"Tapcold" water in the context of a washing machine refers to using water directly from the tap or cold water supply without any additional heating. It means that the washing machine will not heat the water for the laundry cycle, and it will use the water at its ambient, cold temperature.
Regardless of the weather being hot, if you select the "tapcold" water option on your washing machine, it will use the cold water supply without any heating. This can be useful for washing clothes that don't require warm or hot water for effective cleaning.
Using tapcold water has a few benefits:
Energy efficiency: Since the washing machine doesn't need to heat the water, using tapcold water is more energy-efficient than using warm or hot water options. It can help you save on your energy bills.
Preserving fabric and colors: Some delicate fabrics or brightly colored clothes may benefit from washing in cold water to prevent damage or color fading.
Quick wash cycles: Cold water wash cycles are usually shorter than warm or hot water cycles, which can save time.
However, keep in mind that not all types of stains and dirt are effectively removed with cold water alone. For heavy stains or certain types of soiling, warm or hot water, along with detergent, may be more effective.
If you're dealing with heavily soiled clothes, especially those stained with grease, oil, or certain chemicals, you might want to consider using warm or hot water settings. Additionally, if you're trying to sanitize or disinfect laundry, hot water is generally more effective in killing germs and bacteria.
In summary, "tapcold" water refers to using cold water directly from the tap, regardless of the weather. It can be a practical and energy-efficient option for many everyday laundry needs, but for certain stains and sanitation purposes, warmer water settings might be more appropriate.