How long does a washing machine wash: an overview of different cycles

Most modern washing machines, regardless of the type of load, have approximately the same set of functions and operating modes. Modes may differ in names (for example, “Fast”, “Mini”, “Express” are the names of the quick wash function of washing machines from different manufacturers), but in principle they are almost the same for all models. Most models have the ability to wash without spinning, as well as rinse modes with spin and just spin. In addition, many machines have a soaking function that precedes the main wash. From this article you will find out how long it takes to wash a washing machine.

What factors determine the washing time in a washing machine?

Let's look at this issue using a practical example (if your washing machine has a digital time display, then you can easily experiment without turning on the machine).

So, let’s turn on the “Cotton” mode - it is available on most models (further the indicators will be given for the “VEKO” washing machine; for others they will not be much different).

What do we see?

• total time: 1h.57m;
• temperature: 60^OWITH;
• spin: 1000 rpm.

Let's set the temperature to 90 ^OC. We see that the process time has increased to 2h.26m. At t=40 ^OTime will decrease to 1h.37m, at t=30 ^OFrom – until 1h.32m.

Let's change the spin parameters.What do we see? When changing the number of revolutions, the total time does not change; it decreases only if the spin is turned off altogether.

Let's turn on the additional "Soak" function. The total time increased from 1.57 to 2.14.

Thus, using the example of one mode, we saw that its duration strongly depends on the heating temperature of the water, increases with the inclusion of the additional “Soaking” function and is absolutely independent of the number of revolutions during the spin cycle.

Of course, in machines from other manufacturers, the spin time may increase with increasing speed, but 2-5 minutes will not save anyone. In addition, it should be mentioned that the duration of the wash does not depend on the load on the drum; in some new models, the weight of the loaded laundry affects the consumption of water and detergent.

In the “Cotton” mode, it is recommended to wash cotton, linen and similar fabrics, or, more simply, fabrics that can be washed in very hot water and wring out well. When turning on the “Soak” function, do not forget to pour the powder into the appropriate powder section (read the instructions for your washing machine).

Let's look at other basic washing modes that are available on almost all machines.

The “children's underwear” mode has approximately the same characteristics - after all, children's clothes should be washed carefully and carefully, every mother knows this.

By the way, these modes include a pre-washing or soaking function, and for this you need to specifically pour the powder into the appropriate section of the powder tray, as mentioned above. If you don’t do this, then for the first half hour your things will simply be rinsed in warm water.

Let's look at other most common operating modes of modern widespread washing machines:

1. Synthetic fabrics – lasts 1.5-2 hours, temperature limit 40^OC, and you cannot add the temperature manually, as in the “Cotton” mode;
2. Wool or silk – duration about 50 minutes, spin limit – 600 rpm;
3. Handwash – lasts about an hour, heating limit – up to 30^OC, spin – 600 rpm.

Quick wash

Separately, I would like to dwell on the “fast” mode – aka “Express”, aka “Mini”. Depending on the set temperature, the washing time in the washing machine ranges from 15 minutes to 1 hour.

The advantage is that the time required is relatively short. Unfortunately, fast does not mean quality. Even if you set the temperature to high, it will not give a strong effect, since the time is very much reduced, and rinsing occurs only once.

Very often, after the “fast” mode, you have to additionally turn on the rinse, since traces of powder remain on things. Moreover, the author of the article checked this fact on several models from different manufacturers.

Thus, “Express” is absolutely not a godsend for young mothers, as some manufacturers and Internet resources advertise it. The fast mode is convenient in cases where you need to “wash” practically uncontaminated items of clothing - T-shirts, T-shirts, socks, etc.

By the way, the fast mode is great for washing shoes - sneakers, moccasins, etc.

How to reduce washing time?

1. As mentioned above, washing time significantly depends on the heating temperature of the water, so set the maximum temperature only in exceptional cases. For cotton, linen and similar fabrics, 60 is quite enough^OWITH.
2. For the “quick” wash mode, do not set the temperature above 40^OC, since heating water is absolutely pointless - the program is too short, and you will spend extra time and money on electricity.
3. If you know at what temperature a particular item should be washed, at what speed it should be spun, and whether pre-soaking is necessary, then you can easily adjust the necessary washing parameters on the same “Cotton” mode, and the time will be optimal. After all, most modes are just variations to lure the buyer.
4. Try using a delayed start - it is not necessary to let the machine wash when you are at home. The main thing is to be there when the laundry is washed so that it can be hung to dry. For example, you can set a timer in the evening so that you can take out the laundry when you wake up. Or vice versa, set the timer in the morning so that the machine finishes washing when you come home from work.
5. One of the cases of increasing washing time can be called “overwashing”.In order not to waste time on re-washing, you need to choose the right operating mode - it is better to wait an extra 20 minutes than to re-wash for an hour and a half with the appropriate state of mind. As already mentioned, very often after the express mode, powder stains remain on things, so it is better to immediately set it to re-rinse - you will save time and your nerves.

And a couple more tips. Before putting bulky and poorly waterproof things in the drum of the washing machine, for example, a nylon jacket, a down jacket, a pillow, I would advise you to pre-wet them, especially if the washing machine is small. The fact is that such things in dry form take up the entire cavity of the drum, do not get wet, and the ribs of the drum do not mix them.

In order for the laundry to always be perfectly clean, use high-quality detergents - powders, gels, conditioners. Bad powder is not only unwashed items, but also the appearance of new stains that are removed by repeated rinsing. It is better to use liquid gel - pour it directly into the drum along with the laundry.