Hot water is typically about 130 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. Between 90 and 110 degrees is considered warm water. And water temperature between 60 and 80 degrees is cold. If your cold water is below 60, it's likely too cool to wash your clothing well.
60 degrees Celsius is a recommended hot-water temperature for certain kinds of linens, heavier clothes, and certain stains… and it starts by knowing your washing machine's features as well as knowing what temperature your hot water heater is set to as a steady setting.
What temperature is a hot wash? 60°C is considered a hot wash, with anything higher being a very hot wash.
For perfect washing in a washing machine, it is important to know that white cotton can be washed at up to 95°C, while the temperature for coloured cotton should be no higher than 60°C, with a short rinsing period and the minimum possible spin cycle.
Check the Washer's Water Temperature
Hot water is generally 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54 degrees Celsius) or above. Warm water is generally between 90 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit (32 to 43 degrees Celsius). Cold water is generally between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 27 degrees Celsius).
The chance of cotton shrinking increases the warmer you wash. At 90 degrees, the fabric will shrink more than at 60 degrees. Do you want to prevent shrinkage? Then preferably wash lower than 60 degrees.
A 60°C wash cycle is the most effective option if your garments are heavily soiled or stained, as well as if they are guaranteed to have large amounts of bacteria and viruses on them. This temperature is recommended for bedding, towels and anything that may have been contaminated.
"Both hot and warm water may cause certain fabrics to fade or shrink," she notes. "However, hot water shrinks items to their maximum shrinkage capacity after one wash, whereas warm water will shrink them more gradually over multiple washes."
How to wash cotton fabrics? You can wash cotton clothes in warm water with Ariel All-in-1 PODS and Lenor for great laundry results. If you're washing bright or dark cotton items, you may want to use a lower temperature wash at 30 degrees to help avoid colour fading and dye transfer.
70 Degrees - 60 Degrees
This water temperature is, unless you are accustomed to it, probably uncomfortably cold. Your breathing will be harder to maintain in this temperature, and you won't be able to hold your breath nearly as long as you would otherwise.
A 30-degree wash is fine for clothes that need a general wash rather than targeted stain removal. However, the NHS website says that underwear, towels and household linens should be washed at 60 degrees to prevent the spread of germs.
90 degrees is usually the hottest wash setting and is often known as a 'very hot wash', while 60 degrees is a 'hot wash'. Both cycles will take longer than cold wash cycles, but the 90-degree cycle will be the longest of all possible cycles.
Washing at 60°C will not shrink every type of clothing, but may shrink items made of natural fibres such as cotton and wool.
85 degrees may make some people feel hot while for others it might be 90 or 95. Various studies have shown the "ideal" temperature for humans to feel most comfortable is 72 degrees.
A good temperature for washing towels and sheets is 40 degrees, but a 60 degreewash will be better at killing germs. Changing your sheets and towels once a week can help to keep them fresh and clean**.
Towels should be washed in the warmest water appropriate for the fabric according to the care label. Generally, warm or hot water is recommended for washing towels. Use a cycle specifically for towels or a normal/regular cycle.
Hot water can cause bright colors to run and fade, and can shrink certain types of fabric. Hot water can also damage certain synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and vinyl. The heat breaks down the fibers and can ruin the fabric.
LoveToKnow. 60°C (140°F) This laundry symbol features just the bucket with the number 60 inside it. It indicates a colored wash.
How long does a 60 degree wash take? This can take between 2.5-3 hours. If you've got clothes with baby poo or sick on them, the NHS says washing them at 60 degrees will get rid of any germs. Always use a good detergent like Fairy Non Bio which leaves clothes super clean.
Use the hottest water setting on your washing machine that's safe for the material. Polyester blends are best washed using warm water, while cotton can tolerate hot water. Hotter water kills the most germs and takes care of dust mites that thrive in bedding. Wash at least once every other week.
There is a misconception that you must wash clothes on the highest setting possible to kill bacteria, but it is proven that 60°C is adequate. If you are only washing lightly soiled clothing then you will not need to use hot temperatures.
Ideally, whites should be washed at 60 degrees to keep them pristine, although this can depend on the fabric. White cotton work shirts, for example, would be best washed at 60 degrees but you may need to allow for a little shrinkage if they've not been washed before.
' Experts at Dr Beckmann advise regular washing of clothes at 60 degrees to help eliminate the spread of bacteria & viruses.
Even at low temperatures, modern detergents are capable of thoroughly washing your socks, just as advertised. Temperatures above 40 degrees are not just unnecessary – they can cause permanent damage to the fabric. Plus, washing at lower temperatures will save you money and protect the environment as well.