The Delicates Cycle A delicate wash or “hand wash” cycle is the machine equivalent to handwashing! This cycle uses warm or cold water with low or no spin. It's typically the shortest and most gentle cleaning cycle, and the low or no-spin allows for minimal fabric agitation.
As the name implies, a delicates or wool cycle is typically the most gentle setting, using low agitation, cool water and a low spin speed to prevent your fragile clothes from becoming damaged.
The gentle wash setting preserves the quality of delicate materials such as wool, cashmere, silk, and embroidered clothes. Lower water temperatures are used to reduce shrinkage or prevent the clothes from getting discolored. This cycle protects delicate textiles by using less agitation.
On some washing machine models, the delicate cycle may be marked as "Gentle," but the setting functions the same: both the delicate cycle and gentle wash cycles are characterized by colder water temperatures and low agitation or tumbling speeds.
Gentle wash cycle: A washing symbol with two horizontal lines below means that the item can be machine washed, but only if the washing machine has a gentle or wool cycle. 7. Not machine washable: If you see this symbol, always hand wash or dry clean your garment.
A washing symbol with two lines under the tub means your clothes need an extra-gentle wash. They should only be washed with a gentle programme (e.g. wool) and a suitable detergent. Avoid the spin cycle if possible.
As always, do check the manufacturer's instruction book or the wash care labels on individual garments for their own recommendations: Cottons: 1400 rpm. Delicates: 600 rpm. Woollens: 1200 rpm.
Wash clothes on the shortest cycle (e.g. "quick wash") that's practical for your needs. This means less water, heated to a lower temperature and a shorter spin cycle to save water and energy. Bonus: a quick cycle will cause less damage to your clothes over time so help them last longer.
Like heavy cycles, white cycles tend to take longer. They rely on hotter water to remove stains, since there's no fear of bleeding dyes. White cycles are also more aggressive in terms of agitation and spin, according to Forté.
Choose the Right Wash Cycle
A regular cycle is best for sturdy and dirty clothes, while the permanent press setting is fine for the average load. Use the delicate cycle for lacy and loosely woven fabrics. Use hot water for white loads, warm water for the average load, and cold water for bright colors.
30°C washes softer fabrics better than 40°C, which is why 40° is better for your everyday clothing, and fabrics that are harder e.g. wool.
By using less energy, a quick wash will also save you money. But a quick wash isn't the best option if you need to wash stained clothes. The temperature is too low to lift a stain properly, so always use a full wash for more heavily soiled garments.
The cheapest setting on a washing machine is usually the Eco wash program, also called the Saver wash. By using lower temperatures and less water, it reduces energy and water consumption, saving you money in the long run.
The most suitable program depends on the fabric of your towels. Most towels are made of cotton, so use the cotton program* and set the wash temperature to at least 40 degrees: 60° is ideal for white towels. 40° is best for darker towels, to prevent them from fading.
Step 2: Use cold water and the proper wash cycles
Avoiding heavy duty cycles, fast spins and high-heat drying can also prevent shrinkage. Use delicate cycles instead, and place delicate clothes in a mesh laundry bag for added protection. When drying, consider a low-heat or air dry setting.
The Delicates Cycle
A delicate wash or “hand wash” cycle is the machine equivalent to handwashing! This cycle uses warm or cold water with low or no spin. It's typically the shortest and most gentle cleaning cycle, and the low or no-spin allows for minimal fabric agitation.
“Although gentle cycles are necessary for fragile fabrics and items with delicate decorations, they won't do a good job cleaning heavily soiled clothing and bedding,” she explains.
The normal cycle is a bit more aggressive, so it's ideal for sturdy fabrics, like denim, bedding, towels, and most clothing. As the name implies, the heavy duty cycle should be reserved for heavily soiled items since it's longer and uses a high-speed spin.
The synthetic cycle. The synthetic cycle should be used for the everyday washing of synthetic or blended materials that are moderately soiled or dirty. This includes polyester sportswear, jeans and jumpers. This setting is ideal for items that need a slightly gentler wash and should be used on a lower spin speed.
What Is the Delicate Cycle? The delicate cycle, also called the gentle cycle on some washers, is best for garments with weaker fabrics or some blankets and bedding. This laundry setting offers a short, cold wash, followed by a slow tumble and spin cycle.
Cotton Normal/Uniform is perfect for everyday cotton garments like shirts, pants, towels, and bed linen. Synthetic/Daily program is ideal for synthetic daily wear. Mixed Soiled+ caters to various cotton, synthetic, or easy-care garments, excluding delicate or special fabrics. Cradle Wash is for your delicate clothes.
The cons of a quick wash setting
It's also not a thorough wash, so it won't help remove any heavy-set stains. 2. Can't handle a full load. As the quick wash setting uses less water and time, its capacity is much smaller than a standard cycle.
Washers and dryers are some of the largest energy users. Save by doing the following: Try to do laundry on weekends when there are no Peak hours. On weekdays, run washers and dryers during Off-Peak hours: before 3 p.m. or after 7 p.m.
A synthetic cycle is gentler than your cotton cycle in the following ways: Medium agitation will ensure more protection on delicate fibres. Temperature choice will be cooler than your cotton cycles (usually 30°C - 40°C). Lower spin speed (800 - 1000 RPM) to avoid wear and tear and because they absorb less water.