Laundry guides
Cold, warm, or hot? Water temperature cheat sheet
The right water temperature cleans better, protects fabrics, saves energy, and keeps colors bright. Use this guide to pick cold, warm, or hot for every load—and always check the care label first.
Cold water
Up to 80°F / 30°C
Best for
- Blood and sweat stains
- Dark and bright colors
- Delicates and lingerie
- Jeans and denim
- Most everyday clothes
Why use it
- Helps prevent shrinking
- Reduces color fading
- Saves energy
- Gentle on fabrics
- Great for light to normal soil
Warm water
Up to 105°F / 40°C
Best for
- Everyday mixed loads
- Sheets and pillowcases
- Lightly soiled towels
- Synthetic fabrics and blends
- Light grease and body oils
Why use it
- Cleans better than cold for moderate soil
- Safe for most fabrics
- Helps detergent dissolve and work
- Balanced cleaning and fabric care
Hot water
Up to 140°F / 60°C
Best for
- Whites and light colors
- Heavily soiled towels and bedding
- Cloth diapers
- Heavy grease and oil
- Sanitizing (only when the care label allows)
Why use it
- Removes tough stains and heavy soil
- Kills bacteria and germs when appropriate
- Whitens and brightens whites
- Deep clean for items that can take heat
When in doubt
Wash cold on a gentle cycle. Check the care label on your clothes—it is there for a reason.
General guidelines
- Always treat stains before washing and use cold water for most stains.
- Never put stained items in the dryer until the stain is gone—heat sets stains.
- Use the right amount of detergent for load size and soil level.
- Do not overload the machine—clothes need room to move.
Temperature at a glance
- Hot (120°F – 140°F)
- Heavy soil, whites, and sanitizing when the label allows.
- Warm (80°F – 105°F)
- Everyday loads and moderate soil.
- Cold (Up to 80°F)
- Delicates, colors, and light soil.
Quick tips
- Pre-treat stains as soon as you can.
- Turn clothes inside out to protect colors and prints.
- Use cold water for new clothes the first few washes.
- Save energy: wash cold when the label and soil level allow.
Better care. Longer life. Cleaner clothes. That's the 713 way.
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