Tap Cold vs. Cold: Which Laundry Setting Should You Use?

No matter how familiar you get with your washing machine's settings panel, there's always some surprises. Take the tap cold setting, for instance. How is it different than the cold setting? Is it energy-saving? Is one superior for particular fabrics? 

To solve the perplexing mystery behind cold and tap cold washing machine settings, we consulted laundry and appliance experts. Read on to learn what the difference is between the two and which temperature is best for your particular load of laundry. 

The Difference Between Cold and Tap Cold Settings

"It’s really important to review the use and care guide for your specific washer to make sure you understand the terminology used," says appliance technician Dennis Gagliardi. "User guides also typically have suggestions for what clothing items are suitable for different temperatures."

According to Godynuk, "tap cold uses only pure unheated water directly from your cold water supply, while cold typically mixes in a small amount of hot water to reach a minimum temperature." As a result, tap cold’s temperature tends to vary, while the cold water setting is consistently between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, says Godynuk. 

"The temperature of tap water can be from just above freezing (well water from a deep well in a cold climate and season) to somewhere in the 60 to 70 degree range for municipal water in warmer seasons or regions," explains laundry expert Tom Ceconi. To be safe, it’s good to check the temperature of your tap water, even during the warm months, as uncharacteristic cold spells could make it significantly lower. "Geographical location can be a factor in whether you should use tap cold or cold for laundry, mainly due to variations in tap water temperature," adds Godynuk.

The Origin of Cold and Tap Cold Machine Settings

You might remember when there were only three settings on a washer—hot, warm, and cold—or you may still have one of these older models. It turns out that the cold temperature was running too cold for some. "The ambient water temperature delivered through the cold supply line varies depending on the location and the season," explains Mary Gagliardi, in-house scientist for Clorox. "The incoming water temperature for some consumers can be too low for adequate cleaning."  

To address this problem, washing machine manufacturers started designing temperature settings that add a little hot water to the ambient cold water (from your tap) to bring the overall temperature up a bit. "The water is still technically cold, but warm enough to dissolve laundry products," explains Gagliardi. You might have noticed a cool setting on some washers, too. "The terminology used for these temperature settings will vary depending on the manufacturer and model," she adds.

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How to Choose the Right Setting

When facing off with your machine’s temperature settings, consider which fabrics you are washing, as well as how dirty your laundry is, as these will both inform your choice. (As always, remember to consult your fabric care guide for any specific and relevant instructions.)

The Cold Water Setting, Explained

Because the cold setting provides slightly warmer water, it reacts better with laundry products—and this is good news for your garments. “In general, detergent dissolves better in water that is not extremely cold,” says Ceconi. “Enzyme detergents and oxygen bleach also perform better in warmer water, as the heat is needed to catalyze the reactions that break down and remove stains, or in the case of oxygen bleach, release the oxygen molecules that force stains out of the fabric.” 

“Anytime you can raise the water temperature, you’ll get better cleaning results,” Gagliardi says, “so using a warmer cold water option is always a good choice if you are hoping to save some energy, compared to ‘warm’ or ‘hot’.” This is especially true for moderately dirty loads. 

When to Use It

Because the cold-water setting blends tap water with warmer water, it will clean your clothes more thoroughly. "Choose the cold setting if your clothes, towels, and other fabrics need better cleaning," says Godynuk. "The cold temperature helps remove oils, sweat, and other dirt. Plus, it’s gentler to the clothes than hot water."

While moderately soiled delicates can usually handle the cold setting, it is best used for denim and mixed loads. The warmer water will help the detergent work better without damaging the fabric.

The Tap Cold Setting, Explained

Because tap cold water comes directly from the pipes, it is guaranteed to be the coldest setting available and the most energy-efficient. As the water comes straight through the ambient cold supply line, it requires no energy to heat or cool. That said, both settings are higher-energy-saving options than washing in hot or warm water. And because the bulk of your washer’s energy goes towards heating the water, this difference could be a big one. 

Always check to make sure your detergent is dissolving properly on the tap cold setting. If not, it could be that your water is simply too cold and that the cold setting is a better choice for thoroughly cleaning your clothes. "Detergent needs a minimum temperature," reminds Godynuk. 

When to Use It

Besides its energy-saving benefits, the tap cold water setting can be more effective in certain circumstances. "Use the tap cold setting when you’re already in a hot climate or during summer when tap water is already warm," advises Godynuck. It is perfect for laundry that only needs light cleaning. “Plus, it’s gentler to the clothes than hot water,” he adds. 

Delicate fabrics like silk, lace, and wool do best in tap water, as the colder water will aid in preventing shrinking, fading, and any potential heat-related fiber damage. The same goes for dark or brightly colored fabrics that are prone to bleeding in warmer water.

Additionally, tap cold water is excellent for flushing out certain protein-based stains, like blood, dairy, and grass, says Ceconi. “[For these stains], very cold tap water is a wonderful idea because it breaks down the stain far more effectively,” he says. Additionally, warmer water can cause stains such as these to set in fabric fibers, making them nearly impossible to remove.