Have you ever wondered if quick wash settings on a washing machine really clean your clothes? Everyone has used these rapid cycles at least once at a laundromat to save time or to reduce energy usage. Regardless of the reason, it’s common for people to wonder whether or not these settings actually have an impact. Here, we’ll take a closer look at quick wash cycles and whether or not these settings really clean your laundry.

What’s a quick wash setting?

The vast majority of washing machines – both residential and commercial – have a rapid wash setting. This option is called by a variety of names including “speed wash”, “light wash”, and “eco wash”. These cycles typically last anywhere between 15 and 20 minutes which is significantly quicker than the standard cycles or deep-clean settings that can easily last a half hour or more. The time advantage of this option is clear, but can you trust these cycles to really clean your clothes, or are you just paying to get them wet? 

Do quick wash laundry cycles really clean my clothes?

Yes! Believe it or not, rapid wash settings actually clean your clothes. Of course, these cycles aren’t as thorough as standard options.  You will need to use a smaller load size and less detergent, but they still get the job done. This is especially true when using high-grade commercial equipment at a laundry facility. These professional-quality washers have the power and efficiency to provide a deep clean even within 30 minutes or less.  So, next time you choose a quick wash cycle, you don’t have to worry about whether or not your clothes will actually get clean.

When should you use a quick wash cycle?

Now that you’re clear on a quick wash cycle’s ability, let’s take a look at some times you should consider using this option.

Time pressure

The most common reason people opt for the quick wash setting is when they’re in a rush. With work, school, and other responsibilities dominating your schedule, sometimes all you have is 30 to 45 minutes to get your laundry done. Using rapid wash settings is one of the most effective ways to save time in the laundromat.

Washing everyday clothes

Some items of clothing you’ll need to wash on a daily basis or at least after each use. Instead of using a full cycle each time, you can go with a quick wash option to limit the amount of time you have to wait at the laundromat.

Removing simple stains

There are times when you need to clean simple stains out of an item of clothing that doesn’t need a thorough wash. Whether you fell in some dirt, dropped some food, or split a drink on your clothes, a quick rinse might be the perfect laundry setting. It’s quick yet effective at treating surface-level stains. If you need to remove stubborn stains, you should stick with standard or longer washing settings.

Refreshing clothes

Sometimes, your clothes just need a quick refreshing rather than a whole wash. Maybe an article of clothing picked up a faint yet unpleasant odor after a single use or you bought something new and want to wash it real quick before wearing it. Either way, a fast wash cycle is a great way to quickly and effectively freshen up clothing.

Protecting sensitive materials

Some materials such as wool are safe to use in the washing machine but should only get washed on a light setting. Quick rinses are perfect for these sensitive materials since these cycles provide a good clean without being too harsh on the clothing. When in doubt, make sure to read the laundry tag of each article of clothing to know what it can handle.

Interested in learning more about how to keep your clothes clean and smelling fresh? Visit the Coin Meter site today to get access to insider tips and tricks to help you optimize this weekly chore.