Washing machines come with all kinds of clever settings – think steam cleaning or anti-allergy settings. But they all share some key programs that will 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. Gentler settings mean less agitation. 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? Why not give your laundry knowledge a spin…
Washing machine cycles
Modern washing machines come with a variety of pre-set cycles, each designed to tackle different laundry challenges. Understanding the main washing machine cycles will allow you to make better decisions when it comes to washing your clothes.
Clean cycle
The clean cycle is the regular washing cycle used for most of your laundry. It's suitable for everyday items like shirts, trousers and underwear.
Rinse cycle
The rinse cycle is used to remove leftover detergent and dirt after the clean cycle. It's an essential step to prevent detergent buildup on your clothes.
Spin cycle
The spin cycle removes excess water from your clothes, making them easier to dry. The higher the spin speed, the drier your clothes will be after the cycle.
Which program should I use during the cleaning cycle?
Cotton
This is one of the hotter, 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 to ensure thorough cleaning.
Colours/ Darks
The colours/darks program is tailored for colored clothing to prevent fading. It uses a gentler agitation and lower temperature to keep your clothes looking vibrant.
Synthetics
The synthetics 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: You’ll might find this program called “Easy Care” on your machine.
Delicates/ Wool
This is the machine equivalent of handwashing (though sometimes you’ll see a setting for that too). Traditionally, this is 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
This isn’t just about removing massive mud marks – though it’s useful for that too. The reason that sportswear gets its own cycle is that a lot 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 may be tempting to use this setting for everything – who wants to wait for their washing machine after all? And, used the right way, quick washing uses less energy too. But use caution. It’s really only for a very small amount of lightly soiled clothes – the equivalent of about two pairs of jeans. This is the “I’ve got to get to my job interview/date and need something smart” setting.
Easy iron
This program simply creates fewer creases during washing than using a normal cycle – generally by using a lower spin speed and cycle time. Some top end machines actually do the ironing for you with steam technology!
Eco wash
The Eco wash program is designed to be environmentally friendly by using less water and lower temperatures. It's suitable for lightly soiled clothes, so is 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.
What temperature should I use?
Cold, warm or hot? There’s a time for every temperature.
Cold wash (30°C or less)
If your clothes are “lightly to moderately soiled” (i.e. don’t appear particularly dirty), this is a good to setting to have them on. It’ll save you energy and money. 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)
If you have tough stains on your clothes – this is the setting to go for. It ensures effective removal of bacteria and allergens but may not be suitable for all fabrics - so 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 is the right spin speed for my clothes?
The appropriate spin speed depends on the fabric and how much moisture you want to keep in your clothes - since fabrics can be damaged if they’re dried out too much.
Low spin speed
Use this setting for delicate fabrics like silk and wool, as well as for items that tend to crease easily.
Medium spin speed
The medium spin speed is ideal for most regular laundry, striking 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, so that means less drying time.
Popular laundry questions answered
Before you put the washing on, here are some tips on what to wash and how to wash.
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 option for shoes - and wouldn’t recommend washing them in just any machine. But when washing trainers or sneakers, the best advice is to use a delicate cycle with cold water to protect both the shoes and the washing machine drum. Place them inside a mesh laundry bag to avoid damage.
What are the settings to wash towels in a washing machine?
Washing towels needs a regular cotton or colors/darks cycle with a high spin speed. Fabric softener isn’t always recommended as it can reduce towel absorbency - meaning that you towels may be fluffier but not necessarily cleaner.
What are the washing machine settings for bed sheets?
For bed sheets, use a cotton or easy iron cycle with warm water to ensure a thorough wash. Use a high spin speed for quicker drying.
Mastering the art of selecting the right washing machine settings not only helps your clothes last longer and stay cleaner, but can also use less energy, water and detergent - which can save you money. Remember to consider the fabric type, color, level of soiling and how dry you need your clothes 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. Check out our washing machine buying guide to get started.
