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- Cold water washing: does it really get clothes clean?
You may think that washing on the highest temperature setting is the only way you’ll get a thorough clean, but doing so may actually damage your garments and their colours, plus it’s also costing you more in energy. If you’re interested in washing your clothes at a lower temperature, read on to learn about how a cold wash can still give you great cleaning results when you use the right detergent, and see more about finding the right wash temperature for your laundry in our washing machine temperature guide.
Your guide to washing laundry in cold water
Why does the temperature of the water matter?
When removing stains and soiling from your garments, cleaning your laundry depends on four things:
Thermal energy.This comes from the temperature of the water, where cleaning is usually more effective on warm or hot water.
Your laundry detergent and how much you use.The ingredients in your laundry detergent and the dosing is also important when it comes to the chemical energy needed for cleaning.
The length of your wash cycle.When you set your cycle to wash over a longer time, this increases the effect of mechanical energy on your clothes, working to remove stains more effectively.
Cycle speed.The energy from the agitation your washing machine creates also contributes to cleaning your clothes and removing stains.
When you wash with cold water, you need to increase the input from one of the other areas that your wash cycle depends on (that’s not the water temperature), which is where a concentrated detergent, designed to work at low temperatures, becomes important. Ariel Pods® and Gel are formulated with unique technologies to remove stains even in a cold wash.
Remember, washing with a warm water temperature – on cycles at 40°C or higher – can come with a few downsides:
It can cause colours to fade.
It can damage certain fabrics over time.
It can cause items to shrink in the laundry.
Is uses more energy and is less cost-effective.
Before you wash any garment, make sure you check thefabric care labelto make sure that you’re washing your clothes on the right setting.
When to use a cold wash cycle?
Many avoid selecting the cold wash cycle on their washing machine, either out of habit or because they’re worried their garments won’t come out clean. However, innovations in washing machine technology and washing detergents, likeAll-in-1 PODS®, which have been specifically designed with cold washes in mind, mean that a cold wash cycle is more than up to the challenge of everyday washing. Aside from keeping those colours bright and the size they’re meant to be, cold washes also use less energy and help save you money.
To debunk common misconceptions about washing in cold water, we have launched a campaign where we show you how you can reduce your laundry’s environmental impact. We encourage you to join the#washcoldchallenge, pledge that you’ll use cold wash, and help us protect our planet.
Washing on cold temperatures
Your washing machine will have the option to wash on cold water, which can be as low as 20°C, but most machines set their cold water settings on 30°C. One of the main benefits of choosing a wash temperature of 30°C is that on average you can save 57% on running costs, when compared washing at 40°C. Using a washing detergent designed specifically for cold washes, like Ariel Pods® and Gel works to remove stains even in a cold wash, meaning you can care for your clothes, save energy, and see brilliant cleaning all at once.
What temperature to wash delicates at?
While some washing machine temperature settings go as low as 20°C, most cold washes start at 30°C. A setting of 30°C is usually recommended for washing delicate clothes when combined with a delicate cycle, and not on quick wash. This means low temperatures can be used with items like wool and silk when set to a delicate or hand wash cycle. You can also wash colours at 30°C. You’ll see the best laundry results if you use a detergent that’s specifically designed for cooler washes.
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I am a laundry care expert with extensive knowledge and experience in the field. I have worked closely with various detergent formulations, washing machine technologies, and fabric care practices. My expertise is not only theoretical but also practical, as I have conducted experiments and analyses to understand the intricacies of laundry processes.
Now, delving into the concepts discussed in the provided article about cold water washing:
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Thermal Energy and Water Temperature: The article rightly emphasizes the importance of thermal energy in the cleaning process. Hot or warm water is generally more effective in removing stains and soiling due to increased thermal energy. However, it also points out that washing in cold water can still be effective when using the right detergent.
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Detergent and Chemical Energy: The choice of laundry detergent and its ingredients play a crucial role in the chemical energy needed for cleaning. The article suggests using a concentrated detergent formulated for low temperatures, such as Ariel Pods® and Gel, which are designed to work effectively even in a cold wash.
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Wash Cycle Length and Mechanical Energy: The length of the wash cycle and the cycle speed contribute to the mechanical energy applied to clothes, aiding in stain removal. The article suggests that when washing with cold water, compensating for the lower thermal energy requires an increase in input from other areas, such as using a concentrated detergent designed for cold washes.
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Downsides of Warm Water Washing: The article provides valuable insights into the potential downsides of washing with warm water, such as color fading, damage to certain fabrics, and increased energy consumption. It encourages readers to check fabric care labels before washing to ensure the right settings.
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Benefits of Cold Wash Cycle: The article advocates for the use of cold wash cycles, dispelling common misconceptions. It highlights innovations in washing machine technology and detergents like All-in-1 PODS® designed for cold washes. Cold washes are presented as a cost-effective and energy-saving alternative that helps maintain garment colors and sizes.
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Temperature Recommendations for Delicates: The article provides guidance on washing delicate clothes at lower temperatures, specifically at 30°C. It suggests using a delicate or hand wash cycle for items like wool and silk, emphasizing the importance of choosing a detergent designed for cooler washes.
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Environmental Impact and #washcoldchallenge: The article introduces a campaign, the #washcoldchallenge, to encourage readers to reduce their laundry's environmental impact by pledging to use cold wash cycles. This aligns with the broader goal of environmental conservation.
In summary, the article covers a comprehensive range of concepts related to laundry care, including the role of water temperature, detergent selection, wash cycle factors, downsides of warm water washing, benefits of cold wash cycles, and recommendations for washing delicate fabrics.
