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Washing In Cold Water

      We all know about special detergents for cold water washing of sweaters and delicates. These are things that tend not to get grass-stained or sweaty, and the dyes may run. Or they may shrink in hot water. Reds or blacks need to be washed separtely from blues or whites, even in dold water. And they usually need to be dried flat on a towel.

      However, lately I've heard a lot of recommendations to wash all clothes in cold or lukewarm water to save electricity used in heating water. Nice earth day comments, but not good for killing germs. Some clothes should be washed in hot water for hygiene and safety. Washing clothes doesn't get rid of all the pathogens, but redistributes them. Only a portion of the "dirt" actually drains out completely. A second and a third rinse with clean water can run up a water bill. And, of course, they should be dried as soon as the washer is done, to avoid new bacteria growth on wet cloth.

    Pathogens, or common germs, don't survive in hot water. The heat of the water is more important than the type of detergent. Pathogens include bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. Most detergents just don't work well in cold or room temperature water. Sheets, towels, and kitchen linens must be washed in hot water. Underwear and socks and cloth handkerchiefs should be washed in hot water, preferably not with the kitchen linens.

    As a hospital employee who has to train new employees in avoiding the spread of disease, I have come to respect (fear) pathogens. I don't want to think of sleeping on a pillowcase that has recycled germs on it. Most people don't. Use cold water for a few things. Use lukewarm for some things. Use hot for others.