When it comes to clothes, we all have our machine washing habits and preferences. In general, to banish dirt and eradicate bacteria, high temperatures are more advisable. However, constant use of the hot or even warm cycle wastes a lot of energy. Want to save some money? Unexpectedly, although this method seems less effective, washing clothes in cold water has significant advantages. We take stock.
Why is it recommended to wash clothes in cold water?
Washing clothes in the washing machine – Source: spm
On average, a washing machine uses 90% of its energy just to heat water. If you want to reduce this consumption, you must alternate from time to time with washing in cold water. Contrary to popular belief, this method has many benefits for your laundry: in fact, you do not expose your clothes to fading, shrinking or stretching. Damage that often happens when you wash your laundry in hot water. It should be noted that, nowadays, detergents are also very effective in cold water. They dissolve dirt, dust or traces of sweat even at 25 or 30°C. In addition, blood stains clean up much better in cold or slightly lukewarm water. This is also the case for red wine or coffee stains.
Of course, it is always important to read the instructions on the labels of your clothes. Many of them, especially the most delicate ones, require a cold wash with a maximum temperature of 30°C. Woolen clothes, for example, should be washed in lukewarm or even cold water. Same principle for swimsuits, silk clothes and curtains. They must be washed at 20°C with liquid detergent. It is important to avoid hot water, as it may damage them and discolor them.
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Obviously, the hot wash program is absolutely necessary to kill microbes and germs. Because cold water is not virulent enough to banish bacteria. Also, to properly clean children’s clothes, underwear or bedding, it is always better to bet on high temperatures. In addition, when the washing machine is filled with hot water from the start, it better absorbs sweat and grease stains. It will have an easier time killing germs right from the soaking process. As for the detergent, it will be able to better clean the stains and offer more whiteness.
Which detergent to use for washing at low temperature?
By using a detergent that can be effective at low temperatures, you reduce your energy costs while preserving the quality of your clothes. Remember to check the washing recommendations of the laundry detergent (usually on the back of the container) before choosing a low temperature for washing. Be aware that low temperatures can also protect fabrics and maintain color vibrancy, while high temperatures can damage the natural fibers of textiles and cause wrinkling on synthetic fibers.
Add detergent – Source: spm
Machine fading is a recurring phenomenon. We all dread losing the original colors of our clothes. However, you just have to adopt the right gestures and use a few tricks to avoid falling into this trap.
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Here are some helpful tips:
- Always sort your clothes according to the temperature conditions described on the label.
- Don’t add a lot of lye. Too much soapy water can ruin your laundry!
- If you are not sure which program to set, choose the one with a lower temperature.
- Little homemade trick: at each cycle, remember to pour a tablespoon of sugar into the tray of the washing machine. Sugar protects fabrics against fading and preserves the original appearance of clothes. If your laundry often gets the wrong wash treatment, another method can be very effective. Take a large basin and mix water with 3 tablespoons of sugar in it. Then soak the fabrics (dark or light) in the solution. The colors will quickly be revived!
- Always turn colored clothes inside out.
- Close buttons and zippers.
- When drying outdoors, be sure to choose a shady spot for your colored clothes. Too much sun may cause fading.
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Via SPM
