Even if you generally default to a go-to setting like normal or quick wash, today’s washing machines come equipped with a range of cycles — and for good reason. Each one is designed to do a specific job, and choosing the right setting can make a real difference in how clean your clothes get and how long they last.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we’ve been testing washing machines for 117 years — ever since the first model was commercially sold in 1907 — so when we say we know a thing or two about wash cycles, we mean it. Whether you’re trying to tackle musty towels or baby clothes that need an extra rinse, here’s your guide to some of the most useful washing machine cycles and when to use them.
Pre-Soak (or Pre-Wash)
The pre-soak cycle is exactly what it sounds like: a special setting that soaks your laundry in water before the main wash begins. It’s ideal for heavily soiled items like muddy sports uniforms, dingy towels, grayed-out whites or linens with dried-on stains.
Though it varies by model, the pre-soak typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes and may include some gentle agitation to help loosen dirt and grime. Typically, you also add detergent or a special pre-soak solution during this step to help break down stubborn stains. Once the soak is complete, your washer will automatically drain the dirty water, sometimes spin briefly, and then transition directly into the main wash.
Speed Wash
Pressed for time? Speed wash (sometimes labeled quick wash) is a great option for lightly soiled items that need a refresh — like a shirt you wore for an hour or a towel you used to wipe up some spilled water. It can also be used for small loads of more heavily soiled items, like sports uniforms. Just be sure to adjust the water temperature and soil level options accordingly. And don’t overload the drum or use it for heavy-duty loads, otherwise, the clothes may not get properly cleaned.
Colors
Similar to the permanent press cycle you may find on older machines, this cycle typically uses cooler water and a gentler spin to help preserve color vibrancy, prevent fading or bleeding, plus minimize wrinkling. It’s ideal for wardrobe staples like jeans and anything else that’s not quite delicate but still deserves a little more care than your average item.
Bulky or Bedding
This setting is made for larger, heavier items that absorb a lot of water, such as pillows, comforters, puffy coats, sleeping bags and filled items that need extra time and a medium spin to prevent flattening. It also typically uses more water and has a longer wash time to ensure everything inside the drum gets fully saturated and rinsed.
Delicates
This cycle is gentler on fabrics since it uses a softer wash action and a slower spin speed. On some machines, it may also be shorter than other cycles. Use it for items like lingerie, washable silk or anything with lace or embellishments.
Sanitize
This high-heat cycle, which often uses steam, is designed to kill bacteria and allergens, making it ideal for heavily soiled items like workout gear, kitchen or bath towels and anything else that’s been exposed to germs, like if you or someone else in your house is sick. Just don’t use it on everyday loads or delicate items since it uses extra-hot water and sometimes an extended wash time.
Rinse and Spin
If you already sent clothes through the wash, but something’s not quite right — maybe detergent didn’t rinse out completely or maybe the clothes sat too long in the machine — the rinse and spin cycle basically repeats the final stage of a wash to freshen the load without starting from scratch. It’s also useful for hand-washed items that just need a final rinse or extra water removal.
Self-Clean (or Tub Clean)
This one isn’t for your clothes — it’s for your machine. Run the self-clean cycle, sometimes called tub clean, about once a month. This dedicated washer cleaning cycle presets the time, agitation and water temperature to remove detergent buildup, mildew and odors from inside the drum. If recommended by the manufacturer, you can add bleach; otherwise, add a washing machine cleaning powder, like GH Seal Star Tide Washing Machine Cleaner or Affresh tablets.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
