Why Do Japanese Washing Machines Use Cold Water? (And Will It Clean My Clothes?)
“Wait, where is the Hot Water button?”
If you are from the US or Europe, you might be shocked. Most washing machines in Japan—both home units and older coin laundries—only use Cold Water.
You might worry: “Can cold water really remove dirt and bacteria?”
The Magic of Japanese Detergent
The answer is YES. Here is why:
- Specially Formulated Detergents: Japanese laundry detergents are chemically engineered to work perfectly in cold tap water. They contain enzymes that break down proteins and dirt even at low temperatures.
- Soft Water: Japan’s tap water is “soft” (low mineral content), which makes soap lather and clean much more effectively than in hard-water regions like Europe.
Exceptions
Some modern high-end coin laundry machines do have a “Warm Wash” (お湯洗い) option, but it usually costs extra. Unless you have heavy oil stains, the standard cold wash is perfectly sufficient in Japan.
