7 Cold Water Laundry Benefits (Some Will Surprise You!)
Coldwater laundry has been the buzzword in recent times. And for valid reasons too! The benefits of washing clothes in cold(regular, not warm or hot) water are plenty. Enough reasons for you to try and see yourself!
Benefits of Cold Water Laundry
1. Cold Water Lengthens Fabrics Lifespan Comparatively
Delicate fabrics like lace, silk, and regular lingerie items should be washed in cold water. Hot water may damage the fabric. Choose cold water to lengthen the fabric life. It saves you money and old clothes do not end up in the landfill faster.
2. Cold Water Helps Retain Fabric Color
Colored fabrics retain their color and shine for longer period when washed in cold water. Even dark-colored fabric should be washed in cold water unless otherwise mentioned. Hot water tends to fade the fabric color.
3. Saves Power Bill
By running the washing machine or hand washing your clothes in cold water, you are saving your power bill. More than 75% of the energy consumed by a washing machine is needed only to warm up the water. So if you want to save electricity bill, stick to cold water washing.
4. Helps Environment
Coldwater is a more sustainable option than warm water. The energy used to heat the water in most cases is not from Renewable Sources. You are saving energy and thus helping the planet by choosing cold water washing.
5. Prevents Wrinkles, Saves Ironing Time
Cold water washing reduces wrinkles. So the need for ironing reducers greatly. Saves you time, reduces work and electricity bills.
6. Better For Athletic Clothes
Cold water actually works better in sweaty fabric. Surprising is not it? Hot water can really end up setting the sweat in the fabric.
7. Reduces Water Pollution
Hot water sheds more microfibres during the cleaning cycle. If not caught at the source these microfibers end the mixing in our water body. They finally land in the ocean. Given that most of the clothes today are of synthetic fiber, this is causing Ocean pollution. Choose the cold wash cycle in your machine.
Can you use regular laundry detergent in cold water?
Why liquid detergent dissolves in cold water just fine, powder detergent does need warmer water to dissolve completely. The good news is that manufacturers are currently creating powder detergents whose enzymes work in cold temperatures (even at 60 degrees F) as effectively.
Go eco-friendly and choose from the range of laundry detergents that work well in cold water.[link]
Do laundry pods dissolve in cold water?
Single-use laundry pods dissolve completely in both hot and cold water. So you can use them without any concern. However, do note that during the winter season when the temperature drops drastically, the regular water temperature will be too cold. Pods may not dissolve completely.
Is bleach effective in cold water?
Chlorine bleach works effectively in both hot and cold water. However, choose warm or hot water for whiter and brighter-looking clothes.
When to use Warm or Hot water?
Now let us see if all laundry can be washed in cold water. You can technically wash everything in cold water. But there are certain situations where warm or hot water works better.
- Most of the synthetic fibres like spandex, nylon, rayon, polyester etc washes better in wam water.
- During winter season the temperature may fall drastically. In that case you need to use hot water cycle to wash your clothes. No soap or detergent performs well in temperature less than 60° F.
- If the clothes are very dirty and stained, choose hot water. In case of clothe diaper use the temperature of 130° F or above to kill the germs. However, hot water can damage the fabric as well. Be carefull and read the garments’ washing instruction though.
- Most of your bedding needs to be washed in warm or hot water for better results.
Bottom Line
All it needs is a few days of conscious effort. And you have made a difference to your clothes and environment. All the while, saving money!