|
Choosing the Right Water Temperature
Wash water temperature directly affects cleaning and wrinkling. Proper choice of water temperature can also minimize dye transfer from unstable colors. Check your garment care labels for recommended wash temperature. If care label advice isn't available, use the following as a guide:
- Hot Water provides the quickest and best cleaning. Use it for sturdy whites; colorfast pastels and light prints, cloth diapers and similarly soiled baby items; heavily-soiled work and play clothes.
- Warm Water cleans while minimizing dye loss, removes wear wrinkles and helps reduce wrinkling in the washer. Use it for permanent press, all colorfast dark or bright colors, synthetics made of nylon, polyester, acrylic and washable woolens.
- Cold Water may help protect sensitive dyes, minimize washer wrinkling and save hot water. However, it doesn't clean as well as warmer temperatures. Use it for bright red and orange dyes that release color without losing intensity; lightly-soiled fabrics, removal of some protein stains such as blood. COLD WATER IS EXCELLENT FOR RINSING ALL LOADS, REGARDLESS OF THE WASHING TEMPERATURE.
Note: Laundry detergents are formulated to clean well at temperatures above 60°F/16°C.
|
