Cold Water Laundry: How to Save Energy, Money, and the Planet

Have you ever stopped mid-laundry and wondered how much energy your washer really uses? Most of us haven’t. We toss in the clothes, hit “start,” and move on with our day. Laundry feels so automatic that it’s easy to forget what’s happening behind the scenes.

Here’s the surprising part: about 90% of a washer’s energy use comes from heating the water. That means every time you choose cold over hot, you’re instantly cutting your energy use and lowering your utility bill without changing a single habit.

When my family made the switch to cold water laundry, we thought we’d notice a difference in cleanliness. We didn’t. The clothes came out just as fresh, our colors stayed bright, and our energy costs dropped almost overnight.

It turns out this one simple change is a win for your wallet, your wardrobe, and the planet. Pair it with a plant-based detergent sheet, and you’ll have a laundry routine that’s cleaner in every sense of the word.

Quick Take: Switching your laundry to cold water can cut energy use by up to 90%. That’s real impact with no extra effort.

Does Cold Water Really Get Clothes Clean?

Short answer: Yes!

Modern cold water detergents are formulated with smart enzymes that activate at lower temperatures. They break down dirt, odors, and stains just as effectively as warm water. Cold water also keeps fabrics vibrant and reduces color bleeding, so your favorite clothes last longer.

And if you’re using HeySunday Laundry Sheets? They’re pre-measured, plant-based, and designed to dissolve completely in cold or hot water. No clumps, no residue, no fuss.

When Warm or Hot Still Makes Sense

Cold water handles most everyday laundry beautifully, but there are a few exceptions:

• Warm water helps with whites, towels, or heavily soiled clothes.
• Hot water is best reserved for sanitizing, like after illness or when washing bedding.

The key is balance. Use cold for most loads, and warm only when you truly need it.

How Much Energy Does Cold Water Save?

If you’re looking for a quick, low-effort way to live more sustainably, this is it.

Heating water makes up the bulk of your washer’s energy use. By switching to cold, you can cut that by up to 90%, saving the average household around $60 per year. That’s a big win for your budget and your carbon footprint.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

(Data: Cleaning Institute, U.S. DOE)

It’s one of those small household shifts that adds up fast, especially if you run a few loads a week. Multiply that by a year, and you’ll see why cold is the new clean.

Cold vs. Hot Water Laundry: When Each One Makes Sense

It’s not all or nothing. Think of this as a temperature guide to help you choose smartly.

If you’re wondering what “cold” actually means, most washers set it between 60°F and 80°F, perfect for modern detergents.

Cold water washing also releases fewer microfibers from synthetic fabrics, which helps keep plastics out of waterways. Cleaner clothes and a cleaner conscience.

Tips for the Best Cold Water Wash (No Compromise on Clean)

Cold water washing isn’t tricky, but a few small habits make it even better:

• Pre-treat stains right away. A quick dab of stain remover goes a long way.
• Don’t overload the washer. Clothes need space to circulate.
• Use a detergent made for cold water. (like HeySunday!)
• Choose the right cycle. “Normal” or “Eco” works great; heavy-duty cycles can over-agitate delicate fabrics.
• Keep your washer clean. Monthly cleaning cycles help detergent dissolve properly and keep your machine fresh.

FAQs About Cold Water Laundry

Does washing clothes in cold water really get them clean?

Absolutely. Enzyme-based detergents are built for cold cycles. They lift dirt and odors while protecting colors and fabrics.

How much energy can I save by switching?

Up to 90%, according to the Cleaning Institute. Heating water is the main energy drain. Skip it, and you skip the waste.

Is cold water better for the environment?

Yes. It reduces emissions and helps fabrics shed fewer microfibers. Combine that with a plastic-free detergent and you’re doubling your impact.

Do I need a special detergent?

Ideally, yes. Not every detergent dissolves well in cooler temps. HeySunday’s pre-measured sheets work in all temperatures, hot, warm, or cold.

Can I wash whites in cold water?

Definitely. Add a stain remover or use warm water occasionally for towels and whites if needed.

Does cold water help clothes last longer?

It does. Hot water can fade dyes and shrink fibers. Cold is gentler on everything from jeans to delicates.

What’s the best temperature for laundry?

Go with your washer’s cold or eco setting (around 60–80°F). It’s efficient and works beautifully with cold water detergent sheets.

Can I use cold water in HE washers?

Yes. HE machines and cold cycles are a perfect match. HeySunday sheets dissolve cleanly and won’t create extra suds.

Do cold water loads reduce microplastics?

Yes. Cooler cycles release fewer synthetic fibers, helping keep plastics out of rivers and oceans.

Make the Switch to a Greener Laundry Routine

Here’s the best part. This isn’t a big lifestyle change.

You don’t need new machines, complicated products, or extra steps. Just turn the dial to cold and grab a detergent that’s designed to work that way.

Cold water laundry is an easy, feel-good way to make your home a little greener every day. Try it for a week and see how your clothes look, how your colors hold, and how good it feels to do something small that actually matters.

When you’re ready to simplify for good, HeySunday Laundry Sheets make every cold load effortless: plastic-free, pre-measured, and mess-free.