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Should You Use Hot or Cold Water For Stains?
July 27, 2023
-
By
Sophia Grant
We’ve all been there – you’re drinking a cup of coffee when some of it splatters onto your shirt.
The good news is that you can wash the stain off. If anything, you just need to be quick about it. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to remove.
But wait- should you use cold or hot water? Does the water temperature matter? Is cold water better for certain types of stains? When should you use hot water?
For the answers, be sure to keep reading. We’ll be going over everything you need to know below!
The Science Behind Stain Removal
Stains are an all too common household problem. But have you ever wondered about the science behind stain removal?
It’s not as simple as it seems and involves understanding both the nature of stains and the fabrics themselves.
Hot or Cold Water – Choosing a Water Temperature
To effectively remove a stain, you have to disrupt the interaction it has with the fabric at the molecular level using detergents or solvents.
And the temperature of the water can make a world of difference. A choice between hot or cold water isn’t just for showers; it’s also essential for removing stubborn stains.
Hot Water: When and Why to Use It
Hot water is effective at dissolving powdered detergents, which leads to better cleaning results. Not only that but the hot water can also sanitize the fabric by eliminating bacteria and other germs.
Understanding Grease Stains
Oil-based stains are a challenge due to their tenacity; they cling tightly to fabric fibers, making them hard to remove. However, there is something about these oily stains that gives hot water an edge over cold or warm alternatives.
The secret lies in how hot water interacts with oil compounds on a molecular level – it breaks them down into smaller parts that soap molecules can easily surround and lift off during a wash cycle.
So if you are dealing with tough grease or oil marks on your clothes, ACTIVE Laundry Detergent Powder is the best choice, especially if you pair it with hot water.
Cold Water: When and Why to Use It
Certain types of stains respond better to cold water rather than hot water because heat can set protein stains into the fabric.
Cold water helps lift these stubborn marks without causing further damage.
Dealing with Protein-Based Stains
The secret behind successful stain removal is understanding what you’re dealing with – in this case, protein-rich blemishes. Some examples include milk stains, vomit stains, baby food, and blood stains.
Using cold water for these types of stains will not only prevent potential contaminant growth but will also remove stain remains from your garments.
Remove Stains With Dual-Temperature Washes
Stain removal can be a complex process, especially when you’re dealing with stubborn stains like red wine or coffee.
A dual-temperature wash strategy (using hot and cold water) is often the key when it comes to these types of stains.
This method involves using both warm water and cold water at different stages of your washing cycle.
The rationale behind this approach lies in how various components of stains react differently to temperature changes.
The Mechanics Behind Dual-Temperature Washing
A warm pre-wash phase is typically used to loosen up tough particles embedded within the fabric fibers. That will enhance detergent penetration during the main wash cycle, leading to more effective stain extraction.
Switching over to a cold rinse afterward will prevent any residual dye or protein-based substances from setting into your clothes further.
Choosing the Right Type of Detergent for Common Stains
Different stains call for different cleaning solutions, and understanding this can significantly boost your laundry results.
Tackling Protein-Based Stains with Enzyme Cleaners
Enzyme cleaners like ACTIVE Detergent are the best choice for protein-based stains. They contain specific enzymes that will break down the proteins into smaller particles, which can then be washed away easily during laundering.
Oxygen Power: Oxygen-Based Cleaners
Oxygen-based cleaners work by releasing oxygen upon contact with water. This reaction helps lift dirt and grime off fabric fibers, making them easier to remove during the washing process.
They excel at tackling coffee stains or grass stains, but caution should be exercised when using them on delicate fabrics due to their strong bleaching effect.
Common Mistakes To Avoid In Stain Removal
Minor missteps can set stains deeper into your fabrics instead of lifting them out. Here are some things you want to avoid when it comes to using stain remover.
Using the Wrong Washing Machine Temperature Setting
The temperature setting on your washing machine is not just a random selection; it plays a crucial role in successful stain removal.
For instance, protein-based stains like blood and eggs require cold water for effective cleaning without setting them further into the fabric.
On the other hand, grease stains such as makeup respond better to hot water, which helps break down these compounds for easier elimination.
Using the wrong temperature water could inadvertently make matters worse rather than resolving them. So be sure to identify the stain you’re working with when deciding to use hot or cold water.
Using the Wrong Type of Detergent or Stain Remover
Different types of detergents are designed to tackle specific kinds of stains effectively and choosing the wrong product can hamper your efforts at removing the stain.
For example, enzyme-based cleaners excel against organic matter such as food spills (e.g. soy sauce, berry stains), while specialized removers may be required for tougher most stains that are oil-based.
Understanding what kind of remover works best on each type will significantly enhance outcomes when tackling everyday household messes ranging from red wine splashes to white deodorant marks.
Removing Specific Household Stains
How to Remove Protein-Based Stains
Cold water is your best ally when handling protein-based stains.
Avoid using hot or warm water as the heat will set the protein-based substances such as blood further into fabric fibers instead of lifting them out.
Step 1: Rinse the Stain
Start by rinsing the area thoroughly with cold water.
Step 2: Prepare a Cleaning Solution
In a small bowl, dissolve some ACTIVE Detergent with water to create a cleaning solution.
Step 3: Apply It to the Stain
Using a soft bristle brush, gently work the cleaning solution into the stained area, then wash normally with cold water once the stain is gone.
Supply:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Soft bristle brush
You can also pre-treat a cotton pad with the detergent and use it to tackle stubborn spots.
ACTIVE Detergent
Using ACTIVE Detergent with cold water tackles even the toughest protein-based stains.
How to Get Rid of Red Wine Spills
Red wine has a notorious reputation for leaving stubborn marks on fabrics. With the right tools, however, it’s possible to remove red wine stains from your clothes.
Supplies:
- Paper towels
- Dish soap
- Hydrogen peroxide
Step 1:
When dealing with red wine stains, blot as much liquid as possible using paper towels.
Be careful not to rub it in deeper into the fabric fibers.
Step 2:
In a small bowl, mix some dish soap with hydrogen peroxide to create a cleaning solution and apply it directly onto the fresh wine stain.
Let it sit for 15 minutes.
Step 3:
Rinse the fabric thoroughly with cool water and launder the item as normal afterwards.
We recommend testing the cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area first before applying it to the stain.
Solving Coffee or Tea Stains
Coffee and tea stains can be tricky to deal with. However, you can remove them as long as you act quickly.
Supplies:
- Pre-treatment product
- Water
Step 1:
Start by rinsing the area with warm or hot water.
Then, apply a pre-treatment product designed specifically for tannin-rich beverages’ marks.
Step 2:
Run a cold cycle or use the recommended temperatures, as per the garment care label instructions.
Should You Use Hot or Cold Water For Stains – FAQs
Should you use cold water to remove stains?
Cold water is ideal for lifting certain things like mud stains, fruit juices, blood, berry, sauce, toothpaste, grass, urine, and egg without setting them into the fabric.
Is hot or cold water better for oil stains and greasy substances?
Hot water is more effective at breaking down stubborn oil-based compounds, making it the preferred choice for removing oil stains.
Can I use hot water and cold water together?
Yes, in some cases, you may want to run a dual-temperature wash. This means setting the water temperature to warm for the pre-wash and running a cold rinse afterwards, the latter of which will remove stains from your clothes.
Should I use laundry detergent with cold water or hot water?
Powdered laundry detergents like the one by ACTIVE work best with hot water.
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Sophia Grant
Sophia Grant brings her extensive knowledge of laundry and clothing care to the masses with her intensive cleaning guides. Her thorough understanding of fabrics, detergents, and washing techniques helps readers master the art of maintaining their wardrobe. Sophia's advice ensures that anyone can achieve professional-level results at home, keeping their garments looking pristine and lasting longer.
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