Cold water works well for plenty of laundry loads. It uses less energy, can help lower your utility costs, and is often a safer choice for clothes that might shrink or fade.

Still, I don’t use cold water for everything. Some items pick up sweat, body oils, grease, bacteria, and heavy grime that may require warmer water and a good detergent to remove properly.

Here are 10 things I never wash in cold water.

Towels

Bath towels pick up sweat, body oils, and moisture every time you use them. A warmer wash helps remove that buildup before towels start to smell musty or feel stiff.

Bed Sheets

Your sheets collect sweat, skin cells, body oils, and dust while you sleep. A warm or hot wash can remove more of that buildup and is a good choice for bedding that needs a deeper clean.

Underwear

Underwear stays against your skin for hours, so it can collect sweat, oils, and bacteria throughout the day. I prefer a warm or hot wash because it gives these items a more thorough clean and helps with lingering odors.

Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapers deal with stains, bacteria, and strong odors that can be tough to remove with cold water alone. A hot wash is commonly recommended for cloth diapers, but it’s best to follow the care instructions for the specific diapers you use.

Kitchen Towels and Dishcloths

Kitchen towels and dishcloths wipe up grease, food spills, dirty hands, and plenty of other messes. A warm or hot wash helps break down greasy residue and clean away more of the bacteria they can pick up.

Gym Clothes

Workout clothes absorb sweat during exercise, and some synthetic fabrics can retain odors afterward. A warm wash can help remove sweat and smells, though the care label should always come first for athletic fabrics.

White Clothes

White shirts, socks, and other light-colored clothes can accumulate sweat and body oils, leaving them looking dull. A warm wash can help loosen that buildup and keep white fabrics looking cleaner.

Socks

Socks spend hours inside shoes where they pick up sweat, moisture, and odor. A warm or hot wash can give them a more thorough clean and help remove some of the bacteria left behind.

Baby Clothes

Baby clothes deal with spit-up, food stains, drool, and diaper leaks regularly. Warm water can help loosen those messes, but always check the care label since some baby fabrics need gentler washing.

Washcloths and Loofahs

Washcloths and reusable loofahs can remain damp between uses, collecting skin cells and body oils. Washing them with warm or hot water can help clean them more thoroughly before you use them again.