Have you ever stood in front of a washer and dryer and wondered what all the settings actually do? It can be tough to know the best way to wash your garments, but the various settings on these machines can make it simple – as long as you understand the best ones to use in each situation. Here’s a guide to some basic settings. 

Normal

A normal wash cycle uses warm water and high spin speeds to remove soil from clothing. It generally runs for about an hour, and is best suited for everyday clothing and linens that are moderately soiled but that don’t come with any special washing recommendations. 

Delicate 

The delicate cycle uses a low spin speed and cold water to gently remove soil and stains from garments. Sheer fabrics, lace, and sweaters often require this cycle to prevent fabrics from sagging or warping during a wash cycle that includes more agitation. 

Permapress

Permapress involves washing garments in warm water but then rinses them in cool water. The warm water is more effective at removing soil and stains, but cool water lowers the likelihood of wrinkles. This setting also appears on dryers, and involves using medium heat. Both washer and dryer settings are best suited for fabric that is prone to wrinkling like linen or synthetic blends. 

Heavy Duty

The heavy duty cycle uses hot water and lots of agitation to remove lots of soil and stains. It can run for up to two hours in order to move the garments around enough to shake any extra debris loose. This cycle is often reserved for heavily soiled items, but it can also be used on larger pieces like bedding. It’s also beneficial to run whites in hot water due to its stain-removing qualities, though some machines have their own setting for this. 

Quick Wash

If you have just a couple of items to wash, consider a quick wash cycle, which spins items around in warm water for as little as 15 minutes. Some machines also have a rinse and spin option, which doesn’t use detergent. Both settings are best for small items like swimsuits.

If you’re looking for a washer and dryer with the settings you need to keep clothing clean, head to City Laundry in Lincoln, NE. The laundromat offers supersized machines in a convenient location near campus, highways, and various Lincoln hotels. Visit the website for a full range of services. To speak with a team member, call (402) 483-2113.