Aurelia Butler

If you live with a pet, you know the reality: fur on your clothes, blankets, couch cushions… and pretty much everything else. Still, it’s frustrating when freshly washed laundry comes out of even the best washing machine with hair still clinging to it. Fortunately, there’s one surprisingly effective trick: use your dryer before you even start the wash.To remove stubborn pet hair, toss items like fleece blankets, sweaters or couch covers into the dryer for about 10 minutes on the air-fluff (no heat) setting along with a dryer sheet. The tumbling action helps loosen embedded hair, while the dryer sheet reduces the static that causes pet hair to cling to clothing and encourages hair to move into the lint trap instead of sticking to your fabrics.Carolyn Forté/Good HousekeepingWe tested this in our Cleaning Lab. Here’s the before photo.  Carolyn Forté/Good HousekeepingAnd here’s the after.While this method works surprisingly well, it’s worth noting that dryer sheets — including Bounce Pet Hair and Lint Guard Mega Dryer Sheets, our top-tested pick for pet hair removal— are typically designed to be used with wet fabrics, not dry ones. Using a dryer sheet on dry items may leave a soft or slightly coated feel. If you’re washing the items immediately afterward, that’s not as much of an issue, but if you’re not, consider using a used dryer sheet to minimize any potential residue. You can also try lightly dampening the clothing to eliminate this problem. Ultimately, this hack won’t eliminate every last hair, but it’ll save your washing machine (and you) from doing all the heavy lifting. Just don’t forget to clean the lint trap right away. Pet hair can clog the venting system quickly, reducing your dryer’s efficiency and even causing a potential fire hazard.More IdeasBrigitt 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. More

You know that pair of jeans — the ones that fit just right, hug in all the right places and somehow go with everything. You live for those jeans. But if you’re tossing them into the washer with the rest of your laundry without a second thought, your time together may be cut short.The truth is, denim needs a little more TLC than your average T-shirt, and taking a few extra seconds before tossing your jeans into the machine can make all the difference. At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we’ve tested more denim and detergents than we can count, and here’s what we know for sure: If you’re not zipping zippers and fastening buttons and snaps before washing, you’re making a big mistake. Doing this helps jeans keep their shape and prevents them from snagging on other items in the load. It’s also smart to take a second to check the pockets for tissues or receipts and turn jeans inside out to minimize the abrasion that causes fading, as well as the wear that can happen along the hems, pockets, fly and waistband edges. And if your jeans have any rips or frayed hems, consider putting them in a very large mesh bag or securing the openings together with sock clips to prevent further fraying. (Really distressed pairs may even benefit from a gentler hand wash.)Once you’ve prepped your pair for a spin, be just as thoughtful with your wash settings. Cold water and a short, gentle cycle (like the delicates or colors settings) are ideal. We also recommend choosing a detergent formulated for dark colors, like Woolite Darks, to help keep your jeans looking vibrant. Finally, jeans don’t need to be washed after every wear. Unless they’re stained or stretched out, you can go three to four wears between washes. Less frequent laundering keeps the fabric strong and the fit snug, so you’ll be rocking that perfect pair for a long time to come.More Laundry TipsBrigitt 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. More

You know the feeling: You’re quickly running out of time before guests arrive, and all of a sudden, it seems like every surface in your home is covered in clutter or specks of dust. Commence the cleaning frenzy of tossing shoes into closets, swiping crumbs into the trash and hoping nobody notices the dust bunnies hanging out in the lampshade. We’ve all been there.The good news? You don’t have to deep-clean your entire house to make a solid impression. A few quick touch-ups in the following key areas can make all the difference in making your home feel guest-ready:Entryway or MudroomYour entryway sets the tone the moment guests walk in. Clear clutter like shoes, backpacks and stray packages. Quickly sweep or vacuum the area to get rid of any tracked-in dirt. And don’t forget to make sure there’s a designated spot where guests can hang their coats or place their bags. It also helps to step outside and walk in the way a guest would. Do you notice any cobwebs around the porch light? Or maybe there are leaves around the door and a layer of pollen coating the mailbox? You may also want to quickly shake out the doormat. BathroomsA clean bathroom is one of the easiest ways to make guests feel comfortable. Start by wiping down the toilet — both inside and out. (A good toilet brush can help with any stubborn spots.) Then, use a multi-purpose cleaner on the sink and faucet handles before moving on to the mirror with a solid glass cleaner to wipe away any toothpaste splatters, handprints or streaks. Don’t forget to empty the trash can and replace the liner, plus make sure there are clean hand towels and plenty of soap and toilet paper. Bonus points for adding an air freshener to the mix. KitchenEven if you’re not hosting a meal, guests often gather in the kitchen. Make sure the countertops are cleared and wiped down, the sink is empty and rinsed, the stovetop is free from any splatters and spills and any garbage is taken out. If you have time, wipe any fingerprints or smudges off appliance handles like the fridge or microwave with a stainless steel cleaner. You can also light a scented candle or set some fresh fruit on the counter to make the space feel even more inviting. Living RoomThe living room is another one of the main gathering spots, so it’s worth spending a few extra minutes here. Start by clearing visual clutter like remote controls, magazines and stray toys. Then, give coffee tables and end tables a quick wipe down before vacuuming the floors and any pet hair from furniture and upholstery. When you’re done, fluff pillows and straighten throw blankets to make the space look more inviting. Then, do one final pass, turning on lamps and overhead lighting to scan for any dust or cobwebs in the fixtures.FloorsYou don’t necessarily have to mop, but giving the floors a quick once-over can make a big difference. Run the vacuum over hardwood floors and rugs to suck up dirt, pet hair and stray crumbs. To save time, focus on the main walkways and gathering areas where guests will spend the most time.Light Switches and DoorknobsLight switches and doorknobs are high-touch areas that are often overlooked. Start by using a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away any dust and grime (just be sure not to let any liquid seep behind the switch!) For a deeper clean, use a disinfecting wipe or a cotton ball dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol to gently swab all sides of the switch and the backplate, then let air dry.Guest RoomIf guests are staying the night, take a few minutes to freshen up the bedding with clean sheets and pillowcases, clear off surfaces like nightstands and make sure the closet or dresser has some empty space for your guests to stash their belongings. If your visitors don’t have access to an en-suite bathroom, you should also place freshly-laundered towels at the foot of the bed or on an empty chair. (The general rule of thumb: two bath towels, one hand towel, and one washcloth per guest.) For an extra touch of hospitality, put together a basket or tray of travel-sized toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo and conditioner, for example) and leave it on the dresser or nightstand. A bottle of water and a phone charger are nice touches, too. 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. More

Furnishing a room is no small feat. In addition to finding the right furniture and decor that suits your style and budget, chances are you also try to avoid common design blunders. Hanging art too high, making poor lighting choices and going overboard with trends are just a few examples that may come to mind. But there’s another major design mistake that pros say people make way too often: overlooking scale. “Scale is one of those design elements people often get wrong, but once it’s handled properly, the entire room just clicks,” says designer Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs. “Often, people think a smaller space requires smaller furniture, which is usually not the right approach,” says Delia Kenza Brennen of Delia Kenza Interiors. “The wrong scale can is the tell-tale sign of a poorly designed space,” says Delia Kenza Brennen of Delia Kenza Interiors. Upgrade Your Space”The issue of scale often stems from overlooking proportionality and context,” says designer Justin Williams of Trademark Design Co. “Context is the key here. What is the story you want to tell in this space? What impact would you like to make?”Here are a few tips to ensure that you’re following the principle of scale properly in any room:FurnitureIt’s key to avoid furniture that is too small or too large for the space, as it can impact a room’s visual appeal overall. “Suddenly their sofa eats the room, or their accent chair looks like a dollhouse piece,” Hayslett says. “A quick trick? Borrow a chair, ottoman or table from another room and move it in temporarily to see how the scale feels before buying new.”She also encourages clients to remove two pieces of furniture from a room and go up in size with one solid item that makes a statement. “It adds breathing room and balance,” Hayslett explains. ArtworkWilliams says people are often guilty of placing small artwork on large, empty walls. “When art is too small for a wall, it can look lost and insignificant, failing to make the impact intended,” Williams explains. Consider moving your smaller pieces to more compact rooms in your home. “Smaller pieces of art can be grouped together or moved to cozier spaces like hallways or reading nooks,” he shares. Another go-to trick she swears by? Large-scale pieces in powder rooms. “While typically against the ‘rules,’ it makes a huge impact in a small space,” Williams explains. ” It’s something I call my happy mess-up that always turns out great.There’s also the paper hack, which Hayslett says can help you nail the placement of your art every time: “I recommend grabbing paper, cardboard or boxes and laying out the shape and size you think you need,” she says. “Seeing it at full scale makes it easier to commit to the right piece or pieces. And this method is slightly better because painter’s tape can confuse people as to where exactly the edge would be. With this method, you get the full effect.” Hispanolistic//Getty ImagesRugsGail Davis of Gail Davis Designs gets frustrated when a rug is too small for the space: “In a living room, I have seen that the coffee table is the only item on the rug. It’s just sitting out there like it’s an island. Whoever is sitting down would have to get up and walk over to the coffee table to place their drink on it.” Davis also likes bedroom rugs to be a substantial size. “I most recently went into a new client’s primary and the rug fits just enough under the bed,” she shares.” When I step out of bed, I want to step onto a luxe rug that feels good underfoot.” If you’re still stumped on how to choose the right size and tend to place a small rug in a large space, Hayslett recommends painter’s tape. “I always suggest using painter’s tape to map out the footprint of the pieces,” she says. “It helps you visualize how each item really fits and flows.” You can also sketch a basic floor plan and use paper to cut out furniture shapes to experiment with different layouts. “It’s low-tech but highly effective,” she says. WE CAN HELPCurtainsHayslett’s main tip on hanging curtains to create a polished look? “A lot of scale issues happen vertically, like short curtains or short bookcases in tall rooms,” Hayslett says. “To fix it, hang curtains closer to the ceiling and use taller pieces to draw the eye up. It immediately elevates the room, literally and visually.”From choosing the right furniture for a room’s size to hanging curtains at an appropriate height, scale can make or break a space. “Thoughtful reassignment not only restores balance but also enhances the visual harmony and functionality of a home,” Williams says.Related StoriesMonique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.” More

You immediately know when a home is teeming with curb appeal. Maybe it’s the picture-perfect landscaping, lighting that’s just right or the attractive front door with standout house numbers to match. Every detail matters. If boosting your home’s curb appeal happens to be on your to-do list, consider these tips from design pros to get started. “You can never underestimate the value of curb appeal,” says designer Sara Hillery of Sara Hillery Interior Design. “It truly sets the first impression for a home, hinting at who lives there and what the interior might be like.” Related StoryPicture-Perfect LandscapingIf there’s one curb appeal task that’s worth your time and money, it’s gorgeous landscaping, featuring a thoughtful combination of pretty flowers and evergreens. “Beautiful landscaping that looks great year-round is make-or-break for the first-impression curb-appeal of your home,” says Chicago-based designer Monique O’Brien of Monique O’Brien Design. She’s partial to boxwoods with white hydrangeas — think limelight or bobos. “Then you can add in alliums in the back for flowers all spring and summer,” O’Brien says. Miller also likes to embrace variety. “I love the drama and contrast that comes from mixing high and low plant proportions in the landscape,” she says. “Along those lines, consider juxtaposing more structured elements like boxwoods or topiaries with looser, more natural-feeling flowers such as Dianthus or hollyhocks.” And to prevent a “one-dimensional look,” she incorporates “handmade bricks, stone elements or a welcoming seating area that encourages you to step outside and connect with the neighborhood.”When planning your landscaping, don’t go overboard with the color palette, though. Under two hues is O’Brien’s rule: “It’s best to stick with two bloom colors and varying shades of green in a garden. Any more than two and it looks like a circus.”Landscape architect Janice Parker also recommends being strategic with color. “Be careful not to scatter color throughout the landscape, but instead choose impact points,” Parker explains. “As they say, ‘go big or go home’ and if that doesn’t work, go red! Be sure to give your eyes something to focus on – a central focal point can be a special tree, planter, statuary, bench or unique feature that reflects you and your vision.”Pay attention to any large trees as well. “Stand back and look and look at your landscape through new eyes,” Parker says. “People tend to overlook the shape and health of their large trees. Are there dead branches on your prominent trees? Are shrubs growing up in front of your windows? Everything will improve with a clean tight pruning.” ferrantraite//Getty Images”A home’s exterior should feel timeless, warm, and welcoming, not like it’s chasing the latest design trends,” says designer Heather French of French and French Interiors. Exterior Paint If your budget allows, an exterior paint job can do wonders for your property. Designer Danielle Domingues of Collins & Co Interiors says Sherwin-Williams’ Alabaster, a white shade, is a no-fail pick. “It’s warm, inviting, and timeless—perfect for creating a soft, welcoming look that feels both classic and current,” Domingues explains. “To complement the clean elegance of Alabaster, I love adding symmetry and structure with topiaries in stylish planters flanking the front door. They instantly frame the entrance and add a touch of tailored greenery that brings life and personality to the space. It’s a simple yet impactful way to enhance the overall look and feel of your home’s exterior.”Lighting Design pros suggest a layered approach for exterior lighting — a careful assortment of various light fixtures to set a home apart from the rest. “Good lighting adds charm during the day and a warm glow at night,” says Liz Williams of Liz Williams Interiors. “You don’t need to stop at the porch lights, consider path lights and other landscape lighting as well to elevate your home.” Williams also relies on lantern-style fixtures in finishes like weathered bronze or matte black to give a home character. Vintage-inspired designs are good choices as well, she says. Designer Sarah Tract of Sarah Tract Interiors agrees that simply upgrading your exterior lighting can make a huge impact when it comes to curb appeal. “Thoughtful exterior lighting does more than just enhance safety — it adds a sense of depth and charm,” Tract says. “I like to use a combination of statement sconces, subtle pathway lighting and even uplighting for trees or architectural features.” Alexander Spatari//Getty ImagesAn unexpected front door color can separate your home from your neighbors’ property, says designer Debbie Mathews LeRoy, founder and principal designer of Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs. A Statement DoorA fresh coat of paint on your front door can go a long way, according to designer Debbie Mathews LeRoy of Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs. “An interesting color will give it that pop that separates your home from your neighbors,” Mathews LeRoy says. “I love using shades of green, blue, red or even yellow to give it visual interest or je ne sais quoi!”If it’s your style, show off your aesthetic with unique door hardware that “makes your home feel well taken care of,” Mathews LeRoy says. “Often homeowners do not include a kick plate, but this addition not only protects your door but adds a bit more sheen and pizazz! Consider adding an interesting door knocker with a lion’s head, fox or basket motif — it can offer a bit of personality and share your personal interests.” And don’t forget to have fun with the house numbers too. “I opt for large house numbers that complement both the style of the house and the exterior paint color, and an oversize mailbox that is not cut-off-the-mill,” says designer Beth Diana Smith.Decorative TouchesFrom stylish fencing to potted plants, there’s no shortage of ways to give your home some extra oomph once you’ve tackled the major curb appeal projects on your list. One of Williams’ go-to tricks? Rocking chairs. “Rockers create a cozy, lived-in feel and invite people to slow down and stay a while,” she says. You can also add a throw blanket or two and some colorful outdoor pillows to brighten the space up. Try a garden stool as well: “A small garden stool next to each rocker is perfect for holding a drink, a book or even a potted plant,” Williams says. “They’re stylish, weather-friendly and functional.”Regardless of the curb appeal project at hand, designer Heather French of French and French Interiors says stay true to your personal style. “The number one mistake I see homeowners make with curb appeal is trying too hard by overdoing it with trendy or overly contemporary elements that can quickly feel dated or out of place,” French explains. It could be as simple as furnishing your home’s exterior with a “natural coco mat rug, some beautifully potted plants with thoughtful symmetry and a great door knocker,” French says. “These touches feel intentional and add sophistication to the entire entry.”Related StoriesMonique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.” More

If you have a cat, chances are you’ve had to clean up at least one accident in the house. There are a number of reasons your cat might go to the bathroom somewhere other than their litter box — a urinary tract infection, dirty litter box or anxiety could be the cause, according to PetMD. Regardless of the reason, accidents happen. Cleaning up the mess with the right product is crucial to ridding your house of the unpleasant smell. “The best way to get rid of cat urine smell for good is to use a stain remover with enzymes,” Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, suggests. Next time you notice a wet spot on the couch or a smell coming from the carpet, it’s important to work quickly to remove both the stain and the smell. “It is the scent that brings animals back to pee on the same spots over and over again,” says Forté. Guaranteeing the smell is gone will ensure you don’t have to clean up the same mess twice. Follow this guide to remove unwanted cat pee odors from all sorts of surfaces.Carpet An enzyme-based cleaner like Bissell Pet Stain & Odor Remover is your best bet for cleaning carpets and area rugs. Before using, soak up — don’t wipe! — as much of the stain matter as you can with a paper towel or rag. Spray the product (which also removes stains and smells from feces, vomit, and blood, FYI) on the trouble spot until the area is thoroughly saturated. Gently blot the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove as much of the stain as possible. Cover the spot with a damp towel and let sit for up to 12 hours.Related StoryUpholsteryIf the cushion covers are removable, stick them in the wash ASAP or take them to the dry cleaner. For stains that have set into the sofa cushions, try the Bissell Pet Stain & Odor Remover and follow the same steps above. If all fails, hire a cleaning service to deep clean your couch cushions and pillows to remove the odor.Catherine Falls Commercial//Getty ImagesRelated StoryWood If your wood floors have a sealant, you’re in luck. Simply use paper towels to absorb urine and clean with your favorite hardwood floor cleaner like Bona Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner or Simple Solution Hard Floor Cleaner. If a dark or discolored stain forms, it may be best to call a professional.Related StoryCeramic Tile Unless the urine has spread to the grout, you can simply wipe up the mess with a paper towel and clean with a tile cleaner like Lysol Clean & Fresh Multi-Surface Cleaner. If the tile isn’t glazed or the liquid has spread to the grout, use CLR Cleaner Spray to remove discoloration. To remove odor, make a thick paste with water and baking soda, rub into the grout, and wipe once dry. After cleaning, spray the grout with Lysol Disinfecting Spray. Related StoriesAmanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more. Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.  More

When you’re tackling chores like the dishes, it’s easy to go on autopilot — simply press start and move on. But if you slow down for a second and pay attention to the dishwasher cycle you’re using, you could actually make the whole process a lot more efficient.There’s a reason why dishwashers have multiple settings: they all do different jobs, and it’s important to use the correct wash cycle for each load. Using the right one not only gets your dishes cleaner but can also save energy and reduce the need for re-washing. Here, a guide to a handful of the most helpful dishwasher cycles you might find on your appliance’s control panel.Dishwasher settings you should be usingAuto (or Sensor Wash)This is the set-it-and-forget-it option that takes the guesswork out of dishwashing by adjusting the water temperature, cycle duration and water pressure based on how dirty your dishes are. Most dishwashers today, including many of GH’s top-tested dishwashers, have built-in sensors that detect soil levels and adjust accordingly. It’s a great everyday choice for loads with a mix of lightly and heavily soiled dishes. Heavy DutyWhen your cookware (casserole dishes, sheet pans and pots) is covered in baked-on messes, this cycle is ideal. It uses higher water temperatures and longer wash times to break down tough food residue. On some dishwashers, like Miele models for example, it may be called “pots and pans,” and typically includes two pre-washes and a hotter main wash for extra cleaning power.EcoSometimes labeled as “Energy Saver” or “Eco Wash,” this cycle uses less water and lower temperatures, making it more energy-efficient overall. While it typically takes longer to run, the tradeoff is a lighter environmental impact and lower utility bills — especially if you run your dishwasher frequently or want to reduce your household’s energy use. Just keep in mind: It’s best for lightly soiled dishes rather than greasy pots or stuck-on messes. Rinse and Hold (or Rinse Only)On some newer dishwashers, you may need to download this cycle as an extra feature, but this quick cycle is convenient when you’re not ready to run a full load. It rinses off food soils so they don’t dry onto your dishes and helps keep odors from building up inside your dishwasher. It uses very little water and buys you some time until it’s time to run a full wash.Drying BoostIf you often find yourself towel-drying dishes after a cycle, the Drying Boost (sometimes labeled Dry+, Extended Dry or Pro Dry) extends the final phase with extra heat or time to help eliminate lingering moisture — especially on perennially tricky items like plastics. It does use a bit more energy, but the payoff of dry, cabinet-ready dishes is worth it. The Dishwasher Cycle You May Not NeedHalf Load (or Top/Bottom Only)Some dishwashers offer Half Load or Top/Bottom Only settings, meant for smaller loads when you don’t need to fill the entire machine. Our Cleaning Lab pros say these cycles are more efficient than running a full load cycle with the dishwasher only half-full, but it may be better to wait until you have a full load or use the Rinse & Hold option on your appliance. Learn More About Your DishwasherBrigitt 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. More

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. LEARN MOREThough 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 WashPressed 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.ColorsSimilar 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 BeddingThis 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 SpinIf 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.Get to Know Your Machine BetterBrigitt 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. More