Can I use hot water in a washing machine?

One of the debates around the use of washing machines is whether to use hot water. Conventional wisdom suggests that all laundry should be sorted by colour and washed at different temperatures. However, the advancements in technology and changes in laundry detergents mean that you no longer need to stick to old rules. Thus, the answer to whether you can use hot water in a washing machine is not as straightforward as it once was.

Traditionally, hot water has played a vital role in effectively removing dirt, stains, and bacteria. The high temperature of the water helps break down oils and grease, making it easier for the detergent to clean the clothes. Hot water is also preferred for its ability to kill germs and allergens.

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However, modern washing machines are designed to minimise the need for hot water, and with detergents being formulated differently, there is a lot you can achieve with cold water that previously required hot water. Here’s what this means for hot water’s use in washing clothes and being used in a washing machine.

Cold water can clean effectively

According to Consumer Reports, you no longer need to use hot water to get clothes clean with regular wash cycles. This is because modern washing machines are designed to use less water and they are better at cleaning your clothes than the washing machines from a decade ago.

By using cold water instead of hot or warm water, these machines are helping the environment through energy saving. Another factor behind modern washing machines switching to a cold cycle instead of a hot or warm cycle is the fact that detergents become less effective once the water temperature reaches above 75 degrees.

This means a hot water cycle will only help stains to settle into clothing as opposed to the conventional belief that hot water can power through dirt and grime. In order to avoid damage to fabric and colour, washing machines are now designed to support longer washing times and multiple rinses, especially for heavily soiled clothes.

For brighter colours, washing machine users can consider using cold water with a bleach alternative. There is an undisputed advantage of using cold water, which is reduced wrinkling. By using cold water to wash your clothes, you can make your clothes last longer since heat breaks down dyes in clothes and causes shrinkage as well.

Hot water has benefits

There are some benefits to using hot water instead of cold water to wash clothes. The primary benefit of a hot water cycle as opposed to a cold water cycle is sanitisation. If you have a family member with a potentially contagious disease then it is recommended to use hot water to wash their clothes, bed linens, and towels since it can reduce bacteria.

In areas with hard water, hot water can help detergents to work more effectively and improve the laundry experience. While some users might choose to use hot water, especially with a semi-automatic machine, the advantages of using hot water are more marginal now than a decade earlier. The hot water cycle is now being replaced by an eco-friendly alternative called steam wash.

Steam washing is one of the new features gaining traction with washing machines right now. This feature uses steam to clean the clothes instead of water. This has proven to be more eco-friendly than using hot water and has been found to be very effective in removing tough stains and odours from clothes. The steam is generated inside the washing machine and the wash cycle is shorter than a normal wash.

Should you use hot water in a washing machine?

The design of modern washing machines and new detergent formulations have vastly reduced our reliance on hot water for effective washing. However, it doesn’t mean that hot water has no place in our laundry experience. Your decision to use hot water in a washing machine depends on factors such as personal preference, washing machine type, and the type of laundry.

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In order to get effective laundry, you need to understand when and how to use hot water while also being mindful of energy consumption and environmental impact. The important thing to know for the best result from your washing machine is not the temperature of the water but also the quality of your detergent. By using the best detergent with the right settings on your washing machine, you can ensure that your clothes come out clean and fresh every time.