lothes not coming out clean? The water might be too cold. Make sure your cold
washing machine water is at least 65-degrees for best detergent
action.
Water coming from the cold water tap can be pretty chilly during the
winter (or year-round if you have a well). According to washing machine
manufacturers, if the water is colder than 65 degrees F, the additives
in laundry detergent won't work as well—and powder detergents won't
fully dissolve. Cold water for washing should be in the 65- to 85-degree
range or clothes won't get completely clean.
To find out if your clothes are getting a good wash, check the water
temperature with a cooking thermometer (one that registers low
temperatures) when you do a cold, a warm and a hot wash. If the water
temperature is below 65 degrees for cold water washes, boost it by
selecting warm water for part of the initial fill cycle. If the warm
water wash is below 85 degrees (a common problem during winter or when
the washing machine is at the opposite end of the house from the water
heater), try the hot water setting instead for all or part of the wash
cycle. Or run the hot water tap into the laundry tub until it gets hot,
then turn on the washer.
Always leave rinse settings on cold, no matter what washing
temperature you choose. Cold water rinses are just as effective as warm
water rinses, and you'll save a lot of energy.