You might be washing your laundry at the wrong temperature. Most of us think hotter water means cleaner clothes, but that's not always true.
Here is why cold water works better:
1. "Consumer Reports" says that today's detergents use enzymes that work best in cold water.
2. Protein stains, from things like milk, can get "cooked" into the fabric if you wash them with heat.
3. Cold water is also great for anything delicate. Clothes with lace and silk can shrink . . . and dark colors can fade or bleed if the water's too hot.
4. Plus, heating water eats up energy. Almost all the power your washer uses goes to warming things up . . . so cold cycles save you money.
But hot water still has its place. Things like grease stains, and sweaty sheets can take the heat. And if you like to rock nylon or polyester clothes, those are better in hot water.
But if it's below forty degrees outside, the cold water you're using may be too chilly for your detergent to work well. When in doubt, check the label.