With modern washing machines and detergents, washing your clothes in cold water gets them just as clean as washing in hot water but saves a lot of energy. With really tough loads, you can still make a difference by washing in warm but rinsing in cold. Not only an energy saver but washing clothes in cold water allows fabrics to retain their color and strength longer.
According to various sources on the internet, switching to cold water washing could amount to a savings between $52 and $145 each year in water heating costs.
“Since 86 percent of the energy consumed by a washing machine goes to heating the water, one household can eliminate 1,600 pounds of annual carbon dioxide emissions by washing in cold.” (Sierra Club Magazine)
on Mar 4th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Washing in cold water may save on energy, but it won’t really do much to clean your clothes. It is proven that detergents are ineffective in water below 65 degrees. The detergent does not properly dissolve, and can lead to residue left on clothing. This is especially true for those who get their water from a well, or for those who have gard water.
on Mar 5th, 2009 at 5:44 am
@Brad
Most laundry detergent companies now sell detergents specially formulated for cold water use. Also 20 Mule Team Borax added to the laundry will soften hard water from wells.
“20 Mule Team® Borax is made of 100% Borax, a naturally occurring mineral composed of sodium, boron, oxygen and water. 20 Mule Team® Borax is not harmful to washing machines, plumbing or septic tanks and does not contain phosphates or chlorine. “
on Jun 4th, 2009 at 10:28 am
Hi:For all you folks wanting to wash your laundry in cold water. I thought perhaps you may be intersted in knowing that we have a product that hooks up to most washers that is designed to wash with cold water only and works wonderful. Its called Laundry Pure.In fact we have gone one step further and in almost all casess it does not require any detergent either. Some people on septic systems actually pump the used laundry water out into thier yards to use for lawn or garden watering.This product has been tried and tested many times over and millions of units have been sold.
Sincerely
Paul Gauthier