Cold is the New Hot
Impact
High
Difficulty
Easy
Speed
Instant
It's time to break an old habit that's been passed down for generations: the idea that clothes need hot water to get clean. In the age of modern detergents, hot water is usually just a waste of money.
About 90% of the energy used by a washing machine goes solely into heating the water. The actual mechanical part of the machine—the sloshing and spinning—uses very little. When you switch to the 'Cold' setting, you're instantly slashing your laundry energy costs by nearly 90%. And here's the kicker: cold water is actually better for your clothes. It prevents shrinking, reduces fading, and stops colors from bleeding.
Modern detergents are chemically engineered to work just as well in cold water as they do in warm. Unless you're trying to strip heavy grease or sanitize something, cold water is your best friend. Your clothes will last longer, the planet will breathe a bit easier, and your energy provider will get a bit less of your hard-earned cash every month. Win-win-win!