Is it better to wash sheets and towels in very hot water as opposed to washing in cold water. Does cold water really rid the items of germs and clean more effectively......thanks
2006-12-20 09:52:07 · 17 answers · asked by mscandura2003 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Cleaning & Laundry
Washing with hot water is only helpful for stain removal. Cold water won't rid the items of germs, but neither does hot water. In order to actually kill and remove germs from clothing, the items must reach a temperature of 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Normally germs are killed in the dryer where temperatures reach 160-190 degrees.
So when should you use hot water and when should you use cold? Although hot water does a better job with stain removal (depending on the stain), it also does a really good job of causing colors to bleed. The darker the item, the colder the water temperature should be. This is why most people wash white loads with hot water and colors in cold water.
Some stains actually set in hot water. This happens when the heat of the water can actually cook the stain in place. Blood and grass are two stains that are better removed in cold water. Sugar based stains like soda or juice should be washed in warm or hot water. Grease stains need very warm/hot water.
I hope that answers your question.
2006-12-20 11:39:49 · answer #1 · answered by Wiseass 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They make a special detergent to wash all in cold water. Yes hot water really does get rid of germs and clean better!
2006-12-20 09:55:18 · answer #2 · answered by wish I were 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Detergents made for cold water are made to dissolve easily in cold water. Detergent alone kills most germs, by breaking their cell walls, that's why handwashing is effective and recommended during cold and flu outbreaks. When you wash your hands you don't need to use very hot water, just adequate soap or detergent, and adequate washing time. But in laundry a few germs may lurk in the fibers and get by, so, if in doubt re clothes that may have serious germs, such as diapers, or linens used by a sick person, use hot water.
2006-12-20 10:08:36 · answer #3 · answered by Joni DaNerd 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No its not because cold water does not kill all the germs. If you then put them in a hot dryer then you have nothing to worry about. However lots of women get yeast infections because underwear were handwashed or washed in cold water and put on line to dry. In order to kill germs you either have to use hot water or a hot dryer.
2006-12-20 09:56:17 · answer #4 · answered by hunnysbeckers 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have used only cold water to wash clothes for years and the clothes are fine. The only time you need to use hot water is if someone is sick or you are trying to get rid of lice or something like that.
2006-12-20 10:01:11 · answer #5 · answered by Marilyn E 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I like to wash my sheets and pillowcases and mattress pad in hot water to be nearly germ free. Also I use hot water for my hubby and my underwear also use it on all my towels!!
2006-12-20 16:22:08 · answer #6 · answered by Carol H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always wash my clothes in cold..germs can muiltply in hot water soap kills the germs..
2006-12-20 09:55:23 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its Not. My grandma washes everything in cold water and it shrinks and shrinks. Hot water also kills the germs.
2006-12-20 10:17:15 · answer #8 · answered by JennJenn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They make alot of detergents that work well in cold water, I used to wash everything in cold water, but now prefer warm wash/cold rinse.
2006-12-20 09:55:06 · answer #9 · answered by Tweet 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it depends on how dirty your clothes get they say today cold kills germs then tommorrow it will be said cold isnt good i use warm/hot/cold i figure paying money for good brand of washing powder like tide w/some oxy clean detergent my fabrics comes out beautiful
2006-12-20 09:56:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋