Do Laundry Better: Washer Settings
Today, we’re kicking off a two part post all about your home laundry systems. Whether you’re a student faced with doing laundry alone for the first time or an old pro with a tricked-out new machine, SITEX is here to see you through.
While you should always check your clothing tags for specific instructions on their care, this post will break down some general information that will apply to most of your garments. Knowing what the settings on your washer mean can extend the life of your clothing and help you use your washer more efficiently.
Wash Settings
While the exact settings available to you will depend on your machine, having just a few, standard options to fall back on will get you through most laundry situations.
Delicate
With the exception of washable silk, there isn’t one specific fabric that needs to go on a delicate cycle, but more the composition of the garment elements make this the best choice. For example, garments with sequins, appliques, lingerie, sheer fabrics, loosely woven fabrics (like knits), or items that have weak fibers, like vintage or lace items all do best on a delicate cycle. This cycle has a “slow/slow” combination, which means there is a lesser degree of agitation and a slower spin cycle. Slowing down these processes, your very delicate fabrics can be protected.
Permanent Press
This setting was made for clothing that wrinkles easily, or clothing that has been treated with a wrinkle-resistant finish. The cycle uses a pre-soak, light agitation and warm water to keep the wrinkle-treatment in tact. Synthetic and blended fabrics benefit the most from this settings. These fabric materials need the agitation of a regular cycle, but a slow spin and lower water temperature to keep clothing wrinkle-free.
Regular or Normal
Tried and true, the regular setting on your machine is not actually best for your clothing. Towels, bedding and tougher fabrics do well on this setting, because this cycle uses a “fast/fast” combination. The spin cycle and agitation cycles are both fast, and this setting typically uses the hottest water temperature, so this is not recommended for more delicate fabrics which can be damaged by the fast cycle and hotter water.
Water Temperatures
The wash settings are more effective when paired with the correct wash temperatures, so knowing what temperature is best for your clothing will also extend the life of your garments, while giving them the best clean possible.
Hot Water
The hotter the water, the cleaner your clothing will be. Does this mean everything should be washed on hot? No, because high temperatures can also shrink garments, and ruin those made of delicate fabrics. Additionally, the less time you spend using hot water, the more energy you save and the lower your bills will be. For a ten degree drop in water temperature, you’ll save 3-5% energy with each load. So, what clothing needs to be washed in hot water?
Durable fabrics like bath towels, sheets, bedding, kitchen towels, dish rags, pot holders, and heavily soiled items (like your workout clothes) can be washed on hot. Anything stained with grease or oil should be washed with hot water as well, but always treat those stains before throwing them into the washer.
You should also note that “hot” water isn’t the same on every machine. Front-loading washers usually have their own water heater, and the maximum temperatures are set by the manufacturer. If you have a top-loading washer, it’s probably connected to your home water heater, so whatever that is set on is how hot your water will get.
Warm Water
Warm water is best for dark colors, permanent press items, and items with moderate soil levels. For those looking to get their clothes more clean, while not breaking the bank on their energy bills, running most of your laundry in warm-water cycles can be a good compromise.
Cold Water
Like “hot” water, “cold” water wash cycles can be a little vague. Water is considered cold when it is 75 degrees or cooler. This is best for clothing that would also be washed on a delicate cycle, clothing that is dyed or likely to transfer color (Who could forget the cautionary red sock in the white laundry load?), clothing that isn’t very dirty, and any items that have protein-based stains like blood, dairy-based, or bodily fluids.
Apartment Therapy broke down the most commonly washed garments into recommended water temperatures for a quick and easy guide:
- Durable white clothing should go on hot wash, cold rinse.
- Durable colored clothing should go on warm wash and can take either a cold or warm rinse.
- Permanent Press items usually go on cold wash, cold rinse.
- Delicate clothes should go on cold wash, cold rinse, low agitation.
For industrial needs and uniform services, let SITEX step in and help provide the right care, for the right fabrics, at the right price. Contact us at 800.278.3537 today!