Turn on the tap and let the water run as hot as you can handle. While cooler water isn't bad, hot water seems to absorb into the fabric faster and more evenly. Cold water works fine if you have a lot of time, but it will numb your fingers before you are done and the dexterity of your digits come into play. That said, no one wants to be scolded, so lets save the cowboy theatrics for Walker, Texas Ranger. (Chuck Norris is impervious to burns of any degree, of course)