Wash Temperature Guide

Wash Temperature

Hot Water

Hot water will give the best results of cleaning and sanitizing, but it is not suitable for all items. It is best for sturdy whites and colorfast items, heavily soiled items and diapers.

Warm Water

By using warm water, there is less chance of color loss in items. Warm water also reduces wrinkling in permanent press items. Use with light and moderate soils, non-colorfast or dark colors, permanent press, silks, woolens, nylon, and acrylic.

Cold Water

Cold water is less effective in cleaning than hot or warm water, but it does minimize wrinkling and color fading. Use it for washing extra-sensitive clothes and for the rinsing of all fabrics.

NOTE: In wash temperatures colder than 60oF (15oC), detergents do not dissolve well. This may cause ineffective cleaning, or lint and residue to form.

Energy

You can save energy when washing by following a few guidelines:

1.Heating water accounts for the greatest energy expense when washing. Save on heating water by using warm or cold washes as well as cold rinses.

2.Wash full loads, but do not overload.

3.Use soak cycles for heavily soiled items to reduce wash times.

4.Select a shorter wash time for lightly soiled items.

120oF						HOT
(49oC)
100oF						WARM
(37oC)
60oF						COLD
60oF						COLD
(15oC)

TLW1994N

Water Temperature		Use		Comments

HOT	•	Sturdy whites and colorfast items	•	Best cleaning for heavily soiled
(approximately 120°F [49°C],	•	Work clothes		items
as determined by outside water	•	Soiled items	•	Best for sanitizing
supply)	•	Diapers

WARM	•	Rinsing of some items (OPTIONAL)	•	Reduces wrinkling in permanent
(approximately 100º F [37°C]),	• Light and moderately soiled items			press fabrics
as determined by outside water	•	Non-colorfast or dark colors	•	Less fading
supply)	•	Permanent press	•	Reduces shrinking in knits
	• Silks, woolens, nylon, acrylic

COLD	•	Rinsing of most items	•	Saves energy
(approximately 60º F [15°C]),	•	Non-colorfast fabrics	•	Reduces color fading
as determined by outside water	•	Extra sensitive clothing	•	Reduces wrinkling
supply)			•	Reduces shrinking

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