Experts have settled the debate over whether hot or cold water should be used for washing clothes, bedding and towels. A common misconception about water temperature and hygiene leads people to assume hot water is needed to kill germs. However, Susan Toft, CEO and founder of The Laundry Lady, and Martin Zaki, Associate Research Fellow from the Deakin Institute of Frontier Materials told nine.com.au cold water can remove stains, odours and bacteria just as well as hot because of laundry detergent.