How to Select the Right Washer Settings for Your Laundry
Load Size and Water Level
Before you start your washing machine, you need to select the correct load size and water level. The most accurate way to determine load size is by weight in relation to the washer tub capacity. General rules based on the level of clothes in the drum are:
- Small Load: Approximately one-quarter full
- Medium Load: Approximately one-half full
- Large Load: Over one-half full
- Super Large Load: At full capacity
Water Temperature
Choosing the right water temperature for each load can prevent clothes from fading, stretching, or shrinking. Follow these tips:
- Cold Water: Best for dark colors and delicate fabrics. Perfect for lightly-soiled clothes.
- Warm Water: Best for synthetic, permanent press fabrics. Choose for colored garments heavily soiled with oil or stains.
- Hot Water: Best for white cotton fabrics that are worn close to the body (underwear, socks, bedsheets). May be needed for heavily soiled items like work jeans or kids’ play clothes.
The rinse cycle water temperature should always be cold.
Washer Cycle
The correct washer cycle will help clean your clothes and keep them looking their best. Here are the most common washer cycles:
- Delicate, Hand Wash, or Wool: Use for delicate, fragile items like lingerie, lace, and silk. Features lower speeds and shorter wash cycles to prevent stretching and ripping.
- Rapid Wash or Speed Wash: Use for last-minute items or small loads that are lightly soiled. Has a shortened wash cycle and high-speed spin to reduce drying times.
- Permanent Press, Wrinkle Control, Casual Clothes, or Dark Colors: Use for dark clothes, colored fabrics, most synthetic fabrics, blended fabrics, and permanent press clothes. Medium-speed wash action, low-speed spin, and cool-down period to reduce wrinkling.
- Normal: Use for cotton or blended fabrics with average soil. Combines high-speed wash action and high-speed spin, making it harsher on clothes.
- Heavy Duty: Use for towels, sturdy fabrics like jeans, and heavily soiled items. Offers a longer wash cycle with high-speed agitation and spin to remove as much moisture as possible.
- Bulky: Use for blankets, comforters, rugs, and pillows. Begins with a soak period to allow water and detergent to penetrate. Medium wash action and spin prevent vibration and off-balance.
- Sheets: Use for bedsheets, linens, or large pieces of fabric. Wash action prevents tangling or wadding.
- Whites: Use for bleachable white items. Dispenses liquid chlorine bleach at the correct time in the washing process. High-speed wash and spin cycle.
- Steam: Use to quickly remove wrinkles and freshen garments. Does not provide deep cleaning, but is great for dress shirts or delicate items.
- Rinse and Spin: Use to rinse and spin out moisture from fabrics, without detergent or deep cleaning.
- Soil Level: Some washers have adjustable soil level settings. Lower soil levels reduce agitation time.
- Spin Speed: Select a lower spin speed for delicate fabrics to reduce wrinkling and damage. Higher spin speeds extract more water and reduce drying time.
FAQ
What is the quick wash setting?
The quick wash setting washes clothes quickly, but it’s not as thorough. Good for lightly soiled, small loads when time is limited.
Is it better to wash white clothes hot or cold?
Delicate whites should be washed in cold water, but regular whites will get cleaner in a warm or hot cycle, especially heavily soiled items like towels and socks.
What do the symbols on a washing machine mean?
Washing machine symbols vary. Determine the brand and model of your machine to find an online guide or manual that explains the symbols.
What is a normal wash cycle?
The normal wash cycle is for average-sized loads of laundry with a medium soil level. It uses warm water, a high spin speed, and is ideal for everyday fabrics like cotton.