What the cold wash setting does
The cold wash setting tells your washer to use cold water for the wash instead of heating it or mixing in hot. Cold washing helps protect colors that bleed or fade and cuts the energy used to heat water. Whirlpool’s guidance for one compact front-load model describes a cold option at about 59°F (15°C), suited to lightly soiled colored laundry without stains. Other models may differ, so check your manual or Whirlpool’s cycle guide.
When to use cold
Cold is often a good choice for:
- Dark or brightly colored items that may bleed or fade.
- Lightly soiled everyday clothes.
- Fabrics that may shrink or be damaged by heat, as the care label directs.
Always follow the garment care label.
When cold may not be enough
Cold water can be less effective on heavy soil, greasy stains, and some detergents. Using a detergent labeled for cold water helps, and a warm wash may do better for heavily soiled loads, towels or items you want sanitized, as long as the label allows. Cold is not a disinfecting setting. If sanitizing matters, look for a sanitize cycle on your washer and follow the manual.
Is the water really cold?
Not always. Some Whirlpool washers regulate incoming water so it is not extremely cold, which helps detergent dissolve. Whirlpool’s AI-summarized guidance suggests a range around 55 to 65°F, but treat that as approximate because actual temperatures depend on your incoming water and the model. In winter, colder supply water can make a cold wash even colder.
Cold wash on Maytag and other Whirlpool-family washers
Maytag is a Whirlpool-owned brand, and many of its washers have similar cycle logic. Settings and labels still vary by model, so rely on your specific manual for what “Cold” or “Cold Wash” means on your Maytag.
What the front-load symbols mean
Whirlpool notes that some control panel symbols differ from other washers. On the compact front-load model’s page, status symbols include:
- Door unlocked: the door can be opened.
- Water supply inadequate: check that the water is turned on.
- Water cannot be drained: the drain pump filter, hose or pump may be blocked. Check the hose for kinks or clean the filter as your manual describes.
- Call for service: the washer needs an authorized technician.
Your model may use different symbols, so check your manual. For a broader look at what a cycle does at each stage, read our cycle guide.
Where fabric softener goes
Put fabric softener in the dispenser compartment designed for it, not directly on clothes, and do not overfill. The dispenser releases it at the right point in the cycle. Which compartment and fill line to use differs by model, so check the markings or manual.
What temperature is hot?
There is no single number. “Hot” depends on your home’s water heater setting and on how the washer mixes water, and some models may limit the hot temperature. Check your manual or Whirlpool’s cycle guide. Be careful with hot water in your home. If you are unsure about your water heater setting, ask a qualified professional rather than adjusting a gas or electric water heater yourself.
If your washer only fills with cold water
If you pick warm or hot and only get cold, check that the hot water faucet is open, hoses are connected to the right valves, and that the hot supply works at another tap. Whirlpool’s help also has guidance on getting cold water when warm or hot was selected. If the hot supply is fine and the washer still fills cold, a faulty inlet valve or control may be the cause. Unplug the washer and turn off water before inspecting, and call a technician for valve or electrical repairs.