5 Items You Should Always Wash in Hot Water, a Laundry Pro Says

Ready to tackle that big pile of laundry? Depending on what you’re washing, you may want to think about running a hot water load. Many garments can be washed in hot water, laundry pros say, and below, Hyacinth Tucker, owner of The Laundry Basket LLC, highlights five types of items in particular that will benefit from this type of care.

However, for maximum success, you will need to run hot water loads using a detergent made for high temperatures, and you should still treat any stains pre-wash with stain remover, Tucker shares.

Additionally, be mindful that washing items in hot water may cause them to shrink or fade, Kim Romine, a fabric care scientist for Proctor & Gamble, says. Romine always advises reviewing a garment’s care label before putting it into the wash. Wool and cotton are especially susceptible to shrinking, Tucker says. Keep in mind that hot water loads are also less energy efficient than cold water loads, and therefore are best used somewhat sparingly.

Keep reading for a detailed list of items to wash in hot water the next time you run a load of laundry.

Bedding and Towels

While you may just be changing out your household’s bedding and towels on a weekly basis, it is important to remember that they should be washed in hot water each time so that you can feel good about their cleanliness level.

This is due to the fact that bedding and towels can collect bacteria, dust mites, and other allergens that hot water can help kill, Tucker explains. She comments that you should wash bedding and towels at a temperature of 130°F or higher.

“Use a good-quality detergent and make sure they are thoroughly rinsed,” she says.

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Underwear and Socks

You will want to ensure that you’re getting your underwear and socks as nice and clean as possible every time you toss them into the wash, and as such, it is wise to use hot water in this instance as well.

As with bedding and towels, underwear and socks can contain bacteria, germs, and odors that hot water can help to sufficiently remove. Tucker recommends taking things a step further and incorporating a disinfectant or white vinegar to make sure that these clothing items are extra fresh.

Baby Clothes and Diapers

Little ones certainly go through plenty of clothing changes in a given day. Baby clothes and cloth diapers should be washed in hot water with baby-safe detergent so that you can ensure that they’re free of bacteria and allergens, Tucker says.

Kitchen Towels and Cloths

You will want to make sure that you’re washing your kitchen towels as part of your regular laundry routine; don’t forget about them when you’re filling up your hamper. As Tucker points out, these items easily attract grease, food particles, and bacteria.

As a result, in order to say goodbye to any germs, hot water is best, along with a heavy-duty detergent.

Gym Clothes

If you have ever washed gym clothes in cold water, that’s more than okay, but hot water can be beneficial as well.

“Even though synthetic fabrics used in gym clothes can be washed in cold water to keep their elasticity, occasional hot water washes can help remove bacteria and odors,” Tucker says.

Tips Before Running Your Laundry Under Hot Water

• Consider energy and money. Romine explains how washing on a cold cycle instead of a hot one can use up to 90 percent less energy on average, which can save energy and money. So, it’s important to choose which items are worth running hot water.
• Some stains may not be removed. Although hot water is known to effectively remove many types of stains, it won’t be able to get rid of every kind. It’s important to take extra steps like pre-staining any tough stains before throwing them into the wash for better results.
• Evaluate stains. Romine explains how some stains like blood can actually set in more when it’s washed under warm or hot water, so it’s vital to evaluate different stains and the effects hot water can have on them.