A Washing Machine Temperature Guide (for Most Brands)

Does the water temperature in a washing machine matter? Yes! While many detergents are formulated to work in cold water, higher temperatures are sometimes needed to remove heavy soil and stains.

Most brands of washing machines have a hot water setting around 130°F, warm water setting between 90°F to 110°F, and cold water between 60°F and 80°F.

Cold water is perfect for washing delicate items such as lingerie and hosiery. Warm water works well for lightly soiled clothes and synthetic fabrics. Hot water is usually only needed for items that are heavily soiled or stained.

Here's a washing machine temperature guide based on fabric types.

When to Use Hot Water

Most linens and white cotton clothing can be washed in hot water, especially sickbed linens and clothes worn close to the body like underwear.

The high temperature is highly effective for removing dirt and bacteria. However, hot water tends to make some fabrics shrink, wrinkle, and colors fade.

However, delicate fabrics don't usually respond well to high temperatures and it can permanently set some types of stains. Always check care label recommendations before using hot water.

When to Use Warm Water

Most types of fabric can be washed in warm water and it is usually the best choice for washable man-made fabrics like nylon, polyester, spandex, rayon, denim jeans, and clothing labeled as permanent press.

It provides good cleaning without as much fading, wrinkling, and shrinking as hot water and offers more energy savings.

When to Use Cold Water

Cold water should be used for delicate fabrics or items with instructions to be washed in cold water. It's the best option for dark or brightly colored clothing that can run or fade at higher temperatures.

Because cold water is less efficient at removing most stains, if the items are heavily soiled be sure to pretreat the stains. Always use a heavy-duty, enzyme-based liquid laundry detergent formulated for cold water.

Temperature and Care Tips for Washing Clothes

1. Check the Care Label

   Most items have a care label with specific washing instructions. These directions provide the best cleaning method to maintain the longevity of the fabric.

   You'll find the information you need to choose both the best water temperature and the type of washing cycle.

   Following the recommendations on the label is especially important if you have never washed the item before.

2. Know Your Fabric Type 

   If you have problems with laundry, you probably don't understand the properties of different types of fabrics. The fiber content and how the fabric is manufactured make a huge difference in choosing a washing temperature.

   Most delicate fabrics, athleticwear, and vivid colors should be washed in cold water, synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon in warm water, and cotton fabrics in hot water.
   

3. Sort the Laundry

   Laundry should always be sorted before washing to give you the best results.

   Sort by color, fabric type, and level of soil. You'll have much better results in controlling lint, removing soil, and preventing color transfer if you wash similar types of fabric together. 

   By sorting correctly, selecting the best water temperature is much easier.

4. Pretreat Stains

   Taking the time to pretreat stains will give you cleaner laundry especially if you are using cold water.

   Follow a stain removal guide for recommendations on the best products to use for specific stains.

5. Consider a Cold Water Soak

   Although washing with cold water isn't always the best for getting out stains, it should be your first choice if the care label is missing or unclear.

   It is the safest water temperature to prevent damage to fabrics. A cold water soak can be a lifesaver for certain types of stained fabrics.

   Be patient. A soak can be anywhere from a few minutes to overnight. The tougher the stain, the longer the soak will need to be. 

6. Check the Washer's Water Temperature

   Check the water temperatures in your washing machine to get a good baseline of how well the machine is functioning and whether the temperature dials are accurate. To test, use a candy thermometer to record the temperature of each cold, warm, and hot water setting.

   • Hot water should be 130°F or above. If the water isn't reaching that temperature, check your home water heater settings and the thermal fuse in the washer. If you have a washer with a steam cycle, that will increase the temperature in each load.
   • Warm water should be between 90°F and 110°F.
   • Cold water should be between 60°F and 80°F. Outdoor winter temperatures can affect the temperature of cold water. If the water is below 60°F, cleaning results diminish.

   Tip

   Some washing machines allow you to select a water temperature for the rinse cycle. To save energy costs and safely rinse all types of fabrics, set the washer dial on cold rinse and leave it for every load. Rinse water has little effect on stain removal or cleaning, so cold water works just as well to rinse away detergents and suspended soil.