9 things that should not be washed in hot water, according to experts

What to wash in hot water instead.

There’s no doubt that hot water serves to clean and disinfect items, but that doesn’t mean it should be the default setting for every load. Choosing the right wash temperature is critical for anything you wash by machine or hand, as it affects the functionality and, in some cases, the appearance of your items.

While there are some items that should never be washed in cold water, there are also items that should be kept away from hot water. To find out what these items are, we spoke to two laundry experts to find out if you shouldn’t wash at high temperatures.

Meet the Experts

What should not be washed in hot water

Delicacies

Some fabrics, especially delicate ones such as silk, lace, cashmere or some synthetics, should never be washed in hot water. These materials can be damaged by heat and cause loss of shape or texture, Dills said. When it comes to washing a cashmere sweater, Shields says, “Cashmere is a luxurious fabric and should be treated as such. Expect it to shrink and warp in hot water, just like wool. High temperatures will damage the natural oils in the fabric. fibers that keep cashmere soft and cozy.”

Sportswear

Once you’ve been sweating it out in your favorite workout clothes, avoid using the washing machine at high temperatures to sanitize and remove unpleasant odors. “Many athletic fabrics contain elastic fibers that can break down in high temperatures, affecting stretch and fit,” says Dills. And the last time we checked, no one wants their yoga pants to lose their incredibly comfortable fit.

Underwear and bras

Both of our experts agree that it’s best to wash underwear and bras at lower temperatures to maintain their functionality without having to buy more supportive items. “The heat from washing in hot water can damage the elastic fibers typically used in bras and underwear, causing them to lose their shape and support,” says Dills.

Decorated clothes

As with cashmere clothing, Dills recommends treating your embellished items as a luxury item, since warmer temperatures can ruin these items. “When you buy clothes with sequins, knits or rhinestones, the last thing you want is for them to fall off after one wash. Sewn-on decorations can easily tear in the washing machine, and if they are glued on, the intensity of the hot water can destroy the glue. Washing your hands in cold water is the safest choice,” she says.

Dark and colored objects

Hot water is notorious for causing dark and colored items to fade over time, causing them to lose their brightness. To keep your clothes looking as vibrant as possible without fading, Dills and Shields recommends washing them at cooler temperatures as this setting preserves color.

Knitted Blankets

If you haven’t noticed, hot water tends to destroy many materials, including crocheted blankets and other items. Whether you crocheted the blanket yourself or received it as a homemade gift, Dills advises only hand washing it in cool water. “Hand wash your favorite crocheted blankets with a mild detergent and cold water. Avoid hot water as this may cause the fibers to shrink or lose their shape.”

Leather

Leather is another fabric that, like other delicate fabrics, should be washed at lower temperatures. “Whether it’s a jacket or the trim of your shoes, always keep heat away from your leather. Leather and hot water make a terrible pairing. It will become tough as the heat removes natural oils, leaving the skin dry and brittle,” says Shields.

denim

You know that favorite pair of jeans that you hid for a party? Remember that it is best to wash them with anything other than hot water. “Nobody wants their jeans to be two sizes too small, so don’t wash them in hot water. It also causes the denim to fade faster, so those perfect pieces can end up looking worn out,” says Shields.

High thread towels

Finally, our experts say that high-threaded towels should also be kept away from hot water. “These towels feel like a piece of luxury every time you use them. But throw them into hot water, and that luxury begins to literally disappear,” says Shields. “Hot water will cause them to fade and lose their soft feel. As the fibers wear out, they also stop absorbing water, which is essentially the whole point of towels! Nobody wants to get out of the shower and feel like they’re drying with sandpaper.”

What can be washed in hot water?

So, among all the items that are considered unsuitable for hot water, which items are acceptable for these temperatures? Here are a few items that our experts say are completely safe to throw in a hot wash:

• Shower Curtains: “Many homeowners don’t know that you can throw your shower curtain in the washing machine! Depending on the fabric, you can run a gentle cycle with hot water and regular detergent. Just be sure to throw a few towels in there. dry it,” says Dills.

• White linen and towels: Dills says, “Always read the care label to make sure clothes should be washed in hot water. In some cases, washing white clothes in hot water can help remove stains and maintain brightness. Hot water can also help clean heavily soiled towels.”

• Cloth diapers and baby products: “For me, it’s only when someone is sick, just to kill germs and bacteria. Plus, if you’re washing cloth diapers or any baby items, hot water helps sanitize and keep everything safe for baby’s sensitive skin, says Shields.

Related: 5 Rules That Will Ensure You Never Shrink Your Clothes Again