The Problem With The Quick Wash Setting On Your Washer (& When It's Actually Useful)

If we're being honest, we've all been tempted by that little "Quick Wash" label on our washers. After all, why wouldn't we want our clothes cleaned faster? While the typical wash cycle can take up to an hour to complete, the quick wash setting on your washing machine is designed to finish that load in as little as 15 minutes. How does it cut down the cleaning clock? It uses a shorter wash time, less water, and a higher spinning speed. Seems like a win all around, right? Not necessarily. Just because the quick wash cycle finishes faster doesn't mean it's doing the job as well.

Here's the problem with the laundry quick wash setting: It may not be cleaning your fabrics as well as you think it is. That faster wash time means less opportunity for the machine to agitate the materials to break down dirt, stains, bacteria, and oils. This is especially true when it comes to heavily soiled clothes, like your kid's football jersey or your favorite gym shirt. Fabrics might smell fresh initially, but they could still be harboring some lingering bacteria from sweat and other grime. You want your clothes to look and feel their best, and frequent quick wash uses might not get them there. While this setting is convenient for your dream laundry routine, it's not intended for your everyday use or for cleaning those seriously soiled garments. 

So, should you avoid the quick wash cycle completely? Not necessarily. This washing machine setting does actually have its place. For example, if you've got a small load of fabrics that aren't all that dirty — like your guest bathroom's towels or your pajamas — this setting is perfect. It's also a handy go-to when you've forgotten a load in the washer and you want to refresh it to get a mild musty smell out of the clothes (we've all been there). Of course, if you're in a hurry and need a specific outfit cleaned pronto, quick wash cycles can be your hero. In these scenarios, this setting is perfectly fine to use, and you may even save on both water and energy.

When you decide to choose the quick wash setting, though, there are a few things to keep in mind that will make it more effective at cleaning your fabrics. First, make sure you use a high-quality detergent that dissolves quickly in the water. Also, use hot or warm water when possible to help dissolve the detergent and clean the clothes better — just double check the labels on your clothes first. Whatever you do, though, don't overload the washer when you're using the quick wash cycle. This setting is only for small loads, and piling in too many items will inevitably mean your clothes won't be as clean. When used wisely, your washer's quick wash cycle can make your life easier and your to-do list shorter, which is everyone's goal, right?