A Laundry Myth Busted: Why Bleach Actually Works Better in Cold Water

For generations, the rule of thumb for tough laundry has been simple: "When in doubt, add bleach and turn up the heat." It just feels right, doesn't it? Hot water is the ultimate cleaner.

But what if we told you that when it comes to chlorine bleach, that instinct is actually working against you?

As a family of laundry professionals with over 40 years of experience, we're here to bust a major myth and share a piece of laundry science that can save your whites and your wallet.

The Surprising Truth: Heat is Bleach's Worst Enemy

The active ingredient in chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is a powerful but sensitive chemical. Its job is to oxidize and break down stains. However, it's also highly volatile, which means it easily turns into a gas.

When you add chlorine bleach to hot water (anything above 70°F), the heat rapidly accelerates this process. The bleach decomposes and essentially "gasses out," escaping from the water into the air before it has a chance to do its job on your clothes. You get the smell of bleach in your laundry room, but less of the whitening and sanitizing power in your wash.

In cold or cool water, the bleach remains stable for longer, giving it the maximum amount of time to effectively sanitize and brighten your fabrics.

So, When Should You Use Hot Water?

Hot water is still a laundry superhero, just not for bleaching. A hot water wash is the best choice for:

• Deep Cleaning Oily Stains: Hot water is fantastic at breaking down and removing greasy or oily residues.

• Sanitizing Without Bleach: For items like bedding and towels, a hot water wash is a great way to kill germs and dust mites, especially if you're not using bleach.

The Pro-Tip Summary

• For maximum whitening and sanitizing power from chlorine bleach, always use a cold or cool water wash cycle.

• Save the hot water cycles for tackling oily stains and for general sanitizing when you aren't using bleach.

Want to leave the science to the experts? Of course, the easiest way to get perfectly bright whites every time is to let us handle it. Our professional machines and precise chemical formulas are designed to deliver the best results, every single time.