Is Your Washing Machine Is Cleaning at the Right Temperature?

The arrival of cold weather can lower the water temperature in your washing machine, making it less effective.

You’re washing the same clothes with the same detergent and the same settings as before. And yet since cold weather has arrived, your whites are just a tad grey and your colors not so bright. You’re wondering if you should use stronger detergents or wash more often. Actually, nothing you’re doing may be affecting your wash. Instead, the cold water may have lowered your water temperature, making your machines less effective.

Most washing machine manufacturers recommend that your cold water temperatures be between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, warm water range from 90 to 110 degrees, and hot water will be at least 120 degrees. Water that’s colder than 65 degrees is generally useless because powdered detergent doesn’t dissolve as well and cleaning additives aren’t as effective.

Test the water at cold, warm, and hot temperatures. Fill the washer like you usually do. However, before the agitator starts functioning, dip a cooking or candy thermometer in the liquid and see what reading you get. If the temperature is lower than the manufacturer’s recommendation, you can try a temporary fix by washing at the next highest setting. For example, if you want a cold setting, use warm instead.

In the meantime, give us a call. As your local appliance service, we can inspect your laundry set up to see what’s causing the problem and how to fix it.  On the other hand, your washer may have a serious problem that requires an expert fix to make it work in cold weather.