Fleece: Will cold water clean it well enough?

[LuvThePig]

First I'd like to say thanks to everyone on this forum - there's a lot of great advice here. Although my pig doesn't have a friend yet, he does have a proper two level cage, good food and veggies and best of all, fleece! I haven't washed the first soiled set yet and wonder if I'll run into problems with the fact my machine is only hooked up for cold water. I have no problems doing my regular laundry in cold, but it's not full of animal waste. Thoughts?

[Paula]

When my husband throws a fit about me using too much hot water for him to take a proper shower (at least a couple times a week) I just use cold. I throw in some extra vinegar and it's never been a problem. One thing I would suggest is doing smaller than normal loads, though.

[gooberific]

I always wash in cold. I do the same as Paula with extra vinegar.

[Ibbet]

I'm just curious why vinegar? Does it help with smell?
I've never used fleece and probably wont but I'm curious.

[Beahbeah]

Originally Posted by Ibbet

I'm just curious why vinegar? Does it help with smell?
I've never used fleece and probably wont but I'm curious.

Vinegar neutralizes the ammonia odour from guinea pigs' urine. It also is hypoallergenic, as some piggies may sneeze/scratch more if their fleece is washed with a laundry detergent like Tide.