Washing machine cycles: everything you need to know

Washing machine cycles are essential to optimise the washing of your clothes while reducing water and energy consumption. Modern washing machines offer various cycles, each designed and developed to meet specific needs. Two of the most common cycles are Cotton, ideal for durable cotton garments, but especially for bed linens and towels, and Synthetics, for synthetic materials and fabrics, such as polyester or nylon.

Discover our tips for choosing washing machine cycles for unbeatable cleanliness!

How do you choose the right washing machine cycle?

Choosing the right washing machine cycle is quite simple. We will guide you step by step! First, read the washing machine manual. It can be a good starting point to help you learn about the various washing options. Secondly, always pay attention to the labels of the clothes you want to wash.
Now, assess the how soiled your clothes are. If they are barely stained, the quick cycle might be perfect. Otherwise, choose a more complete cycle or a pre-wash to tackle more difficult stains.
Another consideration is the fabric type. Select the appropriate cycle for cotton, synthetics, delicates or wool based on the garment labels. This is the only way to avoid nasty surprises and preserve fabrics over time.
Do not overload the washing machine. Leave some space for optimum washing.
If you also want to save energy, choose an eco-friendly cycle and adjust the temperature to suit your needs.
Some wash machines allow you to customise the cycle, so there is room for experimentation! Choosing the right cycle is fun, a bit like creating your own washing mix!
And remember: maintain your washing machine regularly to keep it at its best.

How do you choose the washing machine temperature?

We have already mentioned that you should consider the fabric type and how soiled the laundry is when choosing the right water temperature for the washing machine. Cotton sheets and towels may require higher temperatures, while delicate fabrics, such as silk or wool, need cold water. Discover all the secrets on how to wash a linen shirt like a pro!

The washing machine's eco 40 60 cycle

The washing machine's eco-cycle, with temperatures from 40°C to 60°C, is an environmentally friendly but also versatile choice. This cycle uses less energy and water than conventional washing, helping to reduce environmental impact. It is ideal for cotton, synthetics and delicates that are only moderately soiled. The moderate temperature effectively removes stains and sanitises fabrics without damaging them. Choosing the eco-cycle is a responsible action, allowing you to obtain clean laundry and preserve the quality of your clothing for a long time, saving resources and money.

What does rinse plus spin mean?

Rinse plus spin is an option that allows the washing machine to perform an additional rinse cycle after the main wash. During this step, the clean water is drained and replaced with fresh water to remove detergent residue and dirt completely. Next, the washing machine performs the spin cycle to remove excess water from the fabrics. This option is particularly helpful to ensure a thorough rinse, making the garments softer and removing any chemical residue, helping to preserve the quality of fabrics for a long time.

When to choose a mixed wash

This wash cycle is ideal when you want to clean garments of different materials with different degrees of soiling together and do not want to miss out on the sanitising action. When washing, the washing machine regulates the temperature and agitation and uses specific detergents to remove dirt and stains from garments, such as Chanteclair Laundry Detergent with Baking Soda. Next comes the sanitisation phase, with high temperatures that can eliminate germs and bacteria, making garments clean and fresh. This mixed wash is particularly suitable for bed linens, towels, underwear and sportswear.

How to run an empty load to clean the washing machine

An empty wash for washing machine maintenance is essential to ensure the efficiency and long life of the appliance. To perform it, just follow a few simple steps.
First, perform an empty wash with warm water and white vinegar to remove detergent residue and prevent unpleasant odours.
At this point, clean the basin, filter and detergent drawer to avoid dirt build-up. Check the integrity of the porthole seals and gaskets and clean them to prevent mould growth. Finally, follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper maintenance and, if necessary, contact a technician for periodic checks.

Take note!

Choosing the right washing cycle requires certain precautions to preserve the brilliance and vibrancy of colours. Here are five helpful tips:

  1. Washing machine manual and garment labelling: it all starts here.
    Before using the washing machine, take some time to read the manual and learn about the available cycles. Each washing machine has different options, and understanding how they work will help you make the most of them. Always check the care labels on clothes before washing them and select the appropriate cycle according to the fabric and washing instructions. Following the instructions will protect your garments and preserve their durability.
  2. Temperature: adjust the temperature according to fabric type and how soiled the clothes are. Cold washes protect delicate fabrics and save energy, while higher temperatures are ideal for heavily soiled garments.
  3. Special and custom cycles: take advantage of the washing machine's special cycles, such as the quick wash for lightly soiled clothes, the eco-friendly wash to save energy and the hand wash for delicate clothes. Use the correct cycle or customise one for better washing results and to preserve your garments over time.
  4. Spin and maintenance: adjust the spin speed according to the fabric type and moisture content of the garments (delicate fabrics require a lower speed), and do not neglect washing machine maintenance, such as cleaning the filter and drum, to ensure optimal performance and prolong the life of the appliance.
  5. Degree of soiling: this preliminary action is entirely up to you. Assess how soiled the garments are and choose the cycle according to requirements. For stubborn stains, choose a pre-wash or an intense cycle.
    With our valuable help and these easy instructions, you can effectively maintain the colour vibrancy of your garments for a long time!

Chanteclair products for clothing care

How to treat fabrics

Follow our recommendations and discover how to take care of your laundry.

How to treat fabrics

Follow our recommendations and discover how to take care of your laundry.
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