4 Items You Should Wash in Hot Water, According to Fabric Care Pros

A woven basket containing various clothes placed on a wooden surface with a couch in the background — Credit:
Julia Klueva / Getty Images

Those in the know will tell you: if you want to avoid shrinking your laundry or potentially setting stains, washing in cold water is often your safest bet. Still, hot water has its place in your laundry routine. "Hot water is ideal for fabrics that benefit from deep cleaning and sanitation," says Konul Shirmammadova, co-founder of Castle Hill Laundry.

The key is knowing which items actually benefit from the extra heat—and which ones are better washed in cooler temperatures to preserve their quality. Here, see the items worth washing hot (and a few mistakes to avoid when doing so).

Konul Shirmammadova, co-founder of Castle Hill Laundry, a women-owned residential and commercial laundry business
Pranai Rai, co-founder of La La Laundry, premium laundry and maids services
Sammy Wang, senior laundry scientist, P&G Fabric Care

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Towels

Towels do a lot of heavy lifting, absorbing water, sweat, lotion, and anything else that meets your skin. Over time, those fibers trap residues that can cause unpleasant odors or stiffness.

“Towels trap moisture, sweat, and natural body oils—a combination that can quickly lead to odor or bacteria buildup if not properly washed,” says Shirmammadova. “Hot water helps dissolve these residues, sanitize fibers, and restore the true freshness that cooler cycles can miss.”

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Bedding and Sheets

Your bedding collects more than you may want to think about: body oils, skin cells, sweat—you get the idea.

"Hot water is crucial for bedding and towels because it effectively kills bacteria, dust mites, and allergens that can accumulate in these items," says Pranai Rai, co-founder of La La Laundry. "It also helps to remove body oils and residues, ensuring a more hygienic clean."

If you tend to sleep hot, share your bed with pets, or have allergies, an occasional hot-water wash for pillowcases and sheets can make a difference.

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Dish Towels and Cleaning Cloths

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Getty Images

Kitchen linens are among the most frequently soiled and potentially germ-harboring textiles in your home. They’re used for wiping spills, hands, countertops—even the occasional quick wipe of produce or dishes.

For that reason, Shirmammadova emphasizes that commercial clients like restaurants, wellness studios, and cafés always rely on hot cycles for these items. At home, too, this practice helps maintain both hygiene and longevity.

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Undergarments

Undergarments are in close contact with your skin daily, making sanitation essential. While delicate fabrics—lace, silk, mesh—should not be washed hot, everyday cotton underwear, undershirts, and base layers may benefit from higher temperatures. Just be sure to check labels, and if elastic bands are prominent, warm water may offer a safer middle ground.

Remember—Hot Water Isn't Always Required

If you aren’t looking to turn up the heat, that’s okay too, says Sammy Wang, senior laundry scientist at P&G Fabric Care. “While you can choose to wash certain items like heavily soiled clothes or more durable items in hot water, there are some drawbacks, including potential damage (like fading or stretching) and higher energy requirements to heat the water,” Wang explains.

“You can choose to wash certain loads like bedding or towels in hot water, but it’s not always necessary,” says Wang, “as long as you’re using an effective detergent.”

If you do prefer to wash bedding in hot water, Wang recommends using a fabric softener. “Fabric softeners condition and protect fabric fibers from the potentially damaging conditions of hot water cycles,” Wang says.

Common Hot-Water Mistakes to Avoid

Hotter water does not always equal a better clean. Experts warn against the following mistakes when washing clothes and linens in hot water.

Laundering Delicate or Bright Fabrics in Hot Water: “Delicate fabrics and synthetics do better with warm or cold cycles to prevent shrinkage or wear,” Shirmammadova says. Hot water can also fade dyes in colorful garments. “Hot water is most effective for durable fabrics like cotton, linen, and synthetics that can withstand higher temperatures,” reminds Rai.
Overusing Hot Water for Convenience: "In some commercial settings, we see operators wash all items on hot for convenience," says Shirmammadova, "which actually shortens textile life." Hot water cycles shouldn't necessarily be used every day, and remember to always separate laundry loads before washing. "Failing to separate whites from darks and colors can lead to dye transfer, which can ruin clothes," Wang warns.
Adding Too Much Detergent: "In hot water, excessive soap can leave residue and cause stiffness," shares Shirmammadova.
Overloading the Drum: "Overloading the machine can prevent hot water from circulating properly, leading to a less effective clean," notes Rai.
Not Checking Care Labels: Wang emphasizes that skipping labels can lead to shrinking, fading, or fabric damage. Always check before you wash.