16
Water guidelines
Selecting water temperatures
L A U N D R Y T I P S
SUGGESTED FABRICS
•
Work clothes
•
Sturdy whites/colorfast
pastels
•
Diapers
•
Dark/noncolorfast colors
•
Permanent press items
•
Nylon, polyester, acrylics,
silks, woolens
•
Knits/delicate fabrics
•
Extra-sensitive colors
•
Noncolorfast items
•
Hand washables
COMMENTS
•
Best cleaning for heavily soiled items
•
Removes oils, perspiration, greasy
soils, and stains
•
Prevents graying or yellowing
•
Best for moderately soiled to lightly
soiled items
•
Safe for most fabric finishes
•
Less fading and dye bleeding
•
Reduces wrinkling
•
Best for very lightly soiled items
•
Saves hot water
•
Best rinse water temperature
WASH WATER
TEMPERATURE*
HOT
130°F (54°C)
or above
WARM
90-110°F
(32-44°C)
COLD
70-90°F
(21-32°C)
* The washer features cold rinses for all wash temperatures. In addition, on some models,
warm rinses are available with warm washes. Warm rinse water provides better water
extraction than cold rinse water and shortens drying times. However, warm rinse water may
increase wrinkling when line drying. In cold climates, warm rinse water also provides a more
comfortable temperature for handling the wash load.
Checking hot water
temperature
Your hot water should be 130°F (54°C) or
above. If you do not know your hot water
temperature, you can check it easily. You
may need to raise the temperature of your
water heater. To check your hot water:
1.
Fill a pan with the hottest water available
from the faucet that fills your washer.
NOTE:
If you do not have a faucet at your
washer site, collect the water from the
faucet closest to your washer.
2.
Place a candy thermometer or cooking
thermometer in the water to check the
temperature.
NOTE:
In wash water temperatures colder
than 70°F (21°C), detergents do not dissolve
well. Also, soils may be difficult to remove,
and some fabrics may retain wear wrinkles
and may have increased pilling.
Water hardness
Many poor washing results can be traced to
the hardness of the wash water. To check
your water hardness:
•
City water – ask the city water company.
•
Well water – ask the local water authority.
Ask for the mineral content in grains/gallon
or parts/million. If your water is more than
8 grains/gallon or more than 137 parts/
million, you should consider:
•
Installing a water softener.
•
Using more detergent.
•
Using a packaged water conditioner.
•
Not using soap.
