The best temperature to wash clothes depends on the type of fabric, color, and level of dirtiness. Here are some general guidelines based on the search results:

• Hot water (130°F or above): Use hot water for whites, typically dirty clothes, and diapers. Hot water is best to remove germs and heavy soil. However, hot water can shrink, fade, and damage some fabrics, so be sure to read your clothing labels before selecting the hot option.

• Warm water (90°F to 110°F): Warm water can still effectively clean clothes without damaging them. Its a safe bet for most other clothing items.

• Cold water (80°F): Use cold water for dark or bright colors that bleed or delicate fabrics. Cold water also saves energy, so it is a good choice if you want to be eco-friendly. If you choose cold water, you may need to pre-treat or pre-soak your clothes if your laundry items are heavily soiled. The lower the temperature of the water, the more detergent you need. If the temperature of the water is below 60°F, no soap or detergent performs well.

Its important to read the label on your clothing before starting your load to figure out what temperature will be most friendly to your clothes. Also, keep in mind that the lower the temperature of the water, the more gentle it is on clothes.