With so many washing machine programs and settings, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Do you choose "normal," "delicate," or "heavy duty"? And how do settings like "permanent press" or "quick wash" really impact your clothes? Each program is designed with specific fabrics, soil levels, and needs in mind, but knowing which one to choose can feel like a guessing game.
Knowing how to use your washing machine and choosing the right setting can make a real difference—not only in the cleanliness of your laundry but also in how long your clothes last. The right program saves time, conserves energy, and protects fabrics, helping your clothes stay vibrant and in top condition.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which settings to use, giving you the confidence to tackle every load, from everyday basics to delicate items. Let’s simplify the wash cycle process and make laundry day a little easier.
The impact of choosing the right washing machine programs
Selecting the right washing machine setting isn’t just a small detail—it has a big impact on your clothes, your energy bills, and even the time you spend on laundry. Here’s why choosing the right setting matters:
1. Fabric protection
Different fabrics require different levels of care. Using the wrong setting can wear out delicate fabrics or fail to clean heavily soiled clothes effectively. Choosing the right program ensures that each type of fabric, from cotton to wool to synthetics, is treated with the care it needs, helping your clothes stay soft, vibrant, and in great shape for longer.
2. Energy and water efficiency
Many washing machine settings are designed to save energy and water for specific types of loads. For example, a “quick wash” setting uses less water and energy for lightly soiled clothes, while “heavy duty” cycles use more to handle large or dirty loads. Choosing the appropriate setting helps reduce your utility bills and minimises your environmental footprint.
3. Time management
Each wash setting has a different cycle time, from quick refreshes to deep cleaning. Choosing the right one can save you time by preventing over-washing and ensuring your clothes are ready when you need them. Plus, using shorter cycles for lightly soiled items can help reduce wear and tear on your clothes.
By selecting the best washing machine setting for each load, you’re not only improving the effectiveness of your wash but also saving resources and keeping your clothes in great condition.
Common washing machine programmes explained
With so many settings on modern washing machines, it can be difficult to remember which one to use for each load.
This guide simplifies the process, breaking down common washing machine programs so you’ll know exactly which one to select for every fabric type, soil level, and washing need.
|
Programme |
Temperature options |
Recommended for |
|
Cottons |
Cold, 30°C, 40°C, 60°C, 90°C |
Everyday cotton fabrics, white and coloured, with heavy or light soil |
|
Eco Cottons |
30°C, 40°C |
Regular cotton loads with a focus on energy efficiency |
|
Mixed program |
Cold, 30°C, 40°C, 60°C |
Synthetic or mixed fabrics; lightly to moderately soiled items |
|
DelicatesPlus |
Cold, 30°C, 40°C |
Extra-gentle for delicate fabrics like silk, lace, and fine synthetics |
|
Bedding |
30°C, 40°C |
Large items such as blankets, duvets, and bed linens |
|
Sanitise |
60°C, 90°C |
High-temperature wash for eliminating bacteria, ideal for towels and linens |
|
Tub clean |
High temperature |
Self-cleaning cycle to sanitise the drum and prevent buildup |
|
Spin |
No temperature |
Extra spin to remove excess water |
|
Rinse + Spin |
No temperature |
Rinses clothes then adds a spin to freshen up garments |
|
Baby Care |
40°C, 60°C |
Gentle but effective wash with higher rinse cycles for baby clothing |
|
Sports |
30°C, 40°C |
Sportswear and activewear, designed to preserve stretch and fabric integrity |
|
Quick 15 |
Cold, 30°C
|
Quick refresh for lightly soiled items in 15 minutes |
|
Full Wash 45 |
30°C, 40°C |
Fast, full wash for a small load in just 45 minutes |
Discover our range of Electrolux high quality washing machines:
-
- IntelliDose delivers precise detergent dosage.
- IntelliQuick selects best load based programme.
- SensorWash helps remove up to 53 stains.*
Washing machine temperature settings
Choosing the right water temperature can make a big difference in how clean and well-preserved your clothes are. Always check the care tag for water temperature recommendations specific to each fabric type. Here’s a quick guide:
|
Temperature |
Best For |
Benefits |
|
Hot (60°C and above) |
Whites, cotton, towels, bedding |
Kills bacteria and allergens; removes heavy stains effectively |
|
Warm (30–40°C) |
Everyday clothes, synthetic blends |
Balances cleaning power and fabric care; effective on most stains and dirt |
|
Cool (20–30°C) |
Delicate fabrics, wool, light synthetics |
Minimises risk of shrinkage and fading; gentle on fabrics while providing effective cleaning |
|
Cold (below 20°C) |
Bright colours, lightly soiled items |
Most energy-efficient; reduces fading and shrinkage, ideal for gentle cleaning and colour protection |
Quick tips for each temperature setting
- Hot water: Use for durable fabrics like cotton, whites, and heavily soiled items. Be cautious with delicate or coloured fabrics, as hot water can cause shrinkage and fading.
- Warm water: Ideal for most clothing types, including synthetics and moderately soiled items. This setting dissolves detergents effectively, improving stain removal without causing damage.
- Cool water: Best for delicate or sensitive fabrics like wool and certain synthetics. Cool water is gentler and helps keep fabrics in shape.
- Cold water: Perfect for energy savings and for protecting colours and fabrics from fading or shrinking. Use this setting for lightly soiled clothes or bright colours.
Choosing the appropriate program helps extend the lifespan of your clothes while also saving time and energy. In the following sections, we’ll explore tips to get the most out of each setting.
Optimising wash results with additional features
To get the best cleaning performance from your washing machine, take advantage of extra features designed to improve results for different laundry needs:
Spin speed adjustment
Spin speed controls how fast the drum rotates to remove water from clothes. For heavy fabrics like towels and jeans, a higher spin speed helps reduce drying time by removing more water.
On the other hand, delicate fabrics need a lower spin speed to prevent stretching and fabric damage. Adjusting the spin speed based on fabric type helps protect your clothes and makes drying more efficient.
Pre-wash option
The pre-wash feature is useful for clothes that are extra dirty or have tough stains. It adds a short wash before the main cycle to loosen dirt, giving you a more thorough clean.
Use the pre-wash for sportswear, work uniforms, or clothes with visible stains for better results without scrubbing or soaking items by hand.
Extra rinse option
Adding an extra rinse helps remove leftover detergent, which is useful for those with sensitive skin or to prevent detergent buildup on clothes.
This feature is especially effective for large loads or when you've used more detergent than usual. An extra rinse leaves your clothes feeling softer and cleaner by ensuring all soap is washed out.
Upgrade your laundry days with Electrolux
Electrolux is known for its reliable home appliances that combine advanced technology with gentle fabric care. Their washing machines come equipped with features designed to make laundry day easier while protecting your clothes.
- SensiCare: This technology adjusts the washing time based on the fabric type, preventing clothes from being over-washed and preserving their quality.
- UltraMix: By pre-mixing detergent with water, this feature ensures a thorough clean, even at lower temperatures, helping colours stay vibrant longer.
- SteamCare: Reduces wrinkles and refreshes clothes using steam, which means less time spent ironing and fresher laundry.
Electrolux new Ultimate Care washing machine series means comes with advanced features that keep your clothes in top condition while saving energy and water. It’s a smart choice for those looking to simplify laundry care without sacrificing quality.
