Abstract: Automatically operating washing machines adjust the washing time, the wash water temperature and the motion, i.e. agitation, of the laundry based on predetermined cycles, such as wash, spin, or rinse, etc. An adjustable program course controls these cycles. Naturally, certain cycles require hotter or colder temperatures than others. The method of the invention varies the program course to cycles requiring hotter or colder temperature, depending on the temperature available. Therefore, if a cycle requires hot water but only cold water is available, another cycle will be chosen or the cycle will run for a shorter time. The automatically operating washing machine has at least one cold water inlet and at least one warm water inlet.