THE next time you put on a load of laundry on, check to make sure you’re not using a certain setting.
An appliance expert shared a common laundry mistake to avoid this winter season.
TikTok user Renae shared the setting to avoid on your washing machine this winterTikTok/@renduh
The appliance repair pro advised her viewers to always follow the instructions on a garment’s care labelTikTok/@renduh
TikTok user Renae, known to her followers as Renduh, revealed the setting on your washing machine you should steer clear of this winter.
The appliance expert explained that while there is no universal “optimal temperature” to wash your clothes at, you should avoid using too cold of water.
Renae explained: “If your washing machine has the option for ‘tap cold’ not ‘cold,’ do not use it unless the directions of your garment specifically ask for it.”
The TikToker detailed that the regular cold setting on a washing machine uses a temperature sensor, which mixes hot water through the cycle.
On the other hand, the tap cold setting will wash your garments with only cold water.
“Laundry detergent doesn’t dissolve well in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. So if you water is too cold, your clothes are not going to get cleaned properly,” Renae told her followers.
She continued: “It can also create a detergent build up inside your machine or leave deposits on your clothes, especially if you’re using pods.
“So when it comes to water temperature, skip tap cold and check your clothing’s care tags,” the appliance repair pro advised.
Renae’s followers took to the comments section to share their thoughts on the tip.
“You mentioned this a while ago and it helped so much in how my laundry soap works, thanks,” said one viewer.
Another user wrote: “I use tap cold on hot summer days to use hot water heated by the sun, not my water heater.”
“I’ve been using tap cold this whole time, but thankfully we’re only cold for like two months a year,” commented a third person.
GettyThe expert revealed that “tap cold” is a no-go setting for most washing machines during the winter[/caption]