In recent years, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding the use of hot water to wash clothes. Many people believe that this practice is harmful to the fabric of the clothing and can cause it to shrink or fade in quality. When it comes to washing clothes in hot water, there are a few fabrics that should not be washed, and these are typically items that are sensitive to heat. Hot water is also not recommended for washing leather products, as this can damage them.
Washing clothes in hot water is considered to be more effective at removing stains than using cold water. This is because hot water can easily break down the dirt, grease, and other contaminants that are on the clothes. Washing clothes in hot water is the best way to get rid of bacteria and germs on clothes. In addition, washing clothes in hot water takes less time as compared to washing them in cold water.
However, there are many factors you should consider before washing your clothes in hot water. First, be sure to use a detergent that is designed to wash clothes in hot water. Also, do not use boiling water to wash your clothes, since this will damage them. Lastly, different fabrics react differently to heat, so make sure your clothes are designed to be washed in hot water.
In this article, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of washing your clothes in hot water, as well as the fabrics that can be washed in hot water without being harmed, and how to do it.
Which Fabrics Should Not Be Washed in Hot Water?
Hot water is one of the most effective ways to clean clothes. In fact, most fabrics can be washed in hot water without any special care. However, there are a few fabrics that should not be washed in hot water because they may become damaged.
The best way to determine if a fabric can be washed in hot water is to test it out. If the fabric feels rough or stiff after being washed in hot water, it’s probably not able to be laundered in this manner. When deciding whether or not to wash a particular piece of clothing in hot water, consider the material and how it will fare.
Fabrics such as cotton, silk, linen, and wool should not be washed in hot water, with a few exceptions. These fabrics are delicate and can be damaged if they are washed in hot water. Here are some reasons why you should not wash these fabrics in hot water:
- Silk: It can be washed in hot water but should only be hand-washed because it is delicate. Silk may become brittle if it is washed in hot water for too long, and it may also lose its color. So, it is important to note that some fabrics may not survive being washed in hot water for too long. To be on the safest side, it is recommended not to wash silk in hot water.
- Cotton: Cotton is a natural fiber, so it will absorb liquid like a sponge. Washing clothes in hot water can cause them to become stained and dingy very quickly.
- Wool: Wool should not be washed in hot water because it can shrink. If you prefer to wash them in hot water, then the fabric must be prewashed to remove any sizing or starch.
- Linen: Hot water can shrink linen. Linen is a delicate fabric that requires special care and can be combined well with other materials. Linen is best washed in warm water and very cold or hot water should not be used to wash linen as this may cause the fabric to damage.
There are many fabrics that cannot withstand extreme temperatures. It is recommended to check the care label of your clothing to know if it can be washed in hot water or test out a small portion of the fabric in hot water to see if it can withstand such a temperature.
However, there are some fabrics of clothing that are highly recommended to be washed in hot water. For example, towels, bedsheets, panties, and underwear should be washed in hot water to get rid of germs and bacteria. Panties and underwear should be washed once in a while in hot water. Washing them in hot water always causes them to become inelastic.
How to Wash Clothes in Hot Water?
When it comes to washing clothes, most people know that using warm water is the best way to go. However, there are some times when you need to wash clothes in hot water to get rid of tough stains, germs, or bacteria.
When it comes to laundry, some fabrics of clothing are so delicate that they should be hand washed. Washing delicate clothes in a washing machine can damage them since the washing machine is not gentle on clothes. However, some fabrics of clothing can be washed in a washing machine without getting damaged.
Here is a guide on how to wash your clothes in hot water by hand and by washing machine:
How to Hand Wash Clothes in Hot Water?
Hand washing your clothes is one of the most important steps you can take to keep them clean and free from harmful bacteria. Hand washing not only removes the majority of germs present on your clothes but also helps to preserve the color and texture of your clothes.
Hand washing clothes in hot water is one of the most effective ways to keep them clean and free from bacteria. According to The HuffPost by Ambar Pardilla, studies have shown that hand washing clothes in hot water is more effective at removing bacteria and odor than using regular laundry detergent.
Here are some tips on how to hand wash your clothes in hot water:
Materials Needed:
- A basin, bucket, sink, or container.
- A source of heat.
- Detergent.
- A clothesline.
Procedure:
- Heat water for about 140°F and 150°F (60°C and 66°C). Do not use boiling water to wash your clothes.
- Pour the hot water into a basin, bucket, sink, or container.
- Add a small amount of detergent to the water. You don’t need much detergent since you are washing in hot water.
- Add your clothes to the water and allow them to sit for some time. This will help break down any stains on your clothes.
- Allow the water to cool so that you won’t be burned by it.
- Now, swish the clothes around to help get rid of tough stains.
- Clothes that still have some stains on them should be rubbed with your hand or gently scrubbed with a soft brush.
- Rinse the clothes in warm water until no soap residue is left on the clothes.
- Gently squeeze to get excess water out of the clothes.
- Hang on a clothesline to air dry.
Washing Clothes in the Washing Machine Using Hot Water
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to do your laundry, washing clothes in a machine using hot water is a great option. Not only is it faster than doing it by hand, but the hot water will get rid of any stains more quickly.
Be sure to use a washing machine with a hot water setting. Here are some ways to wash your clothes in hot water using a washing machine:
- Add a couple of cups of hot water to the washing machine.
- Add your clothes and wait for the machine to start up.
- Use the agitator at medium or high speed, depending on the type of washing machine you have.
- Check the temperature of the water every few minutes to make sure it is still at a comfortable temperature for washing your clothes.
- Wash your clothes according to the instructions that came with your machine, adding detergent if needed and stirring occasionally.
- When your clothes are finished washing, hang them up to dry or put them in the dryer immediately.
The Advantages of Washing Clothes in Hot Water
Washing clothes in hot water is proven to be an effective way of cleaning clothes. According to research published in the journal Chemical Research in Toxicology, clothes that are washed in hot water have a greater chance of being free of dirt and bacteria.
Additionally, studies have also shown that clothes that are washed in hot water retain their color longer and look better when they’re dried. Washing clothes in hot water has a lot of advantages, some of which are:
- Hot water is known to be more effective at getting rid of dirt and stains than cold water. According to studies, hot water can remove up to 98% of bacteria, while cold water can only remove around 70%. This means that you will need to use less hot water to achieve the same results as using colder water.
- Additionally, using hot water has been shown to shorten the amount of time that it takes for clothes to dry.
- It takes less time to wash clothes in hot water.
- Laundering items in hot water helps redistribute natural oils, which keeps clothes looking fresh and wrinkle-free for longer periods.
Disadvantages to Washing Clothes in Hot Water
Hot water is often touted as being the best way to clean clothes, but there are some disadvantages to washing clothes in hot water.
- It can damage the fabric. Hot water melts the wax and resin content of the fabric, causing it to shrink and wrinkle. This is especially a problem with synthetic fabrics, which can lose their shine and elasticity even when washed at low temperatures.
- Washing clothes in hot water can cause them to smell bad. Hot water dissolves odors better than cold water does, so your clothes will eventually smell like soap if you wash them in hot water every time.
- Washing clothes in hot water increases the chance of mildew formation.
- Laundering large quantities of clothes in hot water can be expensive due to the high energy consumption involved.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, it is best to use hot water for washing clothes when the clothes are heavily soiled or when the person wants to achieve the best possible cleaning results. However, it is also important to consider the fabric of the clothes being washed, as some materials may be damaged by hot water.
Washing clothes in hot water has both advantages and disadvantages. Some benefits of using hot water include that it can help to remove more dirt and stains and that it can kill bacteria. However, using too much hot water can also shrink clothes and cause them to fade.
Some people may find that using hot water unnecessarily increases their energy bill, but in most cases, the benefits of using hot water for washing clothes outweigh the costs. Thanks for reading!
