay looking newer, so next time you’re washing that favorite black tee, opt for a cool rinse to keep it sharp.
Wash in Cold – Delicates (Silk & Lace)
For lace, silk, and other fragile materials, cold water provides the gentleness they need. It keeps fibers from stretching and colors from bleeding, maintaining the delicate textures and shapes. Give special fabrics a gentle, cool rinse to keep them looking and feeling their best.
Wash in Cold – Activewear
Workout clothes hold up best with a cold wash. Elastic fibers that make them stretchy and comfortable can break down in heat, so washing on cold preserves their fit and functionality. A cool rinse helps them stay fresh and ready for your next workout without compromising durability.
Wash in Cold – Wool Sweaters
Cold water is a wool sweater’s best friend. Heat can cause wool to shrink dramatically, while a cool wash keeps the fabric soft and comfortable. To maintain shape and size, let your wool pieces enjoy a chill rinse, keeping them perfect for cozy weather.
Wash in Cold – Denim
The secret to keeping denim looking like new is cold water. A cool soak helps jeans hold their color and fit better, while hot water can make them stretch or shrink. Give your favorite jeans a cold rinse to make them look sharp and avoid fading—they’ll keep their snug fit and dark hue longer.
Wash in Cold – Printed Tees
If you want to keep the designs on your graphic tees looking sharp, dunk ‘em in a chill bath. Prints can crack and fade in the heat, while cool water preserves the colors and details. Treat your tees to a refreshing cold rinse, and they’ll stay vibrant and bold for many washes to come.
Wash in Cold – Curtains & Drapes
Washing curtains requires care to avoid fading and stretching, which a cold wash provides. Since drapes are often left in sunlight, which fades colors over time, cool water helps keep them looking new without bleaching. Let curtains enjoy a chilly wash to keep them looking great.
Wash in Cold – Hats & Caps
Hats, with their structured brims and occasional embroidery, benefit from cold water. A cool rinse helps hats keep their shape and prevents any logos from fading. Next time your favorite dome cover needs freshening up, choose a gentle cold wash to help it last and look great longer.