Connecting To Hot Water Instead Of Cold

Nice thought, and one that a lot of people seem to have, but here are the problems with it -

It would use more energy because every time you use the washing machine it will use gallons of hot water (instead of just a bowlful), which is very uneconomical. For most people (using a hot water tank) all this water will be replaced by cold water which then needs heating up

Most people's hot water is set to at least 60 degrees and some have it much higher, this (as uumode) mentions could damage delicates and woolens

Rinsing in hot water isn't as effective as using cold, hot water tends to cause lathering

The water temperature for 40 degree washes would already be exceeded as soon as it starts washing which is likely to cause premature completion of the wash program

Rinsing in hot water can cause excessive creasing which is difficult to iron out.

I ended up writing an article on my white goods blog on this very subject - Don’t connect the hot water supply to the cold valve on a cold-fill washing machine which has attracted over 30 comments from interested parties so far. Some people are experimenting with mixing the hot and cold water to supply a cold fill washing machine with warm water or even using a thermostatically controlled valve to mix the water to supply the machine at around 40 degrees.

Many people have concerns about the cold fill only washing machines but they should not cost more to use. They should cost less for most people. Most of Europe has had cold fill washing machines for years. Here’s a lengthy look at the pros and cons of cold fill washing machines