Kylmäpesu

Kylmäpesu, meaning "cold wash" in Finnish, refers to the practice of washing clothes using cold water. This method is often contrasted with warm or hot water washing, which is more common for certain types of fabrics or stains.

The primary benefit of kylmäpesu is its energy efficiency. Heating water for washing machines consumes a significant amount of electricity, so using cold water directly reduces energy consumption and lowers utility bills. Additionally, cold water is gentler on fabrics. It helps to prevent shrinkage, fading of colors, and damage to delicate fibers, thereby extending the lifespan of clothing. This makes it an ideal choice for washing woolens, silks, dark-colored items, and garments with elaborate prints.

While effective for most everyday laundry, kylmäpesu may not be sufficient for heavily soiled items or for sanitizing clothes, as warmer temperatures are more effective at killing bacteria and removing grease or oil stains. In such cases, a pre-treatment or a different washing cycle might be necessary. Many modern detergents are formulated to work effectively in cold water, compensating for the lower temperature. When using kylmäpesu, it's important to choose a detergent that is specifically designed for cold water washing to ensure optimal cleaning performance.