Wave goodbye to bacteria and wash in hot water only these items:
Are you prepared to purge that large laundry pile? You might want to consider running a hot water load, depending on what you’re washing. It’s better to carefully inspect the labels from each garment before doing so so you won’t end up with shrunk sweaters or any other item made of wool and cotton.
Hot water loads are best used somewhat sparingly because they are less energy efficient than cold water loads. So run these cycles only when it’s mandatory if you don’t want a skyrocketing energy bill at the end of the month.
The next time you do laundry, put a pin on this comprehensive guide with all of the things that are a must to wash in hot water.
Pet bedding and blankets
One of the most common items you must always wash in hot water is the bedding and blankets that belong to your beloved pet. Pet blankets and bedding gather smell, fur, and dirt, which provides the perfect environment for bacteria, fleas, ticks, and other unwanted guests in your home. In addition to removing debris, washing them in hot water also gets rid of germs and parasites.
Because pets can be sensitive to residues, use a detergent free of fragrances and dyes to ensure an effective cleanup without hurting the furry friends.
Bedding and towels
Even though you have the habit of replacing the towels and bedding in your home once a week (which, by the way, is a healthy habit!), it’s crucial to keep in mind that they are the items you must always wash in hot water so you can be confident in their level of cleanliness.
Because bedding and towels are constantly exposed to moisture, skin cells, and bacteria, hot water is necessary for washing them. Dust mites, which flourish in warm, humid conditions, can be found on sheets and pillowcases and cause allergies and skin problems. Dust mites, bacteria, and viruses are effectively removed by washing these items in hot water (at least 130°F), providing a clean sleeping environment.
Pro tip: I also use Vanish on the white sheets and towels, especially! The liquid Vanish is the best one, but the powdered one works just great too. I let the laundry soak for around 20 minutes, and if it has stubborn stains on it, I leave it for another 10 minutes.
Most laundry detergents do well in both hot and cold water, but from my experience, based on expert opinions and such, I concluded that Tide Ultra Oxi (the liquid version) works wonders. And I am not even bragging about it to make you buy it! But if you want to try it out for yourself, check the offer on Amazon because they sell it for better prices compared to other online shops.
Reusable grocery bags
There is a chance of cross-contamination because reusable bags are commonly used to transport raw meat, produce, and other foods. Bags made of fabric or canvas should be cleaned with hot water to get rid of germs, and insulated bags can be wiped with hot, soapy water. Cleaning regularly stops bacteria like E. coli from getting onto your groceries.
However, there might be a chance that not every reusable grocery bag is washable in hot water. To make sure you won’t end up with a shrunk grocery bag, check the label before washing.
Underwear and socks
It is advisable to use hot water in this case as well because you want to make sure that your socks and underwear are as clean as possible each time you throw them in the washing machine. Hot water can effectively eliminate bacteria, germs, and odors from socks and underwear, just like it can from bedding and towels. To be sure that those clothes are particularly fresh, we also advise going one step further and adding a disinfectant or white vinegar to the water.
Gym clothes
Do you know how much you sweat in those gym clothes? That’s why you must wash them in hot water if the fabric allows it. To avoid damage, some might need warm water instead of hot. Otherwise, soak them in water that is as warm as your hand can hold them, and then wash them in a washing machine set to 30 degrees without a tumbler.
For optimal performance and elasticity, it’s mandatory to use a detergent made specifically for sportswear.
Baby items (clothes and bottles)
If you have toddlers, then you know that you have to change their clothes multiple times a day. So you ensure the clothes are thoroughly washed and disinfected; it’s mandatory to wash them in hot water with a special type of detergent.
There are plenty of detergents available on Amazon, but if you prefer doing in-store shopping, check out Dreft Stage, a detergent suitable for baby clothes available at Walmart, which is efficient in both cold and hot water.
Even though the hot water should be enough to destroy the lingering bacteria and smell, you may also add approximately half a cup of baking soda to the washing water.
Kitchen sponges
Kitchen sponges can become an ideal habitat for bacteria when we use them to clean up food spills and then leave them lying around wet. So how can we avoid that? Wash your kitchen sponge with hot water and soap after each use. To make sure all the germs are killed, put the wet sponges in the microwave for one or two minutes. Additionally, depending on how frequently you use them, you must replace your sponges once a week in addition to washing them regularly.
Kitchen towels
Make sure to include washing your kitchen towels in your regular laundry routine! To help remove grease and germs, leave them in a bucket of hot water and white vinegar before washing them in hot water. If you don’t have white vinegar on hand, add a bit of baking soda to the water. It’s as efficient as the vinegar.
Additionally, you should always wash them separately from your other clothes.
A couple of useful tips before washing your laundry in hot water:
First of all, always think about money and energy. Washing on a cold cycle rather than a hot one can save energy and money by using up to 90% less energy on average. Choosing which laundry is worth running hot water is therefore crucial.
Some stains won’t be removed even in hot water—the sooner you find out about this, the better! Hot water can effectively remove a lot of different kinds of stains, but it can’t remove all of them. For better results, it’s crucial to take extra precautions, such as pre-staining any difficult stains before washing them (I wrote an article a couple of months ago about this and how to keep your clothes sparkling, so feel free to check it out!).
Do not wash your jeans in hot water unless you intend to donate them, as they will shrink. To preserve the color of your jeans and stop them from shrinking, it is advised to wash them in warm water that is between 90 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, wash them from the inside out. Cold water may cause the color to run, while hot water can ruin the fabric.
Additionally, don’t wash them more frequently, despite the pressure to do so! To keep your denim looking its best, you should wash it every four or five weeks.
How would you describe your laundry routine?
You’re on a roll with cleaning for the springtime? We got you with even better tips and tricks. Check out this article: You Can Clean These 12 Things with Baking Soda.
