One of the things that surprises foreigners living in Japan is how laundry is done here.
In Western countries, using hot water in the washing machine is completely normal, right?
But in Japan, most households wash their clothes in cold water.
Let's take a closer look at laundry culture in Japan!
💧 Why Don't Japanese Washing Machines Use Hot Water?
With the exception of some high-end models, Japanese washing machines basically only use cold water.
To understand why, we first need to talk about water hardness.
In many parts of Europe and the United States, tap water is classified as "hard water," meaning it contains high levels of calcium and magnesium.
Hard water interferes with detergent lathering, which is why hot water is needed to boost cleaning power.
Japan, on the other hand, has "soft water" in most regions.
Soft water contains fewer minerals, which means detergent dissolves easily and lathers well even in cold water.
In other words, Japanese washing machines don't need hot water to get clothes clean — cold water does the job just fine.
There are also a few other reasons behind this:
- Washing machine faucets in Japan are standardly connected to cold water pipes only
- The high cost of gas and electricity makes heating water less appealing
All of these factors combined have created a culture where cold water washing is considered perfectly sufficient.
Personally, I had no idea that hot water washing machines even existed until just a few years ago 😅
My Experience Buying a Hot Water Washing Machine
"I want a Japanese washing machine that uses hot water!"
Once I discovered they existed, I started seriously looking for one when it was time to replace my machine in 2024. But hot water washing machines in Japan are still rare — and when you do find one, it tends to be large and expensive.
My laundry space at home is quite small, so I went back and forth on the decision many times, reading through the Panasonic warm water washing machine product page over and over again.
https://panasonic.jp/wash/feature/FA/warm-water.html
Source: Panasonic
Freshly washed sheets always look clean, but after storing them for about six months, I'd notice they looked a little yellowed. I was also bothered by lingering odors in pajamas and grease stains that just wouldn't come out completely.
"I really want to try washing with hot water."
With that thought in mind, I finally took the plunge and bought one.
When it arrived and was installed… it was bigger than I imagined 😅
In most Japanese homes, the washing machine faucet only supplies cold water.
If you're building a new home, it might be worth adding a hot water connection.
Keep in mind, though, that since the machine heats the water internally using electricity, one wash cycle can take over three hours — and the electricity costs do add up.
I've worked around this by deciding in advance which items to wash with hot water — sheets, pajamas, and the like — and saving those loads for weekends when I have more time. Overall, I'm really happy with the purchase.
🧴 Japanese Detergent: So Many Options!
Anyone visiting the detergent aisle at a Japanese supermarket is likely to be amazed by the sheer variety on offer.
One area where Japanese detergent has really evolved in recent years is products designed for delicate fabrics like wool, silk, and cashmere.
- Leaves clothes feeling softer and fluffier
- Helps prevent pilling and wrinkles
- Some even have repair functions that restore shape and reduce stretching damage
Fabric softener has also become increasingly popular in Japan.
One of the biggest draws is the wide range of scents available.
Fabric softener also helps prevent static electricity and keeps pollen from clinging to clothes —
a very Japanese concern, given how many people here suffer from hay fever.
☀️ Drying Clothes in Japan
Walk through any residential neighborhood in Japan and you'll see laundry hanging from balconies everywhere.
It's one of the most familiar everyday sights in the country.
Hang the laundry in the morning, bring it in before evening.
That's the traditional laundry routine in Japan. Many people say there's nothing quite like the feeling of clothes dried in the sun.
In recent years, though, the rise of dual-income households has led to a slight decline in outdoor drying.
With both partners working, it's harder to get the laundry out while the sun is still shining.
85% of households own a washer-dryer, but many people avoid using the dryer function due to concerns about electricity costs and fabric wear.
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000050.000126910.html
Source: Datacom Co., Ltd.
For those who prefer drying clothes outside in Japan, the rainy season — known as tsuyu (梅雨), which runs from June to July — is the toughest time of year.
Rain continues for days on end, and even drying indoors takes much longer due to the high humidity.
Checking the weather forecast is essential when you plan to dry clothes outside.
I've had my share of moments like this:
"The forecast said sunny all day, but it rained while I was out and my laundry got soaked… 😭 I had to wash everything all over again."
When rainy days stretch on, many people head to the coin laundry in Japan to get things dried quickly.
And with more coin laundry shops opening in recent years, it's become a really convenient option.
One more thing worth mentioning — hanging laundry outside during pollen season is a big no for anyone with allergies.
For more on that, check out this article on surviving spring allergies in Japan:
Laundry is an everyday task, and that's exactly why it reflects so much about a country's climate, lifestyle, and values.
How does laundry in your country compare? I'd love to hear from you!
