What Is Permanent Press? Your Laundry Settings, Demystified

Cold water helps prevent color bleeding and is the right setting for delicates, heavily dyed fabrics, and clothing that is not stained. Cold water is also best for dark clothes to avoid fading the color.

Warm water is better at stain removal than cold water and is a good choice for most general laundering. This is the temperature used for permanent press. It’s best to use warm water for light-colored garments.

Hot water is the most effective at stain removal but can also cause certain fabrics to shrink. That said, use it selectively. Bedding (especially light colors like white sheets) is best washed with hot water.

By:

Mandy Zee