Yeap, it's a movement. Washing clothes in cold water has become an easy way to extend the life of your clothes and reduce energy consumption.
The idea behind the cold wash movement is simple: instead of using hot water to clean your clothes, you use cold water instead. While this may seem counterintuitive, there are several reasons why this method is becoming more popular. First and foremost, washing clothes in cold water is much more energy-efficient than using hot water. According to the US Department of Energy, water heating accounts for about 90% of the energy used by washing machines. By washing your clothes in cold water, you can significantly reduce your energy usage and lower your carbon footprint.
In addition to being more eco-friendly, cold wash laundry can also help your clothes last longer. Hot water can cause clothes to shrink, fade, and wear out faster. By washing your clothes in cold water, you can avoid these problems and extend the life of your clothes. Cold water is also gentler on fabrics, which means that your clothes will be less likely to stretch or become misshapen over time.
One of the biggest misconceptions about cold wash laundry is that it is not as effective at cleaning clothes as hot water. However, this is not necessarily true. While hot water is better at removing certain types of stains, such as oil or grease, cold water can be just as effective at cleaning most clothes. Additionally, many laundry detergents are specifically formulated to work well in cold water, which means that you don't need to worry about your clothes not getting clean.
So, how can you get started with cold wash laundry? The first step is to check your washing machine to make sure that it has a cold water setting. Most modern washing machines do, but some older models may not. If your washing machine doesn't have a cold water setting, you can still wash your clothes in cold water by hand.
Once you've confirmed that your washing machine can handle cold water, the next step is to adjust your laundry routine. Instead of using hot water for every load, try washing some of your clothes in cold water instead. You may need to experiment with different laundry detergents to find one that works well with cold water, but once you find a detergent that you like, you can stick with it.
The movement is being driven by "I Prefer 30", who point out that while some clothes do require higher temperatures, many do not, such as jackets, skirts, trousers, pullovers, shirts, dresses, t-shirts, underclothing, socks, beach towels, table linens and even curtains, while professional garments used in food, medical, manufacturing and other areas should continue being washed at warm to hot temperatures.
The cold wash movement is a simple yet effective way to reduce your energy usage, extend the life of your clothes, and minimize your impact on the environment. While it may take some getting used to, washing your clothes in cold water is a small change that can have a big impact. So, why not give it a try and see for yourself? Your clothes (and the planet) will thank you.
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