Choose your fabric, clothing type, care label, and soil level. The guide gives you a recommended wash temperature. Important rule: if the care label conflicts with the usual temperature for the fabric, the care label wins.
Cold, warm, and hot: Cold wash (cold water) is gentlest and best for delicates, wool, silk, and bright colors. Warm wash (30C to 40C) suits most everyday loads. Hot wash (60C) is for heavily soiled cotton whites and bedding, only when the care label allows it.
Related guides: How to Wash Different Types of Fabric and How to Remove Coffee Stains from Clothes. See all tools on the Tools page.