Today, more than ever, it is difficult to choose a washing machine, as the market offers a very large selection.
And to make this choice correctly, you need to know not only the program icons, but also what they mean.
Let's discuss the delicate wash cycle, when to use it, and what it means.
Description of the delicate wash function
On a washing machine, the "Delicate wash" sign is often confirmed by the inscription 30 degrees Celsius.
Most often, delicate fabrics are washed at this temperature. Silk, satin, some blends, and synthetics are among these fabrics.
To preserve the natural color of your garment, our washing machines use a lower water temperature. This mode allows for the smallest possible load, typically between 1.5 and 2.5 kg, depending on the maximum load capacity of the model.
Also, delicate washing requires more water than regular washing, resulting in a smaller number of items being washed in more water and not wrinkled.
If we're talking about delicate washing, we need to talk about the right detergent, as simply setting the right setting on your machine isn't enough to achieve maximum results. Using the wrong detergent can ruin your precious item.
This is interesting! The drum rotates more slowly during washing. Items move smoothly from side to side. In this mode, spinning occurs at low speeds or is completely absent.
Conditions for delicate washing
Here are some requirements for delicate washing:
- The product should dissolve well in water and be rinsed out of fabrics, which means it is best to use gels;
- It should not contain aggressive substances, such as chlorine, enzymes, etc.;
- Maintain the color range of fabrics;
- Have a pleasant smell;
- Make products soft and silky.
Gentle washing on machines from different brands
One way or another, the delicate wash symbol is found on washing machines from different companies.
Manufacturers don't always use the "Delicate Wash" label, but that doesn't mean they don't offer similar wash programs. The icons may also vary.
But first things first. Here are some examples.
Ariston
Washing machines of this brand have two very similar washing modes:
- hand wash,
- delicate fabrics.
Washing for delicate fabrics lasts half an hour longer and washes your clothes very carefully and gently in a large volume of water.
Hand wash mode It happens faster, but things are also washed very carefully.
In practice, these two programs emphasize soaking rather than mechanical action. In the photo, you can see the symbols used to mark these programs on the control panel.
Ardo
Models produced under this brand, just like washing machines from the manufacturer Ariston, have two delicate wash symbols on the control panel.
- One of them means "hand wash" (a cup with a hand dipped in it).
- The second one means “delicate fabrics” (bird feather).
The Ardo machine operates in the same way as the Ariston machine, so it seems that they were made by the same specialists.
Bosch
Washing machines of this brand have an icon that represents a summer dress. What does this image on the control panel mean?
This, it turns out, is the very same delicate wash, and this mode is used not only when we need a machine analogue of hand washing, but also when we need to wash items made of light (delicate) fabrics, such as satin, blended fabrics or silk.
Nowadays, modern Bosch washing machines also feature a hand wash symbol. However, on these washing machines, all the symbols are clearly labeled, so there's no need to guess.
Electrolux
Electrolux washing machines have three programs, all similar in their delicate wash cycle. This means there will be three icons, too.
In the photo you can see three washing modes:
- hand wash (cup with hand in it),
- delicate fabrics (butterfly),
- delicate fabrics (flower painted).
The only difference between these programs is the washing time. The longest and most gentle cycle is "Delicates." Lightweight items follow, and finally, hand wash is the fastest of all the programs.
Zanussi
Automatic washing machines of this brand have four programs similar to the delicate wash program.
Two types of hand wash (at 30 degrees and in cold water).
And two more types of delicate washing (at 40 and 30 degrees).
A unique selection of programs allows you to precisely customize your washing machine settings for specific items, ensuring they won't be damaged.
When should you use the delicate wash cycle in a washing machine?
This washing mode is used for everything. This mode washes:
- Items made from thin fabrics, such as silk shirts, blouses, and so on;
- Various tulle, curtains, drapes;
- Items made of cashmere and wool, if there is no “Wool” mode;
- Underwear;
- Clothes made from viscose;
- Converse and other sneakers made of fabric;
- Synthetic pillows and soft children's toys;
- You can also wash a bamboo or synthetic blanket if there is no special setting.
To summarize, this mode erases everything that is “afraid” of high water temperatures and fast rotation.
Almost all automatic washing machines have this mode. But even if it doesn't, there's a similar one. Hopefully, you now know enough about delicate washing and similar modes.
