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Why You Should Start Using the Heavy Duty Wash Cycle

by Michael Webster

Putting Jeans into the washing machine.

Washing machines have certainly made significant strides over the years, with some now offering a dozen different washing cycles. With so many cycles to choose from, it can become quickly overwhelming to decide which one is right when all you want to do is get laundry day over with as quickly and efficiently as possible. And let’s face it ― almost all of us are guilty of using the normal cycle for all our clothes and garments (when we know we shouldn’t be). When it comes to your bulkier or more soiled loads of laundry, we highly recommend utilizing the heavy duty wash cycle on your washer to guarantee the best possible clean. Not sure exactly what the heavy duty wash cycle is? Don’t sweat it! In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this unique laundry cycle, as well as a couple of our favorite washer brands that offer the best heavy duty wash cycle available.

At a Glance:

What is the Heavy Duty Wash Cycle?

Benefits of Using the Heavy Duty Wash Cycle

Best Washers with Heavy Duty Wash Cycle

What is the Heavy Duty Wash Cycle?

If you feel like your laundry load at hand is extra-dirty or its stains have been sitting for a couple days, you should look to the heavy duty wash cycle to take on the job. Heavy duty is a longer cycle than most that uses more high-powered agitation and spinning than the normal cycle to get out as much dirt and moisture out as possible, resulting in an immaculate clean. This cycle is similar to bulky, however, heavy duty is better for dirtier and thicker garments like work clothes, coats, towels, and even bedding.

We recommend using the heavy duty wash cycle to wash:

  • Towels
  • Jeans
  • Heavily soiled items
  • Sports jerseys
  • Tablecloths
  • Blankets (and bedding)

Benefits of Using Heavy Duty Wash Cycle

Even if you halfway care about your heavier clothing and garments, you’ll want them to last as long as possible. While the quality of the fabric usually indicates how to care for it, it's also crucial that you look after all of your laundry the correct way with a heavy duty washer. Overall, using the heavy-duty wash cycle helps to bring your most soiled laundry back to its best shape and also protects them from harm that may occur during other wash cycles.

There are several benefits of using the heavy-duty wash cycle, including:

  • Higher water temperatures and agitation
  • Helps easily remove stains and other soil
  • Less wear and tear on your dryer (garments come out damp, not wet)

Best Washers with Heavy Duty Wash Cycle

Now that you know just some of the benefits and advantages of using the heavy-duty cycle, take a look at some of our favorite heavy duty washing machines that effectively utilize this unique wash cycle.

Samsung 5.0 Cu. Ft. Ivory Front Load Washer-WF50A8600AE

Stock photo of an ivory Samsung brand front load washer.

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Giving off a look of pure elegance and grace, in addition to providing top-quality washing results for your heavy garments, this ivory-toned Samsung front load washer is the perfect complement to any laundry day arrangement. This Samsung washing machine with heavy duty cycle lets you take complete control of each load with remote operation using an AI-powered smart dial that learns and recommends your favorite wash cycles. On top of boasting 5 cubic feet of tub space, this front load washer also comes with a 28-minute Super Speed cycle, VRT Plus quiet operation, Self Clean+, and a Swirl+ Drum Design that leaves clothes drier after spins and prevents them from snagging. 

GE 4.2 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer-GTW335ASNWW

Stock photo of a white Ge brand top load washer.

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Say goodbye to having to do multiple heavy wash loads, and get it done right the first time with the ample space provided by this GE top load washer. This 4.2-cubic-foot GE washer has the ability to reach every inch of your dirty and soiled laundry with its one-of-a-kind heavy-duty agitator. And to make the most out of every laundry day, this washer also features the PreciseFill function to boost the washer’s overall cleaning performance for any sized load and thoroughly rinses away all irritants thanks to the deep rinse feature.

Frigidaire 4.1 Cu. Ft. Classic White Top Load Washer-FFTW4120SW

Stock photo of a white Frigidaire brand top load washer.

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Tackle your biggest and toughest loads of laundry inside this spacious 4.1 -cubic-foot Frigidaire top load washer equipped with 12 wash cycles (including heavy duty), as well as five different soil level options. Unlike most front-loaded options, this large-capacity washer also comes with a MaxFill™ option that allows the washer to fill with as much water as possible for an extra deep clean and so that you can get the most out of every load. On top of the heavy-duty cycle, this Frigidaire washer is also equipped with a quick wash cycle that finishes your loads in a flash and leaves you with more time to get back to doing the things you enjoy.

LG 5.0 Cu. Ft. White Mega Capacity Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Front Load Washer-WM4200HWA

Stock photo of a white LG brand front load washer.

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With an emphasis on capacity and the power to handle any type of load, this LG front load washer is loaded with advanced features that make this pick a top choice for any home. Take a step into the future with this 5-cubic-foot capacity LG washer with heavy duty cycle featuring TurboWash that quickly cranks out full-size laundry loads in under 30 minutes. Providing your toughest garments with the elite fabric maintenance is now a breeze thanks to built-in AI that takes the guessing game out of laundry day. Even better, this Energy Star certified washer also comes with ColdWash Technology that penetrates deep into your thickest fabrics for an uncompromising clean that also saves you more on every load.

Shop Washers at East Coast Appliance

When it comes to the best washers on the market, we’re Virginia’s leading Discount King and home of reliable washer brands that provide the heavy-duty performance you need to conquer laundry any day of the week. Whether you’re searching for an individual washer, a laundry pair, a stacked laundry unit, or even a washer/dryer combo, you can count on us for the best laundry appliances! Browse, shop, and compare online or in-store today at one of our 10 appliance showrooms in Virginia, including locations in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Richmond!

Learn More: What is the Delicate Wash Cycle & How to Use It