Laundry day might not be the biggest challenge, but getting the most out of your washing machine can make all the difference in caring for your favorite clothes and linens.
Plus, not all washing machines are created equal. Each washer has unique features, settings, and styles, whether it’s a top-loader, front-loader, or a high-efficiency model.
Knowing the right wash cycle for each type of fabric not only gives you the best clean but also keeps your fabrics looking new.
To make laundry a little easier—and keep that never-ending pile under control—we’ve put together a guide to help you navigate washing machine cycles and settings for flawless results with every load.
At a Glance:
Other Washing Machine Settings to Consider
Washing Machine Cycles
Using the correct washing machine cycle will help effectively clean your clothes and keep them looking their best. Take a look at some of the many different wash cycles and settings, as well as our top washers for each category.
Normal Wash Cycle – Perfect for Daily Essentials
With high agitation and a lengthy cycle, the Normal wash cycle is actually the most intense option.
You’ll want to select the Normal cycle for everyday laundry items made of cotton, linen, and articles made of durable synthetics such as sheets, towels, T-shirts, socks, and underwear.
In short, the Normal wash cycle is the ideal choice for your casuals and everyday linens.
Top Recommendation for Normal Cycle:
LG 4.5 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Washer
Shop LG 4.5 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer
Big on capacity, and with the power to handle any kind of load — this LG front load washer is loaded with features that make this pick a major value.
Included are 6Motion agitation, ColdWash technology, plus the option to pair with an LG SideKick for a total of 5.5 cubic feet of wash capacity.
Permanent Press – Wrinkle-Free Care for Easy Wear
The Permanent Press cycle was created in the ‘40s in response to the rise in popularity of synthetics, wash and wear, and wrinkle-free clothing.
Shorter than the Normal cycle, this washing machine cycle uses warm water with a lower spin for a gentle but thorough wash of your garments.
Ideal Choice for for Permanent Press Cycle:
Samsung 5.1 Cu. Ft. Brushed Black Front Load Washer
Shop Samsung 5.1 Cu. Ft. Black Front Load Washer
This Samsung front load washer made our list for its extra-large capacity of 5 cubic feet coupled with powerful and advanced wash functions.
That includes Samsung’s simple-to-use, AI Powered Smart Dial that learns and recommends your favorite wash cycles and allows you to customize your cycle list.
With features like a 28-minute Super Speed Cycle, Self Clean technology, and WiFi connectivity, your laundry days are about to reach a whole new level of convenience and efficiency.
➜ Learn More: Learn How and When to Use the Permanent Press Cycle
Delicates – Gentle Cycle for Fragile Fabrics
A Delicate wash cycle (or “delicates”) is the washing machine equivalent to handwashing. This cycle uses warm or cold water with low or no spin and is the shortest and most gentle cleaning cycle.
We recommend using this cycle to wash silk, wool, and the more delicate synthetic items you may have.
Best Option for Delicates Cycle:
Electrolux 4.5 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Washer
Shop Electrolux 4.5 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer
Providing an exceptionally large wash tub capacity, this Electrolux front load washer was made for the intense laundry days.
Along with LuxCare, SmartBoost technology delivers a powerful stain-fighting performance messes with the option to use the StainSoak feature for enhanced agitation and wash temps to treat stubborn stains.
Also found on this model are an Adaptive Dispenser, a 15-minute wash cycle, and a Sanitize option for delicate loads that come out immaculately washed.
➜ Learn More: What is the Delicate Wash Cycle & How To Use It
Rinse & Spin – Freshen Up with a Quick Rinse
This wash cycle is very unique as it doesn’t require detergent or provide as deep of cleaning as other cycle options.
The rinse and spin cycle simply rinses the load of clothes and then spins out the moisture from the fabrics for a quick clean-up.
Go-To for a Quick Rinse & Spin Cycle:
GE 4.2 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Shop GE 4.2 Cu. Ft. Top Load Washer
This GE top-load washer’s rigorous deep-clean cycle battles even the toughest loads with ease. And with the PreciseFill function, you can take the guessing out of laundry day and boost your washer’s cleaning performance along the way for any sized load.
Equipped with a heavy-duty agitator, you’ll be able to thoroughly rinse and spin away all types of soil thanks to the washer’s deep rinse.
Speed Wash – Fast & Efficient for Busy Days
The speed wash cycle is designed for a small amount of garments needed to be cleaned quickly.
It’s also ideal if you’ve accidently left your wet clothes in the washing machine for a period of time and they need a fast refresh.
This cycle has a faster spin speed, which means it will dry quicker and generally can complete a full cycle in less than 30 minutes.
Our Top Choice for Speed Wash Cycle:
Samsung 4.5 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Washer
Shop Samsung 4.5 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer
Much like our top pick for Permanent Press cycles, this Samsung front load washer takes all the hard work of laundry off your hands ― in less than 30 minutes.
This washer handles a full load of laundry in just 28 minutes and delivers optimum results every time.
And with WiFi enabled capabilities, you can receive end of cycle alerts for your washer, remotely start or stop your wash, schedule cycles on your time, and even more all from the convenience of your smartphone with the SmartThings App.
Heavy Duty – Power Through Tough Stains
You’ll want to select the Heavy Duty wash cycle for sturdy fabrics like towels and jeans. It’s also appropriate to use for heavily soiled items to make sure they get that extra emphasis of clean.
This cycle offers a longer wash time with high-speed agitation and spin to remove as much moisture as possible.
Our Top Choice for Heavy Duty Wash Cycle:
Speed Queen FF7 3.5 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Washer
Shop Speed Queen FF7 3.5 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer
Boasting an ultra-capacity capable of washing 22 pounds of laundry, this Speed Queen front load washer makes sure that no load is too extreme when it comes to a heavy duty wash.
Featuring patented baffles and ideal tumble rhythms that essentially eliminate vibration and noise, this Speed Queen washer effectively cascades water throughout each load delivering the best possible clean.
Bulky – Ideal for Large, Hard-to-Fit Items
The purpose of this cycle is for washing a full load of heavily soiled clothes that aren’t meant for everyday use.
Although you can also use the Normal setting for this type of load as well, if you’re equipped with a bulky items setting on your washer, opt for this cycle for the highest levels of dirt removal.
Perfect for Bulky Wash Cycle:
GE 5.0 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Washer
Shop GE 5.0 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer
If you have a mountain of clothes and linens to take care of, then look no further than this GE front load washer to summit the peak of your bulky loads.
A generous 5-cubic-foot capacity makes it so that you can get through a few days’ worth of laundry in just one single load.
This GE washer also includes state-of-the-art features like an UltraFresh Vent System with OdorBlock, Microban antimicrobial technology, and SmartDispense Technology to ensure your laundry day is close to effortless.
Bedding & Sheets – Deep Clean for Cozy Comfort
The bedding and sheets cycle on washers should be used for any linens or large pieces of fabric.
This wash cycle is set to prevent large items from tangling or wadding up into a ball throughout the wash, but if your washer doesn’t have a specific sheets or bedding cycle, you can also use the heavy duty or bulky option to achieve this.
Ultimate Choice for Bedding & Sheets Cycle:
LG 4.5 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Washer
Shop LG 4.5 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer
Take a step into the future with this LG front load washer featuring TurboWash feature that quickly churns out full-size laundry loads in under 30 minutes.
Providing your garments with the elite fabric maintenance is easy thanks to built-in AI intelligence that takes the guessing game out of laundry day.
Plus, this Energy Star certified washer also comes with ColdWash Technology for even more ways to save on every load.
➜ Learn More: Speed Queen Wash Cycles Explained
Other Washing Machine Settings to Consider
LOAD SIZE
Don't forget to balance your wash loads evenly and never wrap items around the agitator (if applicable.) As a general rule of thumb, here are the load sizes you should select based on how many items you've loaded into the washer:
If the washer is:
- ¼ Full: Select Small
- ½ Full: Select Medium
- More than ½ Full: Select Large
- Full Capacity: Select Extra-large (if available)
Using the correct load size setting not only optimizes water and energy use but also ensures your clothes come out cleaner.
SOIL LEVEL
Many washing machines offer adjustable soil level settings, which tailor the cycle's agitation intensity and duration to match the dirtiness of the load. A lower soil level will shorten the cycle time, while selecting a higher soil level will increase the agitation time, providing a deeper clean. For instance:
- Light Soil: For lightly soiled items like lightly worn clothes
- Medium Soil: Great for moderately dirty everyday wear
- Heavy Soil: For heavily soiled or stained items, such as work clothes or sportswear
Adjusting the soil level based on your load helps save energy and water, while still ensuring that each item is cleaned effectively.
➜ Learn More: What Does Soil Level Mean for Your Washing Machine?
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about washing machine cycles & settings:
What is the best washing machine cycle for everyday clothes?
The Normal or Regular cycle is best for most everyday clothes. It combines moderate agitation and spin speed, which efficiently removes dirt and stains from cotton, polyesters, and other common fabrics.
What is the difference between Permanent Press and Delicate cycles?
The Permanent Press cycle is designed to reduce wrinkles and is ideal for synthetic fabrics and blends. It uses medium agitation and a slower spin speed. The Delicate cycle is gentler, with low agitation and spin speeds, making it suitable for fragile items like silk, lace, and lingerie.
How do I choose the right load size setting?
Load size should match the volume of laundry in the drum. For a washer that’s ¼ full, use Small; for ½ full, use Medium; for more than ½ full, use Large; and for a full load, use Extra-large, if available. This helps to ensure proper cleaning and energy efficiency.
What does the soil level setting do?
The soil level setting adjusts the wash cycle’s agitation and duration based on how dirty your clothes are. A low soil level is a shorter, gentler wash, while a high soil level provides stronger agitation and a longer cycle to tackle tougher stains and dirt.
When should I use the Rinse & Spin cycle?
The Rinse & Spin cycle is great for refreshing clothes that aren’t heavily soiled or for removing excess detergent from a load. It’s also useful for washing items that only need a quick rinse, such as swimwear or workout clothes.
Is the Speed Wash cycle effective for a full load?
The Speed Wash cycle is best for lightly soiled, small loads that need a quick refresh. For full loads or heavy soiled items, use a longer cycle like Normal or Heavy Duty for thorough cleaning.
What’s the purpose of the Heavy Duty cycle?
The Heavy Duty cycle is designed for bulky, heavily soiled items like towels, jeans, or workwear. It uses higher agitation and a longer cycle to break down tough stains and thoroughly clean thicker fabrics.
Should I use the Bedding & Sheets cycle for all linens?
Yes, the Bedding & Sheets cycle is optimized for large, lightweight items that require extra water and gentle spinning to prevent tangling. It’s ideal for sheets, comforters, and duvet covers.
What cycle should I use for baby clothes?
For baby clothes, the Delicate cycle is a good choice, especially if fabrics are sensitive. Some washers also have a sanitizing cycle, which uses hot water to remove bacteria and allergens from baby clothes.
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Shop Best the Washers at East Coast Appliance
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➜ Learn More: LG & Electrolux Washers Go Head-to-Head