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When you should and shouldn t use the quick wash setting on your washing machine

By Katie Mortram published 29 September 2022 A quick wash saves time, energy and money, but is it as effective? (Image credit: Shutterstock) Even if you own one of the best washing machines, it can be easy to rely on the quick wash cycle. The quick wash cycle offers exactly what it describes - a speedy washing program which is great for those who are short on time, and makes laundry day a breeze. However, the quick wash cycle isn't always as efficient as you'd think, and should never replace the standard (much longer) wash. Here, we will break down the pros and cons of the quick wash setting, so you know when best to use it. Following this advice can help improve the performance of your washing machine, and help it last longer too. If you're more eco-conscious, be sure to check out how to make your laundry room more eco-friendly and how to make your own laundry detergent.

What is a quick wash setting

As the name suggests, it's a quick wash! It usually takes around 15 mins to an hour, depending on your washing machine. It uses less water and energy than a standard cycle and will spin for less time as well. Some can be set in a range of temperatures, but generally won't wash any hotter than 40 degrees Celsius. The quick wash setting is also not designed to wash a full load of laundry. If you're unsure if your clothing is suitable for a quick wash cycle, refer to the care label and laundry symbols. Generally, if it's suitable for a regular wash, it should be suitable for a quick wash, but stick to delicate cycles or hand washing for anything you're unsure of.

The pros of a quick wash setting

1. Great if you're in a hurry. A quick wash cycle can be twice as fast as a standard cycle, which is ideal if you need an emergency shirt or blouse for a night out. Some cycles can finish in as little as 15 minutes - just remember to leave time to dry! 2. Good if you just want to refresh your laundry or deal with light soiling. A quick wash naturally won't clean as thoroughly as a full cycle. However, it would still be a good alternative if you just want to refresh your clothes or don't deal with heavy stains. 3. Ideal if you only need to wash one or two items of clothing. The quick wash setting is designed to handle a smaller capacity of laundry, usually 2 to 4 pounds (or 1 to 2kgs). So if you just need to rinse one outfit, it can be the right choice. 4. Saves on energy and money. The quick wash setting will use less energy compared to a normal cycle. If you incorporate it into your laundry routine, it can save you a fair amount on your energy bill over time. 5. Increases your washing machine lifespan. As the quick wash setting is shorter than a standard cycle, your washing machine will run for less time when it's used. This will naturally extend the washing machine's lifespan. 6. Overall less damaging for your clothes. This depends on the intensity of the spin cycle, but generally speaking as the quick wash setting is so fast, it's kinder to your clothes in terms of wear and damage from washing. (Image credit: Shutterstock)

The cons of a quick wash setting

1. Not ideal if you're dealing with stubborn stains or smelly laundry. It's not the cycle to use if you're washing baby clothes or want to sanitize bed sheets. The quick wash setting generally can't wash above 40 degrees Celsius so it won't kill germs or viruses. It's also not a thorough wash, so it won't help remove any heavy-set stains. 2. Can't handle a full load. As the quick wash setting uses less water and time, its capacity is much smaller than a standard cycle. So it really shouldn't be used for your weekly load of laundry. If overfilled, the results will be even less clean. 3. May not spin as effectively. The quick wash setting won't spin for as long either, which means any heavy clothing will retain more water than you're used to. You may have to run a separate spin cycle to help drain this. 4. Residual soap can be left in the clothes as well as the machine. Because the quick wash setting doesn't rinse the clothes as effectively, residual detergent can be left in the laundry and the washing machine once the cycle finishes. This isn't ideal if you suffer from sensitive skin and it's not good for the appliance either. Try to reduce the amount of detergent you use on this setting for this reason. Next: 15 things you should never put in a washing machine.

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Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Katie MortramHomes EditorKatie looks after everything homes-related, from kitchen appliances to gardening tools. She also covers smart home products too, so is the best point of contact for any household advice! She has tested and reviewed kitchen appliances for over 6 years, so she knows what to look for when finding the best. Her favorite thing to test has to be stand mixers as she loves to bake in her spare time. More about homes My sister grew her own pumpkins for Halloween - and the results were huge Best gifts for home cooks 2022Latest The best workout headphones in 2022See more latest ► See all comments (0) No comments yet Comment from the forums MOST READMOST SHARED1Amazon Fire TV Cube (2022) review2The best workout headphones in 20223Daily Quordle #274 - answers and hints for Tuesday, October 254The best business laptops in 20225The best laptops in 2022: 20 top picks tested and rated1The best workout headphones in 20222Daily Quordle #274 - answers and hints for Tuesday, October 253The best business laptops in 20224The best laptops in 2022: 20 top picks tested and rated5Best laptops for college students in 2022