Modern washing machines are equipped with a bunch of different programs that are designed for different fabrics. One of these programs in the washing machine is a delicate wash. This program is especially in demand among washing machine users, because it allows you to wash things carefully. But let's see if the delicate wash is really a program that can be trusted to wash clothes made of delicate fabrics? Or is it just a marketing ploy.
How the delicate wash mode works in the washing machine
The delicate washing mode for different washing machines consists of different cycles, but they are united by the following general rules:
- Washing takes place in a large amount of water - this means that during delicate washing, the washing machine draws more water into the tank, so that the mechanical effect on the laundry is as gentle as possible.
- Wash at low temperature – all delicate fabrics should be washed at a low temperature, usually 30°C - 40°C (depending on the manufacturer and model). This temperature will reduce shedding things and they won't paint.
- Smoother drum movements – the delicate wash program assumes that the drum will spin more slowly and more smoothly so as not to spoil the laundry.
- Delicate spin - on some washing machines, spinning is not activated at all, and washing takes place without it. On others, the spin speed is much lower than on a regular wash.
All these conditions must undoubtedly be observed with a delicate washing regime, but in reality this is not always the case.
Is “Delicate Mode” Really Delicate?
In reality, things don't always go as planned.On some washing machines, the delicate mode involves washing woolen fabrics, silk fabrics. On other washing machines, manufacturers have decided that a delicate wash is needed in order to wash delicate synthetics or cotton.
Therefore, before relying on the automatic program of the washing machine, be sure to read the instructions. to it, in which the parameters of delicate washing should be indicated: temperature, number of spin cycles, fabrics for which it is intended.
Very often, manufacturers imply that silk or wool items should be washed on programs of the same name, therefore, on such washing machines, the delicate program is not intended for washing such fabrics.
What to do if there is no delicate wash on the washing machine
Many manufacturers generally do not make the delicate wash mode on their washing machines, considering it redundant. This is due to the fact that standard programs are quite enough for washing delicate fabrics. plus to standard washing programs they add washing modes for fabrics, for example, wool, delicate fabrics.
Also, on many washing machines there is a “hand wash” program, which, according to the manufacturers’ idea, is an analogue of a real hand wash and involves a very gentle mode of washing things, for example, for washing tulle.
From all of the above, we can conclude: if your washing machine does not have a delicate wash mode, but there are such as hand wash, delicate fabrics or the like, then make sure by reading the instructions that they are suitable for your clothes and use them.
If your washing machine does not have such programs either, which is unlikely, then you can set the delicate mode yourself in the following way:
- Set the washing temperature to 30°C
- Disable the spin function
- If possible do laundry in special laundry bags.
Of course, you won’t be able to set the drum to work more smoothly, but the above steps will already allow you to wash most delicate fabrics in the washing machine.
