Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Travel
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Property
  • Health
  • TV
  • Podcasts
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Travel
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Property
  • Health
  • TV
  • Podcasts
Subscribe
Gift wrapping hack
Watch 0:20

Gift wrapping hack

{headline}

{headline}

Kmart has released the laundry trolley of your dreams

Kmart has released the laundry trolley of your dreams

5 ways to dry your clothes quickly during winter

5 ways to dry your clothes quickly during winter

How to correctly machine wash your woollen clothing

How to correctly machine wash your woollen clothing

How to remove stubborn stains

How to remove stubborn stains

{headline}

{headline}

Big W has released the laundry trolley of your dreams

Big W has released the laundry trolley of your dreams

How to make DIY fabric softener

How to make DIY fabric softener

How to get rid of ants

How to get rid of ants

{headline}

{headline}

How to fix a burnt iron with paracetamol

How to fix a burnt iron with paracetamol

How to clean a mattress

How to clean a mattress

The quick and easy way to clean an oven

The quick and easy way to clean an oven

5 household cleaning products that are outperformed by plain water

5 household cleaning products that are outperformed by plain water

How to avoid creating Christmas clutter this year

How to avoid creating Christmas clutter this year

5 of the most disgusting things found in Australian sofas

5 of the most disgusting things found in Australian sofas

3 mistakes you’re making with your gold jewellery

3 mistakes you’re making with your gold jewellery

  1. Home
  2. Better Life

Hot vs cold water: which is the better way to wash clothes?

And how to get a good wash at any temperature. - by Laura Barry
  • 13 Aug 2019
Hot vs cold water: which is the better way to wash clothes?

The choice between a hot and cold laundry wash is a decision most of us make every day. In Australia, washing clothes, towels and sheets in cold water is the most popular choice. But is one temperature actually better than the other for cleanliness and garment care?

In an interview with ABC, Choice whitegoods expert Ashleigh Iredale said that thanks to advancements in washing machine technology, and enzyme-based detergents, the difference between a hot and cold was is minimal.

“You do get a slight performance improvement washing in warm water, but we’ve found it’s not worth the extra energy cost. If you have solar hot water or electricity then washing in hot water is free, but it might not be great for all your clothes,” he said.

laundry washing machine
Getty

How to get a good wash at any temperature

  • Use a high-quality laundry detergent
  • Clean your washing machine regularly if you always use a cold wash
  • Run a hot water cycle every now and then to remove detergent residue and mould
  • If members of the family are sick, it’s better to use a ‘hygiene wash’ setting on your machine with warm water
  • Cold water will reduce clothes fading in colour

You might also like:

10 stunning laundry decorating ideas to steal 

How to correctly machine wash your woollen clothing 

How to remove tough stains 

Looking for laundry makeover inspiration? Watch the video below. 

  • Better Life
  • Cleaning
Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

3 FREE issues - Plus a Free tote bag!

Subscribe to Better Homes and Gardens.

Subscribe Now
3 FREE issues

3 FREE issues - Plus a Free tote bag!

Subscribe to Better Homes and Gardens.

Subscribe Now
3 FREE issues

Recommended to you

Gift wrapping hack
Watch 0:20

Gift wrapping hack

{headline}

{headline}

Kmart has released the laundry trolley of your dreams

Kmart has released the laundry trolley of your dreams

5 ways to dry your clothes quickly during winter

5 ways to dry your clothes quickly during winter

How to correctly machine wash your woollen clothing

How to correctly machine wash your woollen clothing

How to remove stubborn stains

How to remove stubborn stains

{headline}

{headline}

Big W has released the laundry trolley of your dreams

Big W has released the laundry trolley of your dreams

How to make DIY fabric softener

How to make DIY fabric softener

How to get rid of ants

How to get rid of ants

{headline}

{headline}

How to fix a burnt iron with paracetamol

How to fix a burnt iron with paracetamol

How to clean a mattress

How to clean a mattress

The quick and easy way to clean an oven

The quick and easy way to clean an oven

5 household cleaning products that are outperformed by plain water

5 household cleaning products that are outperformed by plain water

How to avoid creating Christmas clutter this year

How to avoid creating Christmas clutter this year

5 of the most disgusting things found in Australian sofas

5 of the most disgusting things found in Australian sofas

3 mistakes you’re making with your gold jewellery

3 mistakes you’re making with your gold jewellery

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Pacific Magazines
  • Partners
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Statement
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Pacific Magazines
  • Partners
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Statement

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Pacific Network

  • marie claire
  • Instyle
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Health
  • Men’s Health
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7travel
  • 7Plus
  • Airtasker
  • 7NEWS
  • SocietyOne
© 2019 Pacific Magazines
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

3 FREE issues - Plus a Free tote bag!

Shop This Offer
3 FREE issues