Washing machines account for around 10% of water used in the average UK household (according to a UK Water Bills survey). So selecting the correct wash cycle on laundry day can make a big difference to how much water - and energy - you use.
Today we’re focusing on quick wash cycles, and whether they’re more efficient than regular washing. We’ll look at exactly what quick wash is on a washing machine, how it works, how well it cleans clothes, and when an eco (energy-saving) programme is the best choice.
What is a quick wash cycle and how does it work?
A quick wash is a shorter washing machine programme designed for small loads and lightly soiled clothes. Depending on the machine, it can take anything from around 15 minutes to an hour. It gets through the wash by shortening parts of the usual cycle - such as soaking, washing, rinsing and spinning.
Some quick wash programmes can use less energy and water than other cycles. For example, Ariel says its quick wash uses 60% less energy and 40% less water than a regular cotton cycle.
Does a quick wash clean clothes as well as a regular wash?
A quick wash cycle cleans clothes just as well as a regular wash – for certain kinds of laundry.
Quick wash is designed for lightly soiled clothes that need a freshen-up rather than a full deep clean. It's less suited to heavily stained clothes, towels, bedding or anything that's been through a particularly muddy afternoon.
And please don't cram the drum just because you've got a lot of laundry staring at you. Quick programmes are generally designed for smaller loads, and clothes need room to move around for the water and detergent to do their job.
Does quick wash use less energy?
Sometimes, yes. Quick cycles can use less energy if they run for less time, use less water, and wash at a lower temperature. The temperature makes a real difference because heating the water uses a lot of the electricity consumed during a wash.
But here's the important bit: the quickest cycle isn't necessarily the most energy efficient one. Eco programmes are designed to reduce energy and water consumption - even though they can take longer. They use lower temperatures and adjust the amount of water and washing time to get the job done efficiently. You can find out more in our guide to eco mode.
A few quick wash tips
Use the right amount of detergent: Quick wash cycles usually use less water and rinse for a shorter time. So, check your machine's instructions to see how much detergent you should use. Adding too much can leave residue on your clothes.
Keep the temperature down: For everyday lightly soiled clothes, 20–30°C can be enough. Lower temperatures use less electricity, because the machine doesn't have to heat the water as much.
Save it for lighter loads: Towels, bedding and heavily stained clothes will usually get a better clean from a longer programme.
Don't overfill the drum: A quick wash works best when there's enough room for your clothes to move freely.
Don't panic about soggy clothes. Heavy clothes can sometimes come out wetter after a quick wash, because the spin stage is shorter. But there’s an easy fix. Run a separate spin cycle to remove some of the extra water. That's still likely to be quicker than putting everything through another full wash.
Washing machines with quick wash cycles
If you're looking for a quick wash washing machine, there are plenty of options that can save you time. Here are three that each bring something different to the wash basket, including one of the best washing machines with 15 minute quick wash.
Logik L914WM23 washing machine
The Logik L914WM23 is a great budget option that gives you a quick wash option for smaller loads. So you can freshen up a few essentials without waiting around for a full cycle.
Haier X5 Plus HW100-B14357BUUK washing machine
The Haier X5 Plus has a Super Fast programme that gets your clothes clean in just 15 minutes. Plus, its smart AI sensors can pick the perfect cycle for your clothes.
Bosch Series 6 WGG24400GB washing machine
SpeedPerfect mode on the Bosch Series 6 can cut washing times by up to 65%, and its 15-minute Super Quick wash handles loads up to 2 kg. It also comes with ActiveWater Plus sensors that adjust water usage to the size of the load.
Need more laundry advice?
For more help choosing your next machine, check out our washing machine buying guide and best washing machines of 2026. You can also brush up on those mysterious symbols with our guide to washing machine symbols.
FAQs
Is a quick wash as good as a normal wash?
A quick wash can clean lightly soiled clothes just as well for everyday jobs, but it isn't designed for heavily stained or especially dirty laundry. It uses a shorter wash, rinse and spin, so a regular programme is usually better for tougher loads.
Does a quick wash use less water?
Yes, usually. Quick wash programmes are designed to use less water than longer standard cycles, although the exact amount varies between washing machines. Load size matters too, so check your machine's specifications for an accurate figure.
How long is a quick wash cycle?
A quick wash can take anywhere from around 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the washing machine, programme and load size. Some machines have a 15-minute option for very small loads, while others offer quick cycles lasting 30, 45 or 60 minutes.
Can you use quick wash all the time?
You can use quick wash regularly for small loads of lightly soiled clothes. But it isn't suitable for everything. Heavily stained laundry is better suited to longer programmes. And for full loads, an energy-saving programme can also be a more efficient choice.
Are quick washes more expensive?
Quick washes are usually no more expensive than a standard warm cycle, because they often use less water and energy. But the exact cost depends on several things, like the programme, temperature, load and type of washing machine.
