For most family laundry, which water setting can save energy?

Use cold water when the care label and grown-up agree.

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  1. Cold water ✔
  2. Always the hottest water
  3. Warm for every item

Why: Heating wash water takes lots of energy. Cold water usually cleans everyday laundry well, unless the label or situation calls for another setting.

Huh, didn't know that: A washer's biggest energy use goes to heating the wash water.

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Why would socks make good Scouts? Because they're always pre-paired.
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References

Answer: Cold water. Heating wash water takes lots of energy. Cold water usually cleans everyday laundry well, unless the label or situation calls for another setting.

  1. Clothes Washers www.energystar.gov/products/clothes_washers
    Wash in cold water.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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