It’s always tempting to use the quick-wash setting on your washing machine. After all, why choose an hour-long wash when you can do the same job in 30 minutes? But is it actually doing the job well?
“For refreshing clothes without stains, a quick wash is fine,” says Good Housekeeping Institute Director, Trisha Schofield. “But when it comes to anything stained, a full wash is a must, as speed washes run at too low a temperature.”
Want to get the best out of your washing machine? Follow these top tips.
- Wash your clothes at 60 degrees celcius if you want to get rid of germs and dust mites. Stick to the high temperature wash for bedding and towels.
- Use biological detergent to get rid of stains. Non-biological detergent uses bleach and is less effective at stain removal.
- Ensure your washing rinses thoroughly on a quick wash by half-filling the machine and halving your detergent.
- Musty smells can build up if you frequently use a fast, low-temperature wash. Every few weeks, run an empty wash on a hot setting with detergent containing bleach, and clean the detergent drawer and rubber ring around the drum.
This article originally appeared on Better Homes And Gardens.
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