SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/kids-laundry-cold-dark

What water temperature usually helps prevent dark clothes from fading?

Cold water.

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  1. Hot water
  2. Cold water ✔
  3. Water with bleach

Why: Hot water can fade dark and bright colors and wear out the fabric. Cold water works with modern detergents and uses less energy.

Huh, didn't know that: Heating the water uses about 90 percent of the energy in a load of laundry.

The dad joke
Why was the shirt happy to hang around the tank top? Because it was armless.
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References

Answer: Cold water. Hot water can fade dark and bright colors and wear out the fabric. Cold water works with modern detergents and uses less energy.

  1. Oberlin College Cold Water Wash Campaign www.oberlin.edu/environmental-sustainability/programs/cold-water-wash-campaign
    Hot water can fade dark and bright colors and deteriorate fibers.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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