Don’t be fooled by all the fancy settings on a washing machine. Aside from the standard normal cycle, you may find options for everything from activewear to bulky items. However, according to one laundry expert, there’s only one setting you actually need — and it will save you not only time, but also energy and…
Use Express for a Little Mess
Laundry expert Patric Richardson, also known as The Laundry Evangelist, revealed on HuffPost’s Am I Doing It Wrong? podcast that the best laundry setting to use is “express.” This fast wash cycle may also be labeled “quick wash,” “speed wash,” or “rapid wash,” depending on the machine. True to its name, it’s a short wash that cleans clothes quickly. And less time circling the drum means less wear and tear on your favorite items.
Clean Clothes in a Flash
Depending on your washing machine, the express wash cycle typically ranges from 15 to 30 minutes. But there’s more to it than just saving you time while waiting for a laundry load to finish. Since the cycle is quicker, it tends to use less water and energy, saving you money on utilities. And with an express wash, you only need around 1 to 2 tablespoons of laundry detergent for a regular-sized load, cutting down on your costs for supplies, too.
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Will It Actually Clean Your Clothes?
According to Richardson, yes, an express cycle will clean your clothes. In fact, the cleaning expert and host of The Laundry Guy on discovery+ said that if he could build a washing machine, it would feature a single button, warm water, and an express setting.
When Not To Use the Express Cycle
Despite the ease of running your clothes through a quick wash — including getting multiple loads done in no time — you’ll still want to use your best judgment. Lightly soiled items are perfect for a quick wash. However, when it comes to larger loads of laundry or heavily soiled items, you might need a more thorough cleaning setting.
