Washing machine appliances and methods for operating washing machine appliances are provided. A washing machine appliance has a tub and a basket rotatably mounted within the tub, the basket defining a chamber for receipt of articles for washing. A method includes spraying an initial rinse volume of water into the tub, the water at a cold temperature. The method further includes rotating the articles within the tub, and spinning the articles within the tub. The method further includes spraying a final rinse volume of water into the tub, the water at a temperature greater than the cold temperature. The method further includes rotating the articles within the tub, and spinning the articles within the tub.