Hot Water Facts

Personal Hygiene
Temperatures commonly used for personal hygiene are 98°-102° and the comfort range is very narrow. Someone comfortable at 102° would be very uncomfortable at 104°. Federal Law limits Jacuzzi and Spa heaters to 104°.

Dishes
Dishwashers normally have their own internal heating elements. It is not the temperature of the water but the combination of the hot water and the soap that kills germs. Remember that to kill germs with hot water you would have to use water heated to 212° (boiling water), which no home appliance is permitted to do for safety reasons.

Clothes
Clothing is normally washed in cold or warm water. Hot water causes clothing to shrink and fade.