How to choose the right washing machine program for your clothes

Knowing how to use your washing machine and choosing the right washing machine program can make a real difference—not only in the cleanliness of your laundry but also in how long your clothes last. The right program saves time, conserves energy, and protects fabrics, helping your clothes stay vibrant and in top condition.

Let’s simplify the wash cycle process and make laundry day a little easier.

Common washing machine programmes explained

With so many settings on modern washing machines, it can be difficult to remember which one to use for each load. 

This guide simplifies the process, breaking down common washing machine programs so you’ll know exactly which one to select for every fabric type, soil level, and washing need.

Everyday and sturdy fabrics

Everyday and sturdy fabrics like cottons, towels, and durable clothes can be easily cared for with programs such as Cottons, Eco Cottons, Mixed Program, and Full Wash 45.

• Cottons handles everyday cotton fabrics, both white and coloured, with options from cold to 90°C, perfect for heavily or lightly soiled clothes and towels.
• Eco Cottons focuses on energy-efficient washing at 30°C or 40°C, designed for regular cotton loads.
• Mixed Program is ideal for synthetic or blended fabrics, gently cleaning lightly to soiled items with temperatures from cold up to 60°C.
• Full Wash 45 offers a fast, thorough wash small loads in just 45 minutes at 30°C or 40°C, great when time is tight.

Delicate and special-care items

When it comes to delicate and special-care items, the DelicatesPlus, Baby Care, and Sports programs provide the gentle treatment these fabrics deserve.

• DelicatesPlus treats delicate fabrics like silk, lace, and fine synthetics with extra gentle care, washing at cold or 30°C to 40°C.
• Baby Care provides a gentle but effective wash at 40°C or 60°C, featuring higher rinse cycles especially for baby clothing.
• Sports is tailored for sportswear and activewear, washing at 30°C or 40°C to preserve stretch and fabric integrity.

Bulky and household items

For bulky household items, such as duvets, blankets, and bed linens, the Bedding and Sanitize programs are the go-to choices.

• Bedding is designed for large items such as blankets, duvets, and bed linens, washing gently at 30°C or 40°C. Discover how to wash your duvets correctly in our article. 
• Sanitize uses high temperatures (60°C or 90°C) to eliminate bacteria, perfect for towels and linens that need hygienic care.

Quick care and washing machine upkeep

Lastly, to keep things quick and your washing machine in top shape, opts for Quick 15, Rinse + Spin, Spin, and Tub Clean cycles.

• Quick 15 delivers a quick refresh for lightly soiled clothes in just 15 minutes, with washes in cold or 30°C.
• Rinse + Spin rinses clothes and adds a spin cycle to freshen garments, operating without temperature settings.
• Spin provides an extra spin to remove excess water efficiently, also without temperature.
• Tub Clean runs a high-temperature self-cleaning cycle that sanitizes the drum and helps prevent buildup, keeping your machine clean and performing at its best.

With these programs, Electrolux makes it simple to take care of all your fabrics and washing needs, ensuring every load gets the right treatment for best results. Check out our complete guide on how to use a single tub washing machine in this article.

How to choose the right washing temperature for your laundry

Choosing the right water temperature can make a big difference in how clean and well-preserved your clothes are. Always check the care tag for water temperature recommendations specific to each fabric type. Here’s a quick guide:

Hot water (60°C and above)

Use for durable fabrics like cotton, whites, and heavily soiled items. Hot water kills bacteria and allergens; removes heavy stains effectively. Be cautious with delicate or coloured fabrics, as hot water can cause shrinkage and fading.

Warm water (30–40°C)

Ideal for most clothing types, including synthetics and moderately soiled items. This setting dissolves detergents effectively, improving stain removal without causing damage.

Cool water (20-30°C)

Best for delicate or sensitive fabrics like wool and certain synthetics. Cool water is gentler, minimises risk of shrinkage and fading, and helps keep fabrics in shape.

Cold water (below 20°C)

Perfect for energy savings and for protecting colours and fabrics from fading or shrinking. Use this setting for lightly soiled clothes or bright colours.

Read more:

• How to wash jacket in washing machine
• How to choose a good washing machine
• How to correctly wash bras in the washing machine

Benefits of choosing the right washing machine settings

Selecting the right washing machine setting isn’t just a small detail—it has a big impact on your clothes, your energy bills, and even the time you spend on laundry. Here’s why choosing the right setting matters:

• Fabric protection: Choosing the right program ensures that each type of fabric, from cotton to wool to synthetics, is treated with the care it needs, helping your clothes stay soft, vibrant, and in great shape for longer.
• Energy and water efficiency: Many washing machine settings are designed to save energy and water for specific types of loads. For example, a “Quick wash” setting uses less water and energy for lightly soiled clothes, while “Heavy duty” cycles use more to handle large or dirty loads. Choosing the appropriate setting helps reduce your utility bills and minimises your environmental footprint.
• Time management: Choosing the right one can save you time by preventing over-washing and ensuring your clothes are ready when you need them. Plus, using shorter cycles for lightly soiled items can help reduce wear and tear on your clothes.

Improve laundry results by customising wash features

To get the best cleaning performance from your washing machine, take advantage of extra features designed to improve results for different laundry needs:

Adjust spin speed for better drying and fabric protection

Spin speed controls how fast the drum rotates to remove water from clothes. For heavy fabrics like towels and jeans, a higher spin speed helps reduce drying time by removing more water. 

On the other hand, delicate fabrics need a lower spin speed to prevent stretching and fabric damage. Adjusting the spin speed based on fabric type helps protect your clothes and makes drying more efficient. 

Check out more tips to care for your delicates in this video:

Use the pre-wash setting to remove heavy dirt and stains

The pre-wash feature is useful for clothes that are extra dirty or have tough stains. It adds a short wash before the main cycle to loosen dirt, giving you a more thorough clean. 

Use the pre-wash for sportswear, work uniforms, or clothes with visible stains for better results without scrubbing or soaking items by hand. 

Add an extra rinse to remove more detergent

Adding an extra rinse helps remove leftover detergent, which is useful for those with sensitive skin or to prevent detergent buildup on clothes. 

This feature is especially effective for large loads or when you've used more detergent than usual. An extra rinse leaves your clothes feeling softer and cleaner by ensuring all soap is washed out.

Upgrade your laundry days with Electrolux

Electrolux is known for its reliable home appliances that combine advanced technology with gentle fabric care. Their washing machines come equipped with features designed to make laundry day easier while protecting your clothes.

• SensiCare: This technology adjusts the washing time based on the fabric type, preventing clothes from being over-washed and preserving their quality.
• UltraMix: By pre-mixing detergent with water, this feature ensures a thorough clean, even at lower temperatures, helping colours stay vibrant longer.
• SteamCare: Reduces wrinkles and refreshes clothes using steam, which means less time spent ironing and fresher laundry.

Electrolux new Ultimate Care washing machine series comes with advanced features that keep your clothes in top condition while saving energy and water. It’s a smart choice for those looking to simplify laundry care without sacrificing quality.

Experience our premium front-load and top-load washing machines designed to give your bras the gentle, high-quality care they deserve: