Read the care label for guidelines. Use cold water only when the label recommends it. There are literally hundreds of brands to pick from when it comes to choosing products with which to wash clothes. Read laundry labels and directions to choose the right one, suggests Brown. Soaps are designed for light, gentle washing.
Powdered detergents dissolve better in hot water .
A powdery residue on clothes may indicate that detergent didn't dissolve completely. Granular detergents work well on mud and clay soils. Liquid detergents are usually effective in removing greasy, oily stains. Fabric softeners reduce static cling, minimize wrinkling and soften clothes. Read instructions on laundry equipment and products to know when and how to add fabric softeners.