How do you choose the right wash cycle for your washing machine?
Choose wash cycle
Keep the following in mind when you choose the right wash cycle for your washing machine:
- Wat type of laundry do you have and which temperature is suitable?
- Do you want a fast cycle?
- Do you need a steam function, and do you want less creases?
- Are you allergic to pet hairs or pollen, for example?
Type of laundry
Cotton cycle: bedding and towels
For all your cotton laundry, like bedding and towels, you use the cotton cycle. Check the laundry label for the right temperature of the laundry. To wash cotton underwear, bedding, and towels hygienically, you choose for 60°C. Spin your laundry at 1400 or 1600RPM, so it's dry faster. Wash cotton dress shirts, pants, and shirts on 30 or 40°C. In this case, also check the laundry label for the exact directions.
Delicate cycle: silk and wool
To protect your delicate laundry, choose a delicate cycle, which washes at a cold temperature. You use this for lingerie, a woolen sweater, or silk blouse. This way, your laundry stays nice longer, thanks to the low temperature and the low speed. Be sure to check the laundry instructions on the inside of your clothes to see if it can go in the washing machine. If that's not the case, do your laundry by hand. Also do this if the laundry label is missing, and you're in doubt.
Other wash cycles
Your wash your sports clothes or polyester shirt with the cycle for synthetic laundry. This is often on 30 or 40°C. There are also wash cycles for dress shirts, jeans, down coats, or outdoor clothes, for example. In this case, also check the laundry label or your clothes for the right laundry directions. Also check the manual of your washing machine to see how much laundry can go in the drum per cycle.
Wash quickly
If you're in a hurry, you choose a fast cycle. Almost all washing machines have a short cycle of 15 or 30 minutes. This way, you freshen up a musty shirt which doesn't have stains. Some washing machines have a fast cycle which washes half a drum within 1 hour. Some examples are Miele (PowerWash), Samsung (QuickDrive), Siemens (PowerSpeed), LG (TurboWash), and AEG (ÖKOPower). There are also washing machines that can shorten cycles, like Bosch (SpeedPerfect).
Less wrinkles
With a washing machine that reduces creases with steam, you can choose the steam cycle. For example, when you have dress shirts and don't like to iron. The washing machine adds steam during of after washing, so you don't have to iron as much. With some washing machine, you can use the steam cycle to freshen up a musty shirt and remove musty smells. This differs per washing machine. You can read how to best use the cycle in the manual.
Anti-allergy cycle
A washing machine with a hygienic or anti-allergy cycle is suitable if you're allergic to pet hairs or pollen, for example. The washing machine washes warmer than 60°C for a few minutes and add an extra rinse session. This removes bacteria and allergens more thoroughly from your laundry, so you'll have less issues with irritation. You can also use this cycle for baby clothes, when you don't respond well to detergent, or when your allergic to dust mite. Doesn't your washing machine have this cycle? Add a extra rinse sessions manually.
