A good washing machine is one that allows you plenty of options when it comes to cycle types and cycle lengths. From hot-water cycles that remove bacteria and germs to cold-water washes that are great for delicates, washing machine users can really benefit from offering more options to users.
Certain washing machine cycles are also great for saving time and money. Many modern washing machines can perform a quick wash, which is a short cycle that takes only around 15 minutes to finish and uses a small amount of water. This option is great for quickly cleaning those bits of laundry you forgot about, or refreshing your regular clothes during the middle of the week.
But will a quick wash cycle actually clean your clothes? Or will it just leave your clothes only half-washed? To get the low-down on the quick wash function found in modern washing machines, make sure to keep reading down below!
Will A 15-Minute Quick Wash Actually Clean Your Clothes?
Quick wash cycles are intended for small laundry loads, and not for your regular weekly laundry loads that may take a little longer to wash.
When washing small loads, a quick cycle is totally adequate. It uses just enough water, at just the right temperature to leave everything fresh. However, if you need to clean stubborn stains, or perform a more in-depth wash, you’ll need to opt for a longer cycle.
Quick wash is a setting that performs only the most basic of cleaning tasks. You should use it to refresh your outfits in the middle of the week, rather than to perform tougher washing tasks.
Quick wash is a cycle that you should use when you are in a rush, or when you need to refresh clothes that you wear frequently. Have a favourite T-shirt that you wish you could wear more than once a week? Throw it into a quick wash cycle!
Does A 30-Minute Quick Wash Clean Clothes?
Absolutely. Many washing machines allow you to perform a quick wash that actually takes 30 minutes, rather than the usual 15 minutes. This means that it is better equipped for fully refreshing your clothes.
Performing a 30-minute wash will also allow you to insert a few more clothes into the drum for a single wash. However, if you need to perform a large weekly wash, it’s best recommended to use an ordinary washing cycle.
30 minutes also still won’t be enough time to fully clean away stubborn stains from your clothes. It’s best to think of the 30-minute quick wash cycle as a supplemental option to complement the 15-second option. It’s simply there if you need to perform a quick refresh on a slightly larger pile of clothes!
Can I Wash Towels For 15 Minutes?
This will depend entirely on how dirty the towels are! Generally, fabrics that see heavy use and heavy exposure to germs should be washed at higher temperatures. These include underwear, bed fabrics, and towels.
If your towels are significantly soiled, it’s best to avoid washing them for only 15 minutes. This simply won’t be enough to clean them significantly.
If you want to save money and use less energy, we would recommend that you wash all of your towels together in a larger single load. Do this at a high temperature, and for a longer cycle. Towels should generally be washed separately from other fabrics, as they have a higher exposure to germs.
If your towel has only been used once, and it has no visible marks or stains, then it may be worth performing a quick 15-minute wash!
Is Quick Wash On A Washing Machine Economical?
You should try to do your best to avoid using the 15-minute quick wash where possible. The option should be used as a backup for situations in which you need to quickly wash certain clothes. Though a 15-minute wash is short, and uses slightly less water, it ultimately proves to be less economically sound in the long run.
It’s more energy-efficient to perform fewer washing cycles, with larger laundry loads each time. Quick washes are generally the antithesis of this.
It’s best to only depend on quick wash as a backup option. If you’ve forgotten to wash a few extra socks, or you need your outfit refreshing right now, then a quick wash would be just right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does A 15 Minute Quick Wash Clean Clothes?
A 15-minute quick wash is absolutely enough to clean your clothes, provided they are not substantially soiled. It’s a great option for refreshing some of your everyday clothes during the middle of the week. However, it’s not intended for substantially stained clothing. To wash regular laundry, you should avoid using the quick wash cycle!
Do Clothes Get Clean On Quick Wash?
Absolutely. Clothes will easily be cleaned in a 15-minute quick wash cycle. However, such a cycle will only perform a very simple wash. In order to wash your clothes substantially, you’ll need to make use of a more extensive wash cycle. Quick wash is best used with simple laundry tasks. Such as refreshing your favourite outfit before heading out for the night!
Is It OK To Always Use Quick Wash?
You should avoid using quick wash every single time you perform a washing task. Quick wash is not economical. It should be used as a last resort to clean up a few stray laundry loads. If you were to perform a quick wash every time you did your washing, it would quickly lead to an increase in energy usage, which would send your bills skyrocketing!
What Temperature Kills Bacteria In A Washing Machine
If you want to clean significantly soiled laundry, or laundry that may be vulnerable to bacteria, you will want to wash it at 60 degrees. This temperature is more than enough to kill bacteria for good. Just be sure not to wash your delicates at too high a temperature. This can lead to shrinkage or other damage to your favourite garments!
