Hear me out.

I've noticed, here in Asia, all washing of clothes is done using cold water. The washing detergents are designed to be used with cold water. Hand wash, or machine wash, it's always cold water. So, my question is, are we in the west, conned into using hot water to clean our clothes?

Where have you found cold water in Thailand. Cool perhaps on the coldest day but would be considered warm in most of our home countries.

In the west (North America at least for sure) you actually have a choice ....

I used cold water detergents for about 15 years before moving to Thailand ... never could see the point on giving clothes that warm and cuddly feeling.... and wasting money on electric bills!

Take two very dirty white clothes. Wash one in cold water and one in 60-90 degrees. There is a huge difference

Currently back here in the UK I do not use hot water for the machine wash.

Generally set at 30 deg C for a general wash, the water is cooler than the tap water is in Thailand.

Very many new washing machines sold in the UK now only have cold water fill. To do a wash at higher temps that to me means a waste of electricity to heat the water in the machine itself and extra cost, especially as I have a new gas condensing boiler to heat the water and the house.

The detergents therefore must be perfectly capable of a cool wash. The clothes come out clean and smell fresh.

A different matter entirely for dirty / greasy work clothes though.

Take two very dirty white clothes. Wash one in cold water and one in 60-90 degrees. There is a huge difference

Funny I see white clothes on Thai's that are very white..... so that is not so....

I am sure they are not using hot water.... plus the fact my clothes have turned out whiter than white for years..... formulated for cold water washing... technology is amazing! Some people get stuck on old ideas...

Edited July 30, 201411 yr by samuijimmy

Thai do not wear the same clothes for a week before washing them - they even take more than a Saturday night bath.

Thai do not wear the same clothes for a week before washing them - they even take more than a Saturday night bath.

I take a shower twice a year, weather I need it or not.