Laundry expert reveals how a simple switch in washing machine settings can save your clothes and money

While some household tasks may be pushed to the back of the queue, there’s no escaping the ever-growing pile of laundry – yet one cleaning guru has suggested that many Brits are overlooking a crucial washing machine schedule.

Even though the average person spends an amazing three hours each week doing laundry, some common appliance mistakes could be hitting your wallet harder than necessary. Beko Plc’s Salah Sun points out that using the same setting on the washing machine for every load is not the most efficient way to clean clothes.

“These machines have many easy-to-use settings that, with a quick switch, could make laundry easier.”

he explained. Surprisingly, Brits waste £6.8 billion a year due to shrinking and damage caused by poor laundry care, with jeans often the victim.

The specialist pointed out that most people overlook the “cleaning cycle”, which, he says, “guarantees a cleaner and more functional machine”. Salah explained: “An easy to forget cycle that you should use once a month is the cleansing cycle. This helps keep the washing machine running at its best, keeping the clothes clean and the drum smelling better,” reports the Mirror.

Next, the in-house expert shared his proven method: “Empty your drum, add a capful of vinegar to the drawer, and run your cleaning cycle.”

This process involves running a hot cycle that can help remove limescale and hidden dirt.

“Make sure you regularly clean around the door, the drum and even the drainage point at the bottom,” advised Salah. While most of us have a favorite method, the expert highlighted other spin cycles and settings that should be used frequently.

Delicate cycle.

The gentle feature of the washing machines provides a gentle agitation to protect your most valuable garments. It’s ideal for silk underwear and blouses, but it won’t clean your towels or jeans effectively, which need a more vigorous cleaning method.

Quick wash.

The quick wash is a favorite among many busy Brits as it delivers a load of clean laundry in just 30 minutes. However, heavily soiled or woolen items may require pre-soaking, meaning a longer wash time is required.

Use the quick wash cycle if you’re in a hurry, but don’t throw everything in the drum with it. Set aside all items that require extra care, including stained clothes, for proper treatment.

Rotation speed.

The spin speed determines how fast your machine’s drum spins when removing excess water and helps dry your clothes to a fresh moisture rather than soaking them.

Salah said: “The high spin is great for thick and sturdy fabrics like denim. If you wash your jeans on a low spin speed, you may find that they come out wetter than you expected and take longer to dry.”

“However, more delicate fabrics such as silk and wool should remain at a low spin speed. High spin speeds can also increase wrinkles in clothes, so if your silk shirt is a nightmare to iron, try adjusting your washing machine settings. “

Temperature.

The temperature of a washing machine can vary between 15 and 95C, with both high and low temperatures having their own benefits. A lower temperature can reduce your energy consumption, while a higher temperature is perfect for decontaminating heavily soiled clothes.

Salah added: “Some fabrics, such as wool, should not be washed at a high temperature. However, keeping the temperature low may not clean effectively. If your family is battling an illness, warmer temperatures can help kill bacteria. on clothes and bedding, along with a good detergent.”

Agitation.

Agitation describes how gently or harshly your washing machine treats your laundry. A high agitation setting will have more movement for those tougher items, while a low agitation setting is better for more delicate clothes.

Says Salah: “The truth is, using the same setting cycle won’t give your clothes the fuss they need every time. Some items, such as towels, should be very agitated to clean them, while your underwear. they would only need a light movement, so we recommend that you separate your towels from the rest of your laundry.”