Wash most loads in cold water3 of 9Reserve hot water for towels, washcloths, bed linens and clothing close to the body, such as undergarments. Such items may harbor bacteria that hot water can help kill, Leverette says.Beyond that, only the greasiest, most soiled clothing needs hot water to get clean. Because up to 90 percent of the cost of washing clothes comes from heating the water, you can save money by using hot water only for very dirty clothes and always using cold water in the rinse cycle."I think you can use cold water for almost everything," Leverette says.<< Back to the Frugal Living Guide. Related Articles:Save money on groceries10 ways to save on carsTweet for sweet dealsGroup buying saves moneyRelated Links:331 ways to cut costs!Saving goals calculator100 tips to help you saveSaving on foodadvertisement
Reserve hot water for towels, washcloths, bed linens and clothing close to the body, such as undergarments. Such items may harbor bacteria that hot water can help kill, Leverette says.
Beyond that, only the greasiest, most soiled clothing needs hot water to get clean. Because up to 90 percent of the cost of washing clothes comes from heating the water, you can save money by using hot water only for very dirty clothes and always using cold water in the rinse cycle.
"I think you can use cold water for almost everything," Leverette says.
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