What Is the Best Temperature to Wash Clothes? An Expert-Backed Guide
Choosing the right water temperature for laundry isn't just about cleanliness—it’s about preserving your clothes, saving energy, and maintaining appliance health. Here's what brings the best balance:
Key Temperature Recommendations
Cold Water (~20–30 °C / 68–86 °F)
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Best for delicates, bright or dark-colored items, and fabrics susceptible to shrinkage or fading.
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Highly energy-efficient—using cold water can save up to 62% in energy costs compared to washing at 40 °C.
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Ideal for daily loads where sanitizing isn’t needed.
Warm Water (~40 °C / 104 °F)
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A versatile middle ground—effective at cleaning most everyday clothing, especially lightly soiled items made of cotton, linen, or synthetics.
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Caution: Some experts suggest warm is neither energy-saving nor sufficient for sanitization, preferring cold or hot instead.
Hot Water (~60 °C / 140 °F)
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Best for sanitizing, removing stubborn stains, and washing bedding, towels, or clothes from someone who is ill. Triggers effective germ removal.
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Use sparingly—hot water can damage fabric strength, cause shrinkage, and fade colors
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