Understanding the Different Wash Cycles on a Washing Machine
Sorting your clothes, tossing them into the washer and dryer, then folding and putting everything away isn’t a complicated process. But understanding the different washing machine cycles and what they do can be confusing. Most modern washing machines have pre-programmed settings to help make laundry day easier. With the simple push of a button, your washer can clean delicates, casuals, and whites or treat grass or mud stains effortlessly if you learn the correct settings. However, not all machines are created equal, and not everyone understands what a heavy-duty or delicate cycle does. Below we dive deeper into the different wash cycles and how to choose the right ones for your fabrics.
Washing Machine Cycles
Unfortunately, every washing machine is different. From the tub capacity to the features, each comes with unique components and settings to help you achieve the cleanest clothes possible. Continue reading to learn more about the most standard wash cycles that are relatively universal across all machines.
Normal Cycle
The normal cycle features vigorous agitation and is often the most intense washer cycle available. Select this cycle for everyday laundry items made of cotton, linen, and durable synthetics like sheets, towels, t-shirts, socks, and underwear. The normal cycle uses warm water to clean moderately soiled clothes and can run for up to an hour.
Speed or Quick Wash
Just as the name suggests, a speed or quick cycle washes your clothes quickly. It’s best for small loads of lightly soiled clothing that require quick washing in about 15 to 40 minutes. Most speed or quick washes have a high-speed spin cycle at the end to remove moisture from your clothes to reduce your dry time. Quick wash is also the most energy-efficient option.
Heavy Duty
Similar to a normal cycle, the heavy-duty setting has a long wash time with high agitation. It differs from the normal cycle because it’s better for sturdy fabrics like towels, jeans, or heavily soiled clothes. Heavy-duty cycles use warm to hot water with a high spin speed to ensure your items come out clean.
Bulky
If your washing machine has a bulky cycle, this option is great for heavily soiled items like grass-stained or muddy clothes. The bulky cycle also works great for larger items such as blankets or comforters because it often fills the tub with more water to ensure the bigger items are completely soaked and rinsed well.
Delicates or Gentle
The delicate cycle is the equivalent of handwashing as it uses warm or cold water with low or no spin. It’s the shortest and most gentle cleaning cycle and is fantastic for washing delicate fabrics like silk or wool.
Rinse and Spin
The rinse and spin cycle does precisely that; rinses and spins. During this setting, your washing machine runs with no detergent and just rinses the clothes and spins the moisture out. Not many people know this laundry tip; the rinse and spin cycle is ideal for heavily soiled clothes, like cloth diapers, that you might want to rinse before running a regular or heavy-duty wash.
Laundry Tips With The Laundry Cafe
At The Laundry Cafe, we’re experts on washing machine cycles and can help you determine the best one for your laundry load. If you’ve been searching for the best laundromat near me, stop your search and swing by one of our five locations today!