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How water temp
effects laundry results
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vs Top Load
How water temperature affects laundry results
Water temperature really does affect laundry results, along with
several other interacting factors which provide energy to remove soil.
The three main forms of energy include: mechanical (supplied by the
washer's washing action) and the amount of wash time; chemical from the
detergents, bleach and other additives; and thermal from the use of
warm or hot water.
Creating an optimum balance
of these energies provides acceptable cleaning performance. If any one
of the three is decreased, the other two must be increased to maintain
the same cleaning results.
For example, if cold
wash water is used, the thermal energy is missing. To maintain the same
cleaning results, one of the other energy sources needs to be
increased, such as selecting a longer wash time. However, long washing
times can have negative effects. They can increase fabric wear and
enhance re-deposition of the soil.
Warmer Water Enhances Detergent Effectiveness
The energy from the water temperature not only affects the removal of
soils, but it also has an effect on the chemical energy (detergent)
added to the load.
As the temperature of the
water increases, chemical reactions (the efficiency of the detergent
and other additives) proceed at a greater speed. The speed doubles with
each 18ºF. rise in temperature.
If the water
temperature is too cold (below 65ºF.), little or no chemical
activation takes place. This means little or no energy comes from the
detergent and cleaning performance is decreased. Plus, many granular
detergents do not dissolve in cold water and will leave a powdery white
residue on the load. If the temperature of water in the tub is too cold
for your hands, the detergent will not activate and clean effectively.
Recommended Wash Temperatures
You'll get better cleaning results with hot water temperatures higher
than 120ºF. However, if there are young children or elderly adults in
the home, the water heater may be set for 120ºF. If the hot water
temperature is 120ºF., in most cases the warm wash water setting will
be 80ºF. or lower.
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Use a hot water (120 -140ºF.) wash for most white fabrics and heavily soiled colored fabrics, if they are colourfast.
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A warm (80-105ºF.) wash is the best choice for most other clothes.
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A cold (65-75ºF.) wash is recommended for very lightly soiled or brightly coloured garments.
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Keep in mind cold water should not be lower than 65ºF. If the temperature is below 65ºF., select a warm wash water setting or partially fill with warm water and complete the fill with cold water.
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Use a liquid detergent when washing in cold water.
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Pour the detergent into the washer tub before adding the load, or into the dispenser.
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If using warm or cold water, add a non-chlorine bleach (like Clorox 2) for better cleaning or pre-soaking heavily soiled items.
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To save energy, always use a cold rinse. A cold rinse is just as effective as a warm one.