When to Use Hot Water Vs. Cold Water to Remove Fabric Stains

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When it comes to getting stains out of clothing, upholstery, and other fabrics, you might assume that water is water, and its temperature really doesn't matter. But similar to cleaning wood floors and furniture, there are right and wrong water temperatures for removing stains.

For example, a recent viral TikTok post demonstrates a method for removing berry stains from clothing using boiling water. While that works in that scenario, attempting to use boiling water to clean up other messes will actually cause the stain to set—making it much harder to remove. So how do you determine the right water temperature for a particular stain?

How to use water for stain removal

Before we get into water temperatures, Karina Toner, operations manager at Washington D.C.-based Spekless Cleaning, has a few tips for choosing the right stain-removing method:

Test first: Always test the water temperature and cleaning solution on a small, hidden area of the fabric to ensure it doesn’t cause damage or discoloration.

Blot, don’t rub: Blotting or dabbing helps lift the stain without grinding it further into the fabric.

Follow care labels: Always start by checking the fabric care instructions to avoid damaging the material.

Soaking vs. dabbing

When using hot water, Toner recommends dabbing the stain then using a stain remover on the area. "Soaking can be effective, but should be done based on the fabric's tolerance to heat," she says. For particularly stubborn stains, add a bit of detergent before soaking.

For stains that require cold water, soaking the entire stained area is usually best. "This helps to dilute and lift the stain out of the fabric fibers," Toner says.

Applying water to upholstered furniture

When a stain is on something upholstered, soaking it isn't an option. For stains that respond to cold water, Toner recommends using a spray bottle to mist the stained area lightly, then blotting with a clean cloth. Do your best to avoid over-saturating the fabric. For stains that need hot water, dab the stained area with a soaked cloth. "Follow up with a steam cleaner if available, but be cautious to avoid soaking the upholstery," she says.

When to use hot water to remove stains from fabric

In most cases, opt for washing stained items in warm or hot—not boiling—water. "Use boiling water only on durable fabrics and avoid it on delicate materials like silk or wool," Toner says. "It can be effective for certain stains, like berry stains, but it should be done with caution. The high temperature can help break down the stain, but it can also set certain stains."

Toner also advises using warm or hot water to get rid of the following stains:

Dirt and mud: Let the mud dry completely, then brush off as much as possible before washing the fabric in warm water.

Oil and grease: Apply dish soap to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes, then wash the fabric in hot water (not boiling, but as hot as the fabric can tolerate).

Sweat: Pre-treat the stain with a mixture of baking soda and water, then wash in warm water.

You should also use warm or hot water on the following stains, according to Merry Maid:

Dye and marker

Egg

Grass

Tomato-based products

Lipstick

Lotion

Mustard

Shoe polish

Vomit

When to use cold water to remove stains from fabric

Depending on the stain, cold water may be your best bet, Toner says, including those from:

Blood: Hot water can set the protein in the blood, making it harder to remove. Rinse the fabric under cold running water as soon as possible to flush out the stain, then launder as usual.

Chocolate: Cold water helps prevent chocolate from melting further into the fabric. Scrape off excess chocolate, then rinse the stained area with cold water before treating it with a stain remover.

Wine: Blot the stain with a cloth soaked in cold water to dilute the wine, then treat with a stain remover or a mixture of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide.

Paint: Cold water works best for water-based paint stains. Rinse the stained area under cold running water to remove as much paint as possible before washing.

You should also use cold water on the following stains, according to Merry Maid:

Alcoholic beverages

Baby food/formula

Candle wax

Cheese

Coffee and tea

Gum (ice is even better)

Jelly and jam

Milk and dairy products

Soft drinks

Soy sauce

Toothpaste

Urine

No matter what you've spilled on yourself or your couch, don't give it time to set in. "The quicker you address the stain, the better your chances of removing it completely," Toner says.