Your Cart

Your cart is empty.

Let's change that. Start Shopping

$0.00
Shipping & Taxes calculated at checkout

The Truth About Washing Clothes in Cold Water: The Difference Between Laundering Clothes in Cold and Hot Water

Jul 5, 2022

The Truth About Washing Clothes in Cold Water: The Difference Between Laundering Clothes in Cold and Hot Water
Prev
/ Next

When it comes to washing clothes, there are a lot of myths out there. People think they have to use hot water to get their clothes clean. This isn't true! In fact, washing clothes in cold water can actually be more effective than soaking them in hot water.

Looking for our Ingredients Matter Laundry Soap cold water wash instructions? Check out our FAQs.

Is it better to wash clothes in cold or hot water?

Cold water washing can actually be more effective than washing clothes in warm or hot water. Hot water can set stains into the fabric, making them more challenging to remove. Cold water is also gentler on fabric, meaning that it is less likely to damage your clothing.

What are the benefits of washing clothes in cold water?

Washing in cold water can save money

Washing clothing in cold water is cheaper than washing them in hot water. Less energy is used in your washing cycle by avoiding heating the water. In fact, 90% of the energy washing machines use is to heat water.

Washing in cold water can help preserve your clothes

A cold water wash can actually help preserve your clothes. Delicate fabrics, such as silk, can be damaged by washing them in hot water. Hot water can shrink certain clothing fibers. Washing clothes in cold water is a gentler alternative, and it can help keep your clothes looking new for longer.

Washing in cold water is more environmentally friendly

Washing clothes in cold water is more environmentally friendly than washing them in hot water because it takes less energy to heat the water up and uses less detergent. By reducing the energy used to heat water, greenhouse gas emissions are significantly cut down.

How to save money washing clothes in cold water

Cold water is the most gentle water temperature for washing clothes. It is also the most energy-efficient, which means it can save you money on your utility bills. Here are some tips on how to save money washing clothes in cold water:

Wash full loads of laundry

Rather than washing small loads of laundry, try to wait until you have a full load. This will help you save on water and detergent usage. Plus, it will also save you time! Typically, washers use similar amounts of water for small loads or large loads.

Invest in a cold water washing machine

These washing machines use less energy than traditional washing machines. Washing machines designed specifically for cold water washing use less detergent, water, and energy.

What are some tips for washing clothes in cold water?

Pretreat your clothes

If you have a particularly stubborn stain, you may want to pretreat your clothing before washing it in cold water. Stain sprays are common, but we offer a more concentrated, eco-friendly option with our stain stick. Just wet the area to be treated, rub the stain stick on the spot, and let it sit for a few minutes before washing it in cold water. Sweat stains and other tough stains can be effectively removed with this method.

Use less detergent

You may also want to use less detergent when washing clothes in cold water. This is because you don't need as much detergent to get your clothes clean. Less detergent also means less of a chance of your clothes being damaged by the washing process.

Wash similar items together

Another tip for washing clothes in cold water is to wash similar items together. This is because things made from similar fabrics will require the same amount of time to clean and are less likely to damage each other.

Use a cold cycle

If you're using a washing machine, be sure to use the cold cycle. The washing machine will use less energy to wash the clothing in cold water. Additionally, it is essential to remember that not all washing machines have a cold cycle. If your washing machine doesn't have a cold cycle, you may want to consider washing your clothes by hand.

Washing clothes in cold water is a great way to save money, preserve your clothes, and be more environmentally friendly. By following these tips, you can ensure that your clothes are clean and looking their best!

Risks of washing clothes in cold water

There are a few risks associated with washing clothes in cold water. Things like bacteria and mold can grow in cold water, so it's important to be sure that your washing machine is clean. 

Additionally, washing clothes in cold water can cause colors to bleed, so you may want to wash dark clothing separately. Overall, washing clothes in cold water is a safe and effective way to clean your clothing.

Overall, washing clothes in cold water is a safe and effective way to clean your clothing. It can save you money on your energy bill, preserve your clothes, and be more environmentally friendly. While it does have a few risks, these can be easily avoided by following some simple tips. So next time you need to do laundry, give washing clothes in cold water a try!

​​Our Laundry Soap dissolves best in warm or hot water, but we have a solution for those energy-saving cold water washers. We recommend dissolving one scoop of Laundry Soap in 8oz cold water (we like to shake up the mixture in a 16oz jar kept on our laundry cart). Pour the mixture into the washer drum, then add laundry and wash on cold.

Do you have a tip for washing clothes in cold water? Share it with us in the comments below!

shop laundry soap
SHOP LAUNDRY SOAP
Prev
/ Next