Modern washing machines come with an array of cycle options, yet you might manage well enough by primarily using only a handful of them.
Washing machines They aren't what they used to be. Many modern appliances come with more than a dozen wash cycles, and you also have to take into account various factors such as water temperature, spin speed, cycle length, and agitation.
Southern Living spoke with Jessica Petrino, an educator and home appliance specialist AJ Madison , a family-run company boasting high-end showrooms in places like Miami and Atlanta across various locations nationwide, covering everything worth knowing regarding washing machine cycles—and which one you ought to select.
Meet The Expert
- Jessica Petrino serves as an educator and specialist in appliances at AJ Madison.
Why Are There So Many Laundry Wash Options?
As newer versions of home appliances and gadgets emerge, they often undergo updates, particularly in terms of their technology. This also applies to washing machines. According to Petrino, “The advancements in washer and dryer technologies have reached unprecedented levels. These innovations aim to simplify the process of doing laundry while ensuring clothes get cleaned quicker, using lesser amounts of water and energy—an undoubtedly challenging objective!”
Petrino highlights the wide range of washable clothes now accessible to shoppers. The surge in popularity of athletic wear, functional textiles, along with an increasing focus on premium, eco-friendly materials has led individuals to spend more on durable pieces for their closets, aiming to retain and care for these articles of clothing over many years.
According to Petrino, with the growth of athleisure, we aren’t only experiencing an increase in frequent washing; there's also a significant rise in demand for specialized items like capsule detergents, scent enhancers, and environmentally friendly laundry solutions.
Which Cycling Routine Should You Incorporate Routinely?
As stated by Petrino, numerous families depend primarily on the "regular" or "combined loads" setting over other options available. This particular cycle ensures that both temperature levels and spinning rates remain within a secure spectrum suitable for laundering different types of materials simultaneously, according to Petrino.
"Although numerous families depend on this general-purpose choice, it might be beneficial to look into several key specialized cycles that can offer superior care and performance," notes Petrino.
Although numerous individuals disregard all settings except for the "mixed loads" cycle, throwing pants and sweatshirts together in it. towels and linens Petrino suggests being more diligent about washing linens separately from clothing. separating whites From brights, they can actually enhance cleaning efficiency.
She notes that customizing the washing cycle according to the fabric type ensures a more efficient and gentler cleaning process." Additionally, she mentions, "This can stop small articles of clothing, such as socks, from being lost inside fitted sheets.
What Additional Cycles Should You Utilize?
It really depends on what you're cleaning. For delicate clothes, choose the "gentle" cycle as this setting ensures these finer materials keep their form and suppleness over many washes, according to Petrino.
"Speed Clean" is ideal if you're pressed for time and only dealing with a modest amount of laundry within 30 minutes or fewer. According to Petrino, certain washers feature a 15-minute program—which is perfect for removing stains from your go-to shirt before heading out for the evening.
Numerous devices additionally possess a hand-wash The cycle used offers a more gentle washing experience compared to typical wash settings. Nonetheless, as Petrino points out, “it does not completely mimic genuine hand-washing.” Reduced agitation along with lower spin speeds aids in safeguarding fragile materials. Still, for items that should only be hand washed and hold significant sentimental value, it’s advisable to wash them manually.
Unexpected Things That Are Safe to Toss in Your Washer
As both a mother and a fitness lover, Petrino mentions that she often adds dirty sneakers to her laundry. She opts for using a heavy washing cycle but reduces the spin speed.
There are several child-oriented options as well. washing machine Plush toys, car seat covers, and stroller fabrics can be cleaned, as well as washable rugs, specific yoga mats, and even some silicone kitchen utensils, according to Petrino.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Washer
Petrino recommends searching for a washer that features an NSF-certified Sanitize Cycle, which is intended to efficiently remove bacteria, viruses, and allergens.
According to Petrino, models certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) have been shown to eliminate as much as 99.9% of microbes, which includes typical allergens and pathogens.
As noted by Petrino, you often discover additional washing cycles in premium devices, which are typically more technologically sophisticated and constructed with better materials. Certain models come equipped with integrated detergent dispensers.
Related: The Optimal Time to Operate Your Washer, As Recommended by Professionals
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