Washing clothes in cold water saves energy and protects some fibers, but there are eight types of items that, according to textile care experts, should not be machined in this mode, mainly for reasons of hygiene and effectiveness in removing grease and dirt. The recommendation was highlighted in a Better Homes & Gardens article, with contributions from Kim Romine, from Procter & Gamble.
The logic is simple: higher temperatures help detergent work better in certain scenarios and can reduce microorganisms when clothing is potentially contaminated. This becomes particularly relevant in textiles that have touched raw food, secretions, intense sweat or organic residues, where “looking clean” is not always synonymous with being sanitized.
At the same time, it is not an invitation to wash everything on hot: the specialist herself warns of risks of shrinkage or fading and reinforces the golden rule of checking the care label before choosing the program. The idea is to use hot water selectively, where it really makes a difference.
Why cold water fails in these cases
The first group is kitchen textiles: aprons, cloths and potholders. As they are in contact with food and surfaces, they can become sources of cross-contamination and, therefore, frequent washing on a hot cycle is recommended, especially when there is contact with raw meat.
Next come grease stains (clothes and textiles stained by oils and grease). Here, cold water can “fix” the greasy film and make it difficult to remove, while higher temperatures help to dissolve these residues better, as long as the fabric supports it.
An important detail: there are exceptions in which “hot” is not the first step. Protein stains, such as blood, milk or some foods, may become more difficult to remove if they are placed directly in hot water; The safest thing is to pre-treat and rinse cold first, and only then wash as the fabric allows.
When the issue is hygiene and contagion
Another sensitive point are items used by someone who has been ill, and, even more so, when there is a suspicion of a contagious infection. In these situations, the priority is to reduce the risk of transmission within the home by washing at a high temperature and following good handling practices (for example, avoiding shaking out dirty clothes).
Infection control recommendations point to the effectiveness of hot washes to reduce microorganisms, often referring to high temperatures in healthcare environments, and highlight that detergent and, where appropriate, bleach can increase the margin of safety. At home, this means choosing “hot” or “hygiene” programs when clothes are potentially contaminated.
Very dirty items (e.g. garden clothes, intense mud, heavy sweat) and contaminated work clothes also come into play here. If there is contact with potentially dangerous substances, the recommendation is to wash them separately and as soon as possible, to avoid transferring them to other parts.
Babies and animals: what is often forgotten
Cloth diapers and baby clothes are another typical case where cold water often fails. There are specialized guidelines that recommend washing routines in warm/hot water (for example, 40 ºC to 60 ºC) to ensure deep cleaning and reduce persistent odors, always adjusting to the manufacturer and material.
Finally, and according to , pet beds, towels and textile toys. In addition to odors, there is hair, dirt and microorganisms associated with the environment and the animal’s skin, and washing on a hot cycle tends to be more effective for “resetting” hygiene, especially when the item will come into contact with sofas, beds and children again.
Even in these cases, a practical rule applies: if the item is delicate, prefer a warm cycle, increase the appropriate dose of detergent, use a specific detergent (when indicated) and aim for complete drying. Food safety authorities also remember that damp and poorly dried cloths encourage proliferation, so drying well is as important as washing.
How to change without ruining your clothes (or your wallet)
To apply these recommendations without “busting” your energy bill, the key is selection: keep cold water for lightly soiled and risk-free clothes, and reserve warm/hot water for the eight scenarios above. And, whenever you use it hot, check the labels and avoid mixing sensitive items with those that need more aggressive washing.
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