Washing machines come with all kinds of clever settings — think steam cleaning or anti-allergy settings. But they all share some key programs that’ll help you keep your clothes clean. If you're in a spin about a specific type of stain, check out how to remove unsightly stains from your clothes. But if it's general cleaning tips and washing know how you're after, we've got you.

While there are loads of buttons to choose from, there are two different things you’ve got to think about when washing your clothes: movement inside the machine and the temperature of the water. By movement, we mean the amount of agitation in the machine. The higher the agitation, the more aggressive the clean. And different water temperatures match to different fabrics and provide different types of cleaning.

But do you know when to use delicate wash and when to use a hot wash? Let’s test your knowledge…

What are the cycles on a washing machine?

Modern washing machines come with a variety of pre-set cycles designed to tackle different laundry challenges. Understanding the most common washing machine cycles will allow you to make better decisions when it comes to washing your clothes:

• Clean cycle: This is the regular washing cycle you’ll use for most of your laundry. It's suitable for everyday items like shirts, trousers and underwear.

• Rinse cycle: Select this cycle to remove leftover detergent and dirt after a clean cycle. It's an essential step for preventing detergent build-ups on your clothes.

• Spin cycle: This removes excess water from your clothes so they’re easier to dry. The higher the spin speed, the drier your clothes will be after the cycle.

Which washing machine program should I use?

Cotton

This is one of the hotter and more aggressive cycles, since cottons need this to get clean. The cotton program is ideal for sturdy fabrics like jeans, towels and bed sheets. It uses a higher water level and longer washing time for extra thorough cleaning.

Colours/Darks

The colours/darks program is tailored for coloured clothing to prevent fading. It uses a gentler agitation and lower temperature to keep your clothes looking vibrant and new.

Synthetics

This program is suitable for manmade fabrics like polyester and nylon. It uses a shorter wash cycle and lower spin speed to protect delicate materials.

Tip: This program might be called ‘Easy Care’ on your machine.

Delicates/Wool

This is the washing machine equivalent of handwashing, typically used for lingerie, lace or silk. But if your washing machine has no setting for wool, you can use delicates. It’s one of the shortest cycles available and uses a gentle washing motion and low spin speed to avoid damage.

Tip: Before you start the program, make sure that the temperature setting is on a cold wash (30°C or below).

Sports programs

Sports programs aren’t just for removing massive mud marks. The reason why sportswear often gets its own cycle is because lots of sports clothes are made from microfibres that need special treatment. They use higher water temperatures and increased agitation to remove unsightly stains and odours.

Tip: Only wash trainers in your washing machine if there’s a special program for it.

Quick wash

It might be tempting to use this setting for everything. After all, who wants to wait for their washing machine? Used the right way, quick washing uses less energy too. But it’s only really suitable for cleaning a very small amount of lightly soiled clothes — the equivalent of about two pairs of jeans. Think of quick wash as the “I’ve got to get to my job interview and need something smart” setting!

Easy iron

This program simply creates fewer creases during washing than using a normal cycle. It does this by using a lower spin speed and cycle time. Some high-end machines actually do the ironing for you with steam technology.

Eco wash

The eco wash program is designed to use less water and lower temperatures. It's suitable for lightly soiled clothes, making it a great choice if you’re washing clothes that are worn around the house and just need a refresh.

Hand wash

The hand wash program replicates the gentle motions of hand washing. It's perfect for delicate items that cannot be washed in a regular cycle.

Which washing machine temperature should I use?

Cold, warm or hot? There’s a time for every temperature:

Cold wash (30°C or less)

This is a good setting to use if your clothes are only lightly to moderately soiled. It’ll save you both energy and money.

Tip: Sometimes, you'll see a setting called eco mode which is basically a cooler but longer wash.

Warm wash (40°C)

A warm wash is effective for most regular laundry, as it helps to remove dirt and stains without causing damage to the clothes.

Hot wash (60°C or more)

This is the setting to use for tackling tough stains on your clothes. It will remove bacteria and allergens effectively but may not be suitable for all fabrics. That’s why you should check the washing machine symbols on your clothes before committing.

According to Which? it’s worth thinking about what temperature you’re going to use. Washing at 30 degrees will save you 38% on running costs rather than washing at 40. Take that down to 20 degrees, and the saving goes up to 62%!

What spin speed should I wash my clothes?

The best washing machine spin speed for your clothes will usually depend on the type of fabric they’re made from and how much moisture you want to keep in them. That’s because some fabrics can be damaged if they’re dried out too much. Here’s how to choose the right spin speed:

• Low spin speed: Appropriate for delicate fabrics like silk and wool. This setting is also best for items that tend to crease easily.

• Medium spin speed: This setting is ideal for most regular laundry. It strikes a balance between water retention and efficient drying.

• High spin speed: For sturdier fabrics like cotton and towels. A high spin speed will remove more water, which means less drying time.

FAQs

What is the cheapest setting on a washing machine?

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.

What is the setting to wash trainers in a washing machine?

Some washing machines will have a special setting for cleaning shoes. It’s not recommended to wash them in just any machine. But when washing trainers or sneakers, its best to use a delicate cycle with cold water to protect both your shoes and washing machine drum. You can also place your shoes inside a mesh laundry bag to prevent damage.

What are the settings to wash towels in a washing machine?

Washing towels needs a regular cotton or colours/darks cycle with a high spin speed. Fabric softener isn’t always recommended as it can reduce towel absorbency — meaning that your towels may be fluffier but not necessarily cleaner.

What are the washing machine settings for bed sheets?

Use a cotton or easy iron washing machine cycle with warm water to thoroughly wash bed sheets. You can also use a high spin speed for quicker drying.

Any more questions?

Selecting the right washing machine settings not only helps your clothes last longer and stay cleaner. It can also mean using less energy, water and detergent — saving you money. Remember to consider the fabric type, colour, level of soiling and how dry you need your clothes to be when picking the right cycle, temperature and spin speed.

Want to know which washing machine you should buy? We’ve got loads of specialised spinners with some very clever features. Just check out our washing machine buying guide to get started!