Laundry Lab Slides Science of Self-Care
Cold Hot
Laundry Lab
Why do we wash sheets in Hot water and clothes in Cold water?
Let's learn together!
Slide 1 of 7
Two Water Settings
Slide 2 of 7
Hot Water
Feels like a warm bath.
We use it for super dirty things!
Cold Water
Feels cool like a pool.
We use it for everyday clothes!
Choosing the right temperature keeps things clean and safe.
Hot Water is a Germ Buster!
Slide 3 of 7
✕ ✕
Germs & Sweat Melt Away!
Why do we need super hot water?
1 Kills Germs: Hot heat stops tiny bugs that make us sick.
2 Melts Body Oils: Hot water breaks down the sweat from our skin.
3 Cleans Deeper: Makes sheets smell fresh and feel soft.
Sheets and towels soak up a lot of body sweat, so they need the extra heat!
Cold Water Protects Clothes!
Slide 4 of 7
Protects Your Favorites!
Why do everyday clothes use cold water?
1 No Shrinking: Keeps clothes matching your correct size.
2 Saves Colors: Stops bright dyes from bleeding or fading.
3 Saves Energy: Uses less electricity, which is great for our Earth!
Cold water is gentle. Perfect for everyday shirts, pants, and socks!
The Hot Team (Sheets & Towels)
Slide 5 of 7
Bed Sheets
We sleep on them every night. They hold sweat and body germs!
Bath Towels
They wipe off water and oil from our clean bodies. Must stay sanitized!
Pillowcases
Our face rests on them. Skin oils and sweat gather quickly!
Rule: If you sleep on it or dry off with it, wash on HOT!
The Cold Team (Everyday Clothes)
Slide 6 of 7
T-Shirts
Colorful cottons shrink and fade in hot temperatures.
Jeans & Pants
Heavy denim stays tough and dark in cold wash cycles.
Socks
Stretchy elastics stay perfect without shrinking.
Rule: Shirts, pants, and socks go in COLD!
Quick Check!
Slide 7 of 7
Q1
You just slept on your Bed Sheets for a week. What temperature should you choose?
HOT WATER
Q2
You want to wash your brand new red T-Shirt. What temperature should you choose?
COLD WATER
Great job learning about laundry temperatures! Ready for Worksheets!
Laundry Lab Worksheet Laundry Lab Worksheet 1
How Hot Water Fights Germs & Oils
Name:
Date:
A The Science Idea: What Hot Water Fights!
Look at the pictures. Hot water is strong enough to destroy dirty things on sheets and towels.
1. Tiny Germs
Germs make us sick. Hot water destroys germs so sheets are safe and clean!
2. Body Sweat & Oils
We sweat while we sleep. Hot water melts body oils away so fabrics smell fresh!
B Science Check: Circle the Correct Answer
Q1. When we wash Bed Sheets, what does Hot Water do to tiny germs?
It destroys and kills germs
It helps germs grow bigger
Q2. Why does sleep sweat and skin oil need Hot Water?
It melts and washes body oils away
It turns oils into ice cubes
Unit: Laundry Science & Independence Page 1 of 2
Laundry Lab Worksheet 2
Which Team? Hot Water or Cold Water?
Name:
Date:
HOT TEAM: Bedding & Towels
COLD TEAM: Daily Clothes
C Sorting Scenarios: Color the Correct Bubble!
Color in the RED bubble for Hot Water, or the BLUE bubble for Cold Water.
Bed Sheets
Sleep bedding with sweat
RED (HOT)
BLUE (COLD)
Colorful T-Shirt
Bright, everyday clothing
RED (HOT)
BLUE (COLD)
Big Bath Towel
Used to dry clean bodies
RED (HOT)
BLUE (COLD)
Stretchy Socks
Everyday worn on feet
RED (HOT)
BLUE (COLD)
Unit: Laundry Science & Independence Page 2 of 2
Laundry Lab Sorting Activity Laundry Lab: Sorting Mat
Hands-On Learning Activity
Interactive Cut cards from Page 2 to play!
Instructions: Put the laundry cards on the correct washing machine below. Look at the rules to help you sort!
Hot Water Washer
The Germ Buster
Place Cards Here
Place sheets, pillowcases, and towels that touch sweat or skin germs.
🔥 Hot Water Rule: Wash bed sheets & wet towels here to kill germs & melt body oil.
Cold Water Washer
Fabric Protector
Place Cards Here
Place everyday clothes like shirts, pants, socks, and bright colors.
❄️ Cold Water Rule: Wash colorful shirts & pants here to save energy & keep clothing nice.
Unit: Laundry Science & Independence Page 1 of 2
Laundry Lab: Sorting Cards
Cutout Cards for Sorting
Cut Out
Teacher Tip: Cut along the dashed gray lines to create 8 laundry sorting cards. Help students identify the items and place them on the Hot or Cold washing machine mat!
Cut
Bed Sheets
Sleep on them all night. Covered in body germs!
Cut
Bright Red T-Shirt
Everyday cotton shirt. Might shrink or fade.
Cut
Pillowcase
Your face sleeps on it. Gathers skin oil & sweat.
Cut
Stretchy Socks
Everyday wear. Stretchy elastic might shrink.
Cut
Bath Towel
Wipes off wet water and body oils. Must be sterile.
Cut
Denim Jeans
Heavy blue pants. Keep color dark & safe.
Cut
Kitchen Cloth
Cleans dirty grease, food bits, and kitchen bacteria.
Cut
Winter Sweater
Warm wool sweater. Hot water will shrink it small.
Unit: Laundry Science & Independence Page 2 of 2