What is the Recommended Washing Temperature for White Clothes, According to Professionals?

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White garments are notorious for attracting stains. Spilled food, drinks, sweat, and makeup can Leave permanent marks on your attire, and removing these blemishes can be challenging. Using improper cleaning methods can make things worse, leading to yellowing, graying, setting in stains, dulling, and damage to the fabric. A good detergent and bleach can help in some cases, but the temperature of the water is equally important. Here's everything you need to know about the ideal water temperature for washing white clothes.

  • Mary Gagliardi is an in-house scientist and cleaning expert at Clorox.
  • Wendy Saladyga is a fabric care expert and manager of technical performance at Henkel for Persil.
  • Heidi Luber is the president and owner of Lubertex International, a hotel linen supplier.

Why Does Temperature Matter?

Different water temperatures have varying effects on laundry. High temperatures are effective at removing stains, sanitizing, and killing bacteria. However, they can cause shrinkage and damage delicate fabrics. Conversely, low temperatures are safer for fabrics, but they are less effective at removing stains.

"The hotter the water, the better the cleaning, so washing in the hottest water possible (and using a good detergent and the appropriate laundry additive) really helps keep white clothing and textiles looking clean, white, and bright," says Mary Gagliardi, Clorox's in-house scientist and cleaning expert.

If you wash whites in cold water and they come out looking dingy, she suggests trying warmer water. “The most likely drawback to increasing the wash temperature will be shrinkage, which can sometimes be mitigated by air drying instead of tumble drying," Gagliardi adds.

What Temperature Should You Wash White Clothing In?

"Most everyday white clothing items can be washed in warm water to ensure effective cleaning while maintaining the garment's integrity," says Wendy Saladyga, fabric care expert and manager of technical performance at Henkel for Persil. However, "it's important to always consult the care label before washing. In terms of temperature, follow those care instructions and wash items with high soil levels in the warmest water recommended."

The exact temperature setting will depend on the type of fabric, stain, and care instructions, but here are some general rules:

  • High water (130 °F) is ideal for sheets, towels, undergarments, or heavily soiled garments. However, there’s a high risk of shrinkage and damage to cotton and delicate fabrics.
  • Warm water (90 – 110°F) is more suitable for cotton and synthetics.
  • Cold water (60–80°F) is best for delicate clothing, such as hosiery and mixed fabrics, susceptible to shrinking or fading.

Most fibers (cotton, linen, polyester, nylon, acrylic, spandex) can handle the typical US hot (50°C/122°F) water temperature setting, but be sure to wash wool and silk garments in cold water, if they are machine washable. Some garments may need to be hand-washed or laid flat to dry to help prevent damage. Because cold water is less efficient at removing most stains, pre-treat heavily soiled items using an enzyme-based detergent for best results. For set-in stains on these delicate fabrics, try a dry cleaner for the best results.

Best Practices for Washing White Clothes

The care label is the best guide for washing your white garments. According to Heidi Luber, president and owner of Lubertex International, a hotel linen supplier, "100% cotton fibers are happiest when washed in warm water and warm dryers. Cotton mixed with polyester can handle higher heat. However, they do not need it. When it comes to laundering, the best tip I can provide is to use cold or warm water and medium heat during the entire process."

White linens, towels, sheets, and socks can typically withstand hot water for a deeper clean. Yet, excessive heat may cause linen to lose its structure and become brittle. So, always check the care label before using hot water.

White synthetic fabrics like nylon, polyester, and spandex may be stain-resistant. That means you should be more worried about shrinkage than long-term discoloration. These items can be sensitive to high heat, so room temperature to cold water might be all you need. Avoid high heat in the dryer, as it can damage or melt the fabric. Warm water is also ideal for washing white clothes made of rayon or denim, and clothing labeled as permanent press.

Care Tips for White Clothing

"It's crucial to separate colors from whites to avoid color transfer. To maintain the brightness of your white clothing, make sure to wash whites alone,” states Saladyga. “The dye that comes off colored fabrics can land on your white garment, making it look discolored and dingy over time."

Further, separate white laundry by fabric type. White cotton towels will need a different treatment and water temperature than white denim jeans. So be prepared to customize smaller loads.

Additionally, pre-treat stains before washing them. Also, use diluted bleach wisely. For small spots, dabbing with a cotton swab of diluted bleach might be a simple and powerful solution.

Last, air dry your white clothing outside, if possible. The sun's UV rays can help whiten the fabric.

According to Heidi Luber, the president and owner of Lubertex International, it's recommended to use cold or warm water and medium heat for washing 100% cotton fibers to maintain their integrity. If washing white linens, towels, sheets, and socks, they can typically withstand hot water for a deeper clean, but it's essential to check the care label before using hot water to avoid damaging the fabric.

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