When it comes to doing laundry, selecting the right washing machine setting and temperature are essential to getting the best clean. While using hot water is effective at removing stains and killing bacteria, it’s not the best choice for every item you own. In fact, heat can cause shrinkage or irreversible damage to some of your favorite garments and linens.
Knowing what laundry practices to avoid can protect these items and save you from frustration. Save this comprehensive list of things to never wash in hot water as a reference guide for the whole household.
1. Delicates
Depending on how delicate an item is, you might decide to hand wash it rather than toss it in the washing machine. But if you do use your appliance to clean garments made of lace, silk, or those that have embroidery, make sure you turn the water temperature down. Heat can weaken fragile fibers and, in the example of silk, can cause it to lose its signature sheen. Sweaters, scarves, and other articles made of wool or cashmere can shrink or otherwise lose their shape in hot water. Always follow care instructions before washing delicate items and use cold water, as well as a mesh laundry bag, to preserve their integrity.
2. Bold Colors
Hot water can cause color fading and bleeding, particularly for dark or vivid hues, so it's important to sort your laundry before starting the washer. Heat can break down dyes in denim jeans, black t-shirts, and other bold-colored garments. The result over time is that your things will look dull and washed out. Those bright colors in your closet are also no match for the hot water setting. It will cause dyes to bleed and potentially stain other items sharing the load. Always use cold water to wash articles with rich colors so you can ensure they’ll stay as vibrant as the day you brought them home.
3. Tough Stains
Although heat can help to get heavily soiled items looking like new again, it can also cause some stains to set in—especially if they haven’t been pretreated thoroughly. Be extra careful with protein-based messes (think blood or sweat stains) and tricky combination stains (like chocolate). Hot water can cause these types of stains to set deeper into the fabric and even bond to the fibers, making it next to impossible to remove them after they’ve gone through a wash cycle. So, when in doubt, treat and wash stained items with cold water first. Once satisfied that you’ve eliminated the stain in question, you can go back to washing on warm or hot if the care instructions allow.
4. Natural Fibers
If you are considering investing in clothing made from natural materials, be aware that these lightweight fabrics can be sensitive to heat. Washing them in hot water may cause them to shrink or lose their shape. To keep your natural fiber garments looking their best and to ensure they remain staples in your wardrobe for years to come, opt for the cold water setting when washing them.
5. Synthetic Fibers
Man-made materials also don’t hold up well to heat. Garments that include fabrics like nylon, polyester, and spandex can begin to pill and stretch out when washed in hot water—not to mention fade or bleed if they’re dark or colorful. While a hot water cycle can do wonders for getting activewear clean, save the setting for the really sweaty or stinky items and use cold water for the workout clothes you wear around the house, on a brisk walk, or to a restorative yoga class.
6. Decorative Linens
Generally, it’s not a bad idea to wash bedding in hot water, especially if your goal is to sanitize items, say after getting over sickness or when trying to combat dust mites. The same goes for towels, as they can get pretty grimy even through everyday use. But steer clear of washing linens with decorative details, such as crochet, lace, or eyelet trim, in hot water as they can be easily damaged this way. Instead, opt for the cold water setting on a gentle cycle to keep them pristine.
7. Vintage Linens
Whether they have decorative details or not, antique fabrics should never be washed using hot water. These fabrics are fragile and, more often than not, require expert care when it comes to cleaning. Along the same lines, avoid the risk of ruining newer sentimental items (such as your baby’s baptism dress you wish to preserve for future generations) by consulting with a professional—and refraining from using hot water at all costs.
Sources:
- All photos used in this blogpost are sourced from the internet, and the rights belong to their respective owners
- Cornetta, M. (2025b, January 21). 7 Laundry items you should absolutely never wash on hot. Better Homes & Gardens. https://www.bhg.com/laundry-never-wash-on-hot-8767375