How should I choose the right temperature for the water in a washing machine?

Answer by  lalaland (238)

You should probably wash in cold water, however sometimes it's the dryer that shrinks your clothes. You might want to try hanging your clothes to dry (or at least the ones that seem likely to shrink), or just drying them a few minutes in the dryer and then hanging them to dry completely.

Answer by  drJ (841)

Unless you have some reason to sterilize your clothes (i. e. working with sick children or another medical profession, washing items soiled with feces, or have severe allergies or a lice or mite infestation) there is no reason to wash your clothes with anything but cold water. You can also try drying them on a lower temperature as well.

Answer by  Kat76 (475)

It really depends on what colors you are washing. If you are washing whites, your best bet is to use hot water. If you are washing colors, use warm/cold.

Answer by  Allison (187)

Shrinking clothes likely has more to do with the drying process than the washing. Check the instructions on delicate items: silks, wools, etc. Generally colored things should be washed in cold water and whites in hot water. There is not a single best temperature, but rather it is determined by the color and fabric you are working with.