10 Things I Never Wash In Cold Water -And You Shouldn’t Either

Laundry might seem like a no-brainer—toss it in, add detergent, press start—but the water temperature you choose can make or break your results. While cold water is great for saving energy and protecting delicate fabrics, it’s not always the best choice. Some items need the extra heat to get truly clean, tackle stubborn stains, or kill bacteria.

Whether it’s heavily soiled clothes, fabrics exposed to germs, or special items like baby clothes and pet bedding, knowing when to skip the cold cycle can save you a lot of trouble.

Here are 10 items that require warmer temps.

White and Light-Colored Fabrics

Keeping white and light-colored fabrics looking fresh can feel like a battle, but hot water is your best ally. Warmer temperatures not only lift dirt and stains more effectively but also sanitize, leaving your clothes cleaner and brighter. If you’re worried about fading, using warm water instead of piping hot can strike the right balance between stain removal and color preservation.

Skip the cold cycle for these items—washing whites and light colors in cooler water often leaves behind a dingy look or stubborn stains. A warm or hot wash ensures that your clothes stay crisp and clean without extra effort.

Knits and Synthetic Fabrics

Knits and synthetic fabrics tend to hold onto dirt and detergent if they’re washed in cold water. Warm water helps break down grime and ensures detergent dissolves properly, preventing those annoying white streaks from showing up after a wash. Plus, knits in particular need a little extra heat to release dirt from the tightly woven fibers.

When washing workout clothes, sweaters, or anything made from synthetic fibers, stick to warmer settings. It helps these fabrics maintain their shape and ensures they’re truly clean, so you don’t end up rewashing or dealing with lingering odors.

Cloth Diapers and Baby Clothes

Cloth diapers and baby clothes need a little extra TLC in the laundry room. Hot water is non-negotiable for cloth diapers—it’s the best way to ensure they’re truly clean and free from bacteria. Always wash them separately from other laundry to avoid contamination. And don’t forget to give your washer a regular deep clean if you’re washing diapers frequently; it helps prevent the spread of germs.

Baby clothes, crib sheets, and towels can usually handle hot water too, as long as the care label agrees. This not only tackles stubborn stains but also removes allergens that could irritate your baby’s delicate skin. A hot wash means peace of mind when it comes to keeping your little one safe and comfortable.

Pet Bedding, Towels, and Toys

Pets bring joy—and a lot of dirt—into our lives. Their bedding, towels, and washable toys can harbor fur, dander, and even the occasional mystery odor. Washing these items in hot water is key to breaking down grime and neutralizing smells. Just make sure to check that the materials can handle the heat before tossing them in.

Regularly washing pet accessories also helps keep allergens at bay, which is a win for anyone in the house with allergies.

Really Dirty Laundry

When laundry gets really dirty—think muddy, sweaty, or downright grimy—it needs more than a standard wash. Heavily soiled items, whether they’re work clothes, cloth diapers, or pet accessories, should be washed in hot water to properly break down dirt and sanitize them. Cold water just doesn’t have the power to handle deep-set stains or germs on heavily soiled items.

It’s also a good idea to separate these from your regular loads. Mixing muddy or dirty clothes with lightly worn items can spread grime around instead of cleaning it up. A little extra effort upfront makes a big difference in keeping things fresh and clean.

Contaminated Work Clothes

Clothes exposed to hazardous materials like pesticides, lead, or asbestos require special care. Hot water is essential for breaking down and removing these dangerous substances. To avoid spreading contaminants, don’t shake out dirty work clothes before washing them. The last thing you want is harmful particles going airborne.

Always wash these items separately from your regular laundry, and don’t let them sit in a hamper for too long.

Clothes Worn by Someone Who Has Been Sick

When sickness hits your household, laundry becomes more than just a chore—it’s part of keeping everyone else healthy. Germs from clothing, towels, and bedding can linger, leading to reinfection or spreading illness to others. Washing these items in hot water or using a sanitize setting if your machine has one is key. For fabrics that can’t handle heat, a laundry sanitizer can help eliminate bacteria and viruses.

Pay extra attention to high-touch items like pillowcases and washcloths, as these can harbor the most germs. Staying on top of this might feel like a hassle, but it’s worth it to avoid playing tag with a lingering bug.

Items Used by Someone with Infections or Contagions

Dealing with something contagious like lice, ringworm, or poison ivy means laundry takes on a whole new level of importance. Hot water is your best friend for killing anything that might spread or cause reinfection. Make sure to wash any bedding, clothes, or towels used by the affected person separately, and handle them with gloves to protect yourself.

Taking the time to clean thoroughly can make a huge difference. Double-check items like stuffed animals, throw blankets, or anything else that might’ve been exposed—they’re easy to overlook but just as crucial to clean. Staying vigilant can help keep the issue from spreading to the rest of the household.

Aprons, Dish Towels, and Potholders

Kitchen fabrics like aprons, dish towels, and potholders get exposed to everything from raw meat juices to greasy spills, making them prime spots for bacteria to grow. Dish towels especially can transfer germs between surfaces if they’re not washed properly. Hot water is a must for killing bacteria and ensuring these items are truly clean. Skipping the hot cycle could leave harmful bacteria behind, which might lead to foodborne illnesses.

Make it a habit to toss these into the wash after handling raw meat or using them for heavy cleaning. Before you buy new kitchen towels or aprons, check the care tags to make sure they can handle hot water. Opting for durable, machine-washable fabrics will save you time and worry in the long run.

Clothes with Greasy, Oily, or Waxy Stains

Dealing with greasy stains from cooking oil, butter, or even makeup? Cold water isn’t going to cut it. Hot water works better because it helps to break down the oils, making stain removers more effective. Without the heat, those stains can stick around, leaving your favorite clothes looking less than fresh.

Before you throw the item in the wash, pre-treat the stain with a little detergent or dish soap. Then use the hottest water setting that the fabric can handle. This approach not only tackles the grease but also helps avoid those annoying dark spots that oily stains can leave behind.