04 Dec 2024
So, how long does a load of washing take?
Spoiler alert: there’s no exact answer. BUT if we’re pushed to give one, let’s say 1-2 hours.
The issue is that the length of a wash will actually all depend on the type of cycle you select and your make and model of washing machine.
cycle break down time.
At a glance… how about these 6 basic cycles and their approximate timings.
Why such a broad range of timings?
Because every wash cycle has a different set of requirements with different fabric types having different needs to be met.
cottons.
A laundry load of cottons (think bedding and towels) is usually one of the lengthier cycles on your washing machine. These items benefit from a thorough clean and the longer the time in the machine, the more chance your detergent has to get the job done.
Cotton cycles also need a lot of tumbling around… in washing machine terms that’s called a high agitation wash. This increased amount of movement gives deeper cleaning and better stain removal.
Bedding and towels are some of our dirtiest laundry so it makes sense that the cleaning needs to be thorough. You’ll also probably find the temperature on this wash automatically sets to 60°C and the spin speed is high.
mix/synthetics/normal.
Loads that contain man-made fabrics or a mix of natural materials and synthetics don’t tend to take as long as a cotton cycle.
Anything from 1 to 2 hours is reasonable for this cycle with the time being faster or slower depending on the load size and the options you choose.
Synthetic fabrics absorb much less water than cotton so spin speeds are not important for the wash and because they are more delicate on the whole it's good to choose a cycle that's not going to throw your items around as much as a cotton cycle would.
wool/delicates.
This sort of cycle tends to be shorter in length and by its nature very gentle. You should expect your machine to set at quite a low temperature so that your items are washed very carefully and the spin speed should also be relatively slow.
Remember, if you wash your woollens or delicates on a cycle that is not designed for them, you run the risk of severe damage and shrinkage. Always check your clothing care labels to be sure you have selected the best cycle for your laundry.
eco.
With appliance manufacturers striving to make their more efficient machines and new legislation demanding that they do… the eco cycle is a brilliant way to save money and carbon when we wash our clothes.
One thing you will find when you choose this program is it’s probably one of the longest on your machine. Eco cycles use much less water, cooler temperatures and less energy than the other cycles BUT this means they need a little more time to give you the best results. So you’ll find these programs do last longer.
Remember: when you’re washing on cooler temperatures, you need a high quality detergent like smol laundry capsules or smol laundry liquid that has been formulated to give amazing results even when washing on a 20°C cold wash.
quick.
Quick washes work with around 40% of your washing machine’s capacity but they cut the wash time down so are useful in the case of an emergency and when items are only lightly soiled.
Some quick washes are as short as 15 minutes but most are around half an hour. If you need to wash a full load of laundry (which is always best if you want to save money and energy) this cycle is not going to get your items clean, so it’s not one for your everyday laundry needs.
N.B. If you choose a cycle as short as 15 minutes, capsules and pods may not dissolve in time. And remember, liquids such as Persil Wonder Wash (marketed especially for 15 min washes) can only make their claims when you just wash 1.5kg of clothes. That’s one quarter of a standard load or one sixth of a 9kg drum load… not great for your wallet or the planet.
drum clean.
This cycle on your washing machine is a long one and it is NOT for cleaning clothes.
A drum cleaning program is designed to be run empty, without any laundry in the drum. It will usually take between two and a half to three and a half hours and it will use a lot more water than during your other cycles.
It’s designed to remove mould or dirt that can build up inside the drum and keep the washing machine clean to give you great cleaning results and extend its life.
a real time-saver.
Remember, smol laundry capsules are a great time-saver, with no need to measure out your detergent, just take one and place it in the back of your empty drum before adding your laundry on top.
They’re designed to give wonderfully clean fresh laundry with each of your machine cycles. So if you’ve not had your FREE TRIAL yet… today’s your day!