Should You Wash in Hot or Cold Water for Stains? We Asked Experts

If you’ve dealt with stubborn stains that won’t budge, don’t get down about what you’re doing wrong. While you can try all kinds of laundry hacks, from dish detergent to pantry staples to stain removers, the answer might be more straightforward: it actually might come down to the temperature of your water.

What water temperature is really best for stain busting? We turned to the experts to find out their thoughts on hot versus cold. And as it turns out…it entirely depends.

When to Use Cold Water

According to cleaning expert Maria Mooney of Truly Free, cold water is best for dealing with common food and drink stains. This especially applies to things like baby food and juice, but it’s true if you face more challenging fluids, like urine or blood.

Another time cold is best? Washing a delicate item or something with colors that could run, says Hyacinth Tucker of the Laundry Basket, LLC.

“Cold water stops these stains from setting into your clothes and keeps them looking good longer,” she says. “Plus, it’s gentle on colors and helps prevent fading.”

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When to Use Hot Water

Mooney says deeper stains, like oil and grease, call for hot water. This is also true if you’re dealing with something that goes beyond a small stain and veers more into “heavily soiled” territory.

“Warmer temperatures also aid in removing lingering odors, so if a stain leaves behind a particular smell, try washing the item in hot water to eliminate it,” she says.

Tucker agrees. She says hot water is best for these tough-to-beat stains. That’s because the heat can help dissolve any particularly nasty elements that the stain might leave behind when washed with cold water. 

If You’re Unsure, Go Warm

If you’re really not sure how to classify either the stain or the garment in question, Tucker says it’s okay to aim somewhere in the middle. In these cases, warm water is your safest bet.

“If you are deciding between cleaning power and keeping your clothes safe, shoot for warm water washes,” she says. “It’s ideal for everyday stains and most fabrics.”

Any laundry or cleaning expert will tell you that care instructions are critical to follow when it comes to determining the right temperature for your garment or home textile. But Mooney says, if you’re facing tough, stubborn stains and your fabric can handle it, aim for a water temp of 100°-120°F.

“Hotter temperatures make it easier to remove stubborn stains by actively breaking them down during wash cycles,” she says.

Experts’ Best Stain Fighting Tips

No matter your water temp, Mooney suggests isolating the stain first to prevent it from transferring onto other fabrics.

“A stain is much harder to remove the longer it has to set into a fabric, so if you spot-treat the stain ahead of time, you’ll increase your chances of removing unwanted residues,” she says. 

While you can buy a ready-made stain remover, Tucker gave us a great recipe to make on your own. Using a spray bottle, simply mix equal parts white vinegar with hydrogen peroxide. 

“Add a few drops of liquid dish soap, shake it up gently, and you’re ready to tackle stains before washing your clothes,” she says.

What About Red Wine? 

The exception, says Tucker, is the most noxious of them all: red wine stains. For this, she suggests first pouring white vinegar on the stain. This will neutralize the red. 

“Then, rub in some bleach alternative before washing it in the hottest water allowed by the care label,” Tucker says. “Repeat if needed and air dry your garment. This should lift the stain and keep your clothes looking good.”