Cold water wash challenge

[DivaJen]

Per today's challenge, I am trying two loads using cold water only. These are my daughter's clothes mainly, so in many ways this will be the true test around here! Noramlly I use warm for wash and cold for rinse.

[asrai]

I have been washing all our clothes in cold for quite some time. Even DD's cloth diapers. There have been no problems. I let everything soak for several hours or overnight (esp diapers which also get two extra rinses and vinegar and baking soda). And then I hang it all to dry (not much right now since my clothes rack is dead).

I have had very problem with stains. They don't get set in from drying in a hot dryer for one. And I use Tide and let them soak and have had few problems.

When it's warm enough out I hang the diapers in the sun which bleaches them. Of course I've had about a week of sunny evenings in which to do so (we only get sun in the evening on our balcony).

Asrai

[DivaJen]

It worked just fine! Woo hoo! I'm going to remember to soak when I feel like the load might really need it.

[Tree0164]

I have been doing this during out weather months. We have solar hot weather so 6 months out of the year we don't have to worry about heating up the hot water heater. Hot vs Cold it really hasn't made a difference except for our electric bill during the weather.

[cuhoss]

i have been wasing in cold for two years now with no problems. i also don't have a dryer we just hang the clothes inside during winter, out side in summer. some planning IS required. inside it adds moisture to house air.

[Tree0164]

Tide has just come out with a new product for washing whites in cold water. Talks about the cost savings of $93 a year if you wash in cold.

Marketing gimmic if you ask me.... I don't use Tide... way too expensive.

[mom-from-missouri]

I have been using cold water only for about 6 months now, and I do not notice anything not getting clean like it did before. I do not use Tide either--I usually use liquid Purex, Sun or Xtra when it is on sale at dollar general. I can get a 120 ounces for $1.99.

[PrincessPerky]

I found that my kids accident clothes (potty training) smell funny if I don't use warm water on them. Kind of annoying, but my DS hasn't had any in awhile so if I can get my DD past her one a day I would prolly be able to switch to cold water.

[michellelab]

I have always washed clothes in cold water, never really thinking about the fact that it was saving money. I did it because we would run out of hot water, and none of us enjoed when the hot water in the shower turned cold on us. After we got a new hot water heater I continued to wash clothes in cold water. I have only recently begun to try to learn how to save money, but in that respect I was being frugal and didn't even know it. Sometimes I add a little clorox to brighten my whites but the clothes always come out clean.

[BlingBling]

I also wash in cold, have for years. I've been buying the Tide cold water wash, simply because I had the coupons. I dont see any difference. I think its a gimmick also. I use vinegar in the rinse and it does seem that the clothes are softer. I have hard water so I have to watch that the soap rinses completely. Its taught me not to use so much!

Also, peroxide for stains. Works great!

[marla]

How does that new cold water wash work? I've seen it on TV and wondered. Is it more expensive than regular washing detergent?

Anyone try that dark color washing detergent yet?

[BlingBling]

I've been using the cold water wash Tide. WalMarts had a big display 3.98, I had a bunch of 1.00 off coupons, so I picked up several bottles.

These are 80oz's. Are'nt they usually 100? Anyhow, its okay, I can't tell thats any better. I have hard water but any liquid works well. I've always used cold water.

I normally buy Gain but will always consider another name brand with coupon. DD has always gotten a skin rash with the cheaper brands, darnett!

[skipper]

I always use cold water and add baking soda to dh stinky work clothes for the smell

[MrsChambers]

I have always washed everything in cold. I have never had a problem with stains or smell or anything like that.

you guys have made me paranoid... now i'm gonna have to start washing clothes in hot or warm or something..

WAIT.. I thought that colors are supposed to be washed in cold and whites in hot. That's what I do!!

oh my, now I'm confused. have I been doing my laundry wrong for all these years??

[PrincessPerky]

If it works for you, don't change for a more expensive option.

[DivaJen]

LOL - see, I was always the happy medium and washed everything in warm.

I've been washing on cold only since I started this thread and have noticed no difference in the cleanliness of our clothes.

[Tree0164]

I use arm and hammer. No problems at all there.

Remember to use less than the suggested amount as well. They want you to buy more as well.

[ggbwg]

Be careful washing the diapers and panties in cold. It does not get the germs completly out, it may look like it does but it doesn't. How do i know this because my daughter suffers from vulvitus through out the years of her life and if there not washed in hot she get's infections down there. She hasn't had a problem since i have been washing them in hot. I also do that w/ mine. I put hers and mine together.

[kstar0820]

Hi I'm new to this site. I have always used cold water accept for whites, I have four kids and the sock don't get as clean in cold so I use warm water and bleach. I also use tide as I have found it works best with cold water. (or just my preference I guess).

[tango]

I just wonder when to add the vinegar / baking soda. Can I use the baking soda that's been in the fridge?