One laundry habit. Big energy savings. Zero extra effort. Turn the dial to cold.

Quick answer: most of a warm wash's energy goes to heating water. For everyday loads, cold water cleans just as well and is gentler on fabric. Save warm for towels, bedding and heavy soil.

Why cold saves so much

The motor uses relatively little power. Most of the energy in a warm or hot wash heats the water.^† Go cold and most of that disappears.

Your clothes won't notice. Your energy bill will.

Does cold actually clean?

For everyday laundry, yes. Body oils, light dirt and odors come out with a good detergent. Cold is also gentler, helps colors last and cuts shrinking.

Cold or warm?

When in doubt, follow the care label.

Help your sheet dissolve

1. Sheet in first, at the bottom of the drum.
2. Tear it in half for very cold water.
3. Don't overload. Clothes need room to move.
4. Use a normal cycle, not a quick wash, for full loads.

Just 7 is designed to dissolve in cold water.^†

Stains in cold water

• Rinse fresh stains cold, fast. Hot water can set egg and blood.
• Pretreat by rubbing in a damp piece of sheet.
• Go enzyme for food, grass and sweat. Just 9's enzymes work well in cool water.

FAQ

Does cold water sanitize? No. Detergent removes most dirt in cold, but it doesn't sanitize. Follow the care label when that matters.

What temperature is "cold"? It varies by machine and season. Many use tap-cold.

Do laundry sheets work in cold water? Most are designed to. Sheet in first, and tear it if your water is very cold.

Will cold water make clothes last? Usually yes. Less fading, less shrinking.