The Simple Trick to Choosing the Correct Laundry Cycle Every Time

Selecting the right laundry cycle can be as difficult as deciding where to order takeout, as so many options are available. With this plethora of choices, it’s easy to panic and pick incorrectly, whether that means ruining your favorite pants or ordering subpar Chinese food. But when it comes to laundry day specifically, cleaning your dirty clothing doesn’t have to be so overwhelming, as there are a few simple tricks for picking the right wash cycle each time. So say goodbye to those shrunken shirts and stained sweaters, and say hello to perfectly clean clothes without fail.

Read the Label

Occam’s razor is a philosophical principle suggesting the simplest explanation is likely correct. So if you’re experiencing frequent laundry mishaps, it probably means you aren’t reading the label carefully enough. Sure, throwing everything in the same load may be tempting, but certain items are meant to be washed with extra care. If the label says “machine wash cold” or “wash with like colors,” then you should follow that advice like gospel rather than treating it as optional. Following these instructions becomes more difficult if the laundry tag features symbols, which can be as confusing as Egyptian hieroglyphs. Thankfully, our helpful guide to decoding those symbols covers everything you need to know, ensuring that you opt for the right wash cycle every time.

Use the Delicate Cycle

Whether the instructions on the label are unclear or the clothing doesn’t even have a tag, you can always use the machine’s delicate cycle for added peace of mind. The average delicate cycle is meant for fragile fabrics and undergarments but can be used to wash any type of clothing. This cycle utilizes cold water to prevent colors from running and slow spin speeds to avoid damaging the material. Of course, the delicate cycle isn’t strong enough to tackle those deep stains. But even still, the delicate cycle will give your clothing a quick clean without the risk of any damage or shrinking.

Use Cold Water

If you’re looking for more power than the delicate cycle offers, use a normal spin cycle with cold water. The colder the water, the less likely the risk is that your clothing will shrink in the wash, as it maintains the consistency of the fabric. Warm or hot water, on the other hand, may alter wool, cashmere, and other delicate fabrics to the point that their fibers condense and the item is ruined.

Pre-Wash Your Extra Dirty Clothing

A pre-wash is a great alternative to harsher heavy-duty cycles. Selecting the pre-wash option will soak your clothing in water before the laundry cycle, which helps to dislodge any dirt so that the stains are more accessible to remove. On the other hand, a heavy-duty cycle will subject your clothing to pretty intense temperatures and spin speeds, which could lead to damage. If your washing machine comes with a pre-wash option, you should always try that route before using more intense speeds. You can also always hand soak your dirty clothes in the sink before throwing them into the wash.

Dealing With Wrinkles? Try This

The permanent press cycle is an excellent way to reduce wrinkles on clothing made of synthetic fibers or things like button-down shirts. This is achieved by using a low heat setting and washing the clothes with cool water at the end of the cycle. However, be aware that permanent press is not for delicate clothing, as this cycle falls somewhere between delicate and normal.

Warmer Temperatures for Durable Clothing

Linen, wool, cotton, denim, and other durable materials can withstand hot temperatures without ill effects. If you’re doing a load of durable whites, feel free to use a hot laundry cycle. For durable colors, try a warm wash cycle instead, which cuts back on the risk of potential bleeding. Essentially, there’s a lot more room for trial and error when washing durable materials, so there’s less of a need to be overly cautious when selecting the right laundry cycle.

Must-Buy Products for the Laundry Room

No matter what laundry cycle you choose, having the perfect products for an equally perfect clean is important. For those with sensitive skin, try this hypoallergenic laundry soap from ECOS. The product is paraben and phosphate free, and uses a 100% vegan formula for those who are also environmentally conscious. If you struggle with missing socks, cut down on your losses with these laundry-safe mesh bags that keep all your clothing nice and organized. Finally, a clean load of laundry begins with a clean washing machine, and there’s no better way to keep your machine clean than with these water-activated descaler pods. Run them through your washing machine to get rid of any unpleasant odors and built-up grime, thus ensuring a cleaner load of laundry.

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