What is washing too hot?
"Washing too hot" means that clothing or textiles are exposed to water that is hotter than the recommended temperature. This can happen with incorrectly set washing machines or incorrect instructions on the care label.
Different materials react differently to heat: wool, linen, cotton and synthetic fabrics each have their own maximum washing and drying temperatures.
Effects of washing too hot per material
1. Wool
Shrinks because the scales of the fibre interlock
Felts, causing the fabric to become stiff, thicker and irreparably damaged
Loses shape: fit and stretch disappear
2. Linen
Can shrink: especially at high temperatures
Loses softness: fibres become stiff
Colour can fade due to heat
3. Cotton
Shrinks slightly to moderately, depending on the weave
Colour can run on brightly coloured clothing
Tight-fitting clothes can become too tight or misshapen
4. Synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon)
Can melt or warp at too high temperatures
Elastic fibres can lose their stretch
Clothing can become unevenly shaped
General consequences of washing too hot
Shrinkage: clothing becomes smaller than intended
Felting or stiffness: especially with natural fibres
Colour fading
Loss of shape: clothing no longer fits as intended
Accelerated wear: fibres weaken faster
How to prevent damage from heat
Always check the care label
Wash delicate materials such as wool and linen cold or lukewarm
Use shorter programmes for delicate fabrics
Avoid high spin settings
For historical or hand-made clothing, extra care is required.
Summary
Washing too hot can cause serious damage to almost all types of textiles:
Wool felts and shrinks
Linen loses softness and can shrink
Cotton shrinks and can fade
Synthetic fabrics warp or melt
By using the correct temperature, clothing remains durable, shape-retaining and beautiful.
Internal links
- Why is wool often not allowed in the washing machine?
- How do you care for woollen clothing?
- Why must clothing be completely dry before storage?
