Wash Laundry in Cold Water

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Quick Facts Affordability Cost Savings CO2 Reduction		Water heating accounts for 90% of the energy consumption of washing machines. You can greatly reduce the energy consumption of your washing machine by washing in cold water. Unlike dishwashers, washing machines can clean with great results in cooler water temperatures. For more information about energy-efficient clothes washing, see our Use Less Energy to Wash Your Laundry tip in the Appliances Guide. Affordability In most cases, washing clothes in cold water can be done with little or no initial cost and only a few minor changes in your habits. Cost savings If you switch from hot to cold water and wash three loads of clothes per week, you could save as much as $27 per year. If you wash 80%, or four out of five loads, on cold/cold, you could cut two-thirds of a kilogram of greenhouse gas emissions per month. Health & comfort Switching from hot to cold water not only saves the energy used to heat the water but it can also save your clothes. Cold water washing reduces fading, shrinkage and wear of clothes. Environmental considerations Heat used to wash clothes in hot water can generate as much as five times more greenhouse gases than clothes washed in cold water.

What you need to know

• One of the easiest ways to cut your water heating costs is by reducing the amount of hot water you use.
• Keep the temperature dial on your machine set to “cold wash, cold rinse.” 
• Always wash with the washer fully loaded.  Washing machines are most energy efficient when they operate with full loads.
• Read your appliance's owner's manual to learn how to operate your clothes washer at optimum efficiency.
• Use a cold water powder detergent and only half the amount of what the label says to use, even with eco-friendly detergents. You can use even less detergent if you live in a region with soft water.
• Set your machine to the shortest wash time.
• If your clothes aren't dirty, wear them again before washing. 

Taking it further

• Buy an ENERGY STAR® front-loading washing machine. Front-loading machines can cut water use by nearly 40% and electricity use up to 65% compared to a conventional top loader. For more information about front-loading washers, see our Buyer’s Guide for washing machines.
• An alternative to traditional hot water options, solar water heaters can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to generate hot water for your home. They can be used in any climate and are powered by the sun, a free, renewable resource. 
• Try your own energy and use a handcrank clothes washer (suitable for small loads generated by single-person households, cloth diapers or RV owners) or a larger handwasher for larger loads. The larger handwasher uses 65% less energy than a conventional washing machine. Getting an extra workout by turning the handcrank is an added health benefit.
• Consider using a pedal-powered washing machine for exercise and clean clothes. See our Home Energy Resources section or our Use Less Energy to Wash Your Laundry tip for more information.

FAQ

Will my clothes actually get clean if I wash them in cold water?
Yes. Newer technologies in washers and laundry detergents make it possible to get whites and colours clean in cold water. In fact, using cold water can actually prevent coloured clothing from fading and wear.

What about hard-to-remove stains?
For really tough dirty or oily stains, use the “warm” water setting instead of “hot.” You are still cutting your energy savings in half.  Also, use a natural stain remover prior to washing or presoak clothes to help loosen the dirt or oil from the stain.