Cold or Hot Water for Stains? The Full List by Stain Type

Stains are inevitable in our day-to-day lives; whether it's a spilled beverage, a food mishap, or a mystery stain with dubious origins. The good news is that most stains can be removed with the proper knowledge and techniques.

But when it comes to techniques, one common debate arises: should you use cold or hot water for stains? 

In this article, we explain why you should use certain water temperatures for different types of stains, plus we give you a complete list you can always use as a guide. So go ahead and bookmark this page so you can find your way back anytime.

Should I use cold or hot water for stains? The basics

Use cold water for most food, beverage, blood, or water-based paint stains. For protein-based and oil-based stains, hot water is usually best. However, there's no universal rule, as some protein-based stains like eggs, peanut butter, and mustard are best cleaned with cold water. Adjust your approach based on the stain.

Cold or hot water for stains: The full list

Cold water is often the go-to solution for a wide range of stains, as it helps prevent the setting and spreading of the stain while also being gentle on various fabrics. But for some tough stains like grease and cooking oil, the power of hot water can be a game-changer. 

Explore the lists below for the different stains according to the water temperature.

Use cold water for these stains

• Chocolate stains
• Blood 
• Coffee and tea
• Milk 
• Egg 
• Fruit juice 
• Wine
• Soda 
• Ketchup and tomato sauce 
• Mustard 
• Salad dressing (creamy, not oil and vinegar)
• Grass and mud 
• Ink (ballpoint pen)
• Butter 
• Peanut butter 
• Lipstick and foundation 
• Nail polish
• Water-based paint 
• Fruit (e.g., berry stains)
• Soy sauce 
• Vinegar 

Use hot water for these stains

• Oil-based stains (e.g., motor oil, grease)
• Wax (e.g., candle wax; wax-based furniture polish) 
• Crayon 
• Tar 
• Kids play slime 
• Pitch (e.g., tree sap)
• Chewing gum 
• Resin 
• Greasy food (e.g., pizza grease)
• Cooking oil 
• Sticker residue
• Salad oil 
• Mayonnaise 
• Shoe polish 
• Permanent marker
• Vaseline 
• Sweat 
• Baby formula 
• Gelatin (e.g., Jell-O)
• Starch (e.g., rice, pasta)
• Fabric softener stains
• Hair dye 
• Varnish 
• Rust 

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What about mystery stains? Hot or cold water?

When faced with a mystery stain, it is best to treat it with cold water rather than hot water. This is because cold water is less likely to set the stain permanently or spread it further. In addition, cold water is gentler on fabrics and effectively treats many common stains. If the stain persists, try using hot water.

FAQ on using cold or hot water for the most common stains

Still have questions about removing stains with hot or cold water? We rounded up the most frequently asked questions. 

Should I use hot or cold water for blood stains?

Only use cold water for blood stains. Cold water helps prevent the blood from setting into the fabric fibers, while hot water can cause coagulation and make the stain more difficult to remove. Plus, cold water preserves your fabric and reduces the risk of damage or color bleeding.

Should I use hot or cold water for stains on white clothes?

Generally, it’s best to use hot water for stains on white clothes. Hot water breaks down tough stains, boosts detergent cleaning power, and eliminates bacteria and odors. Also, white clothes are less likely to bleed or fade, making them safe to wash with hot water. However, always check the care label before washing.

Should I use hot or cold water for grease stains?

It’s generally best to use hot water on grease stains for two reasons. First, hot water dissolves and loosens greasy substances, making them easier to remove from fabrics. Second, the heat enhances the effectiveness of detergents, allowing for better penetration and breakdown of the grease.

Should I use hot or cold water for mud stains?

For mud stains, use cold water. Start by rinsing the mud under running cold water, then treat the stain with mild detergent. Avoid using hot water because it can cause the mud to set deeper into the fabric fibers, making it harder to remove.

Easily tackle all your stains

You can effectively address most spills and marks by understanding the specific temperature needs of different stains. 

Hot water proves invaluable for tackling oil-based and protein-based stains, leveraging its ability to dissolve and loosen complex substances. On the other hand, cold water shines when it comes to preventing stain setting and spreading, making it a go-to choice for blood, fruit juices, and general everyday spills. 

Remember to act quickly, read fabric care instructions, spot test, and use appropriate cleaning agents to maximize your stain removal success. 

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