Water is the best ally for effectively removing clothing, but between hot water and cold water, opinions differ. So, what temperature should you prefer? We tell you everything.
No item of clothing is immune to a stain, but you should know that depending on the fabrics and the nature of the stain, a simple machine wash is not enough to eliminate it. To do this, you must go through the stain removal box and act quickly to prevent the stain from becoming embedded or spreading into the fibers of the fabric. And although there are many stain remover products on the market, water remains an effective and inexpensive stain remover, provided you choose the right temperature. So should you use hot water or cold water to remove a stain? The answer may surprise you and it depends on the type of stain you need to clean.
Contrary to popular belief, hot water is less effective than cold water in removing clothing. In fact, using hot water for certain stains can set them in the fabric instead of making them disappear. This is why it is recommended to use cold or temperate water as a miracle stain remover and 100% free before washing. You will need to use cold water on the blood to avoid causing it to coagulate, on the sweat so as not to fix the odors, on red wine to dilute the stain without encrusting it or even on the chocolate to avoid doing so. melt. To do this, place the item of clothing in a sink, washbasin or basin, soak the stain with cold or room temperature water and gently blot with a soft cloth.
To overcome certain stubborn stains, hot water is your ally. It is particularly effective against grease or oil stains, as the heat helps dissolve and break down grease molecules, making them easier to remove. Warm water is also recommended for removing traces of makeup such as foundation or lipstick, which are often oil-based. Likewise, if you need to remove wax, hot water can help soften it, making scraping easier and less risky to the fabrics. However, before using hot water, always make sure the fabric can handle the heat without fading or shrinking, by checking the care label.
Note that water may be insufficient, or even not recommended, to remove certain stains, such as oil, butter or mayonnaise, at the risk of setting the stain. Rubbing alcohol or acetone are perfect for tackling this type of stain, which simply needs to be gently dabbed with a soaked absorbent paper. If you are not dealing with grease stains, you can simply clean your stained clothes with a little dishwashing liquid or a mild washing product (laundry detergent, etc.). Whatever the stain to be cleaned, never rub it at the risk of spreading it on the fabric, but dab it gently using absorbent paper, a lint-free cloth such as a kitchen towel or a sponge. gentle.