Many people think the quick wash setting on a washing machine is the best choice. They believe it saves
energy, water, and detergent. It also keeps laundry clean. But is this true?
With today’s modern washing machines, there are many wash cycle options available. It’s important to find out
if shorter cycles really use less energy. You should also know if they reduce the cleaning power.
The Energy Saving Trust says that washing at a lower temperature and using the correct cycle can greatly reduce energy bills. However, the quick cycle is
not always the best choice for saving energy.
1. What is a Quick Wash
Cycle and How Does it Work?
A quick wash cycle cleans your clothes much faster. It usually takes about 15 to 30 mins. A normal wash
cycle, on the other hand, takes between 45 to 90 mins.
How Quick Wash Cycles Work
Use less water compared to a standard cycle.
Run at a higher spin speed to get rid of excess water more quickly.
Choose cooler water, usually between 30-40°C, instead of hot water to save energy.
Create less agitation to lower the risk of damage to delicate garments.
Best for: Lightly used clothes, favourite shirts, and colours that need a revival instead of
a thorough cleaning.
Not good for: Bedding, heavily soiled garments, or getting rid of dust mites from fabrics.
Potential savings: If you use a quick wash cycle instead of a regular cycle for light
laundry, you could save about £10-£20 each year on your energy bills.
2. Does a Quick Wash Save Energy?
Many people think that a quick wash setting always saves
electricity. However, how much electricity it uses depends on the type of laundry and the machine
settings.
When a Quick Wash Saves Energy
✅ Uses less water than a regular cotton cycle, reducing water consumption.
✅ Ideal for small, lightly soiled loads, meaning you don’t waste energy on unnecessary washing.
✅ A shorter spin cycle means the washing machine doesn’t run as long, reducing overall energy consumption.
When a Quick Wash Uses More Energy
❌ Higher spin speeds in some machines can increase energy use.
❌ May require a second wash for heavily soiled garments, using more energy and detergent overall.
❌ Doesn’t always allow for eco mode, which uses less electricity over a longer time period.
Potential savings: If used correctly, a quick wash cycle can reduce energy consumptionby up to 30% compared to a
hotter wash on a standard cycle.
One of the main benefits of a quick wash setting is that it uses less water for each cycle.
Water Consumption by Cycle Type
Quick wash: It uses 40-50% less water than a normal cycle.
Regular cycle: It uses more water but cleans clothes better.
Eco mode: It uses less water than both quick wash and regular cycle, but it takes longer to complete.
When to Use a Quick Wash
for Water Savings
If you are washing a few items that don’t need a deep clean.
When you want to save water in the summer months.
For coloured garments that do not need higher temperatures.
Potential savings: If UK households use shorter wash cycles with lower temperatures, they could save about
10,000 litres of water each year.
4. Does a Quick Wash Remove Stains
and Germs?
Shorter wash cycles might not work well for very dirty laundry. They do not give enough agitation to remove
tough stains and allergens.
How Quick Wash Affects Cleaning
Power
Cooler water (30°C) is less effective at removing stains like oil, grease, or mud.
Shorter wash cycles don’t give enough soaking time for detergents to break down stains.
Dust mites and allergens are not fully removed unless washed at 60°C or higher.
Best Alternative: Use a standard cycle at 40°C or an eco mode wash if washing bedding, towels, or underwear
to ensure hygienic results
5. Quick Wash vs. Eco Mode: Which is
Better?
Many new washing machines have an eco mode. This mode uses less electricityand water. However, it takes
longer than the quick wash cycle.
Quick Wash vs. Eco Mode Comparison
Feature
Quick Wash Cycle
Eco Mode
Time
15-30 mins
1.5 – 3 hours
Water Usage
Less water
Minimal water
Energy Use
Can use more energy if spin speed is high
Uses less electricity
Best For
Light loads
Full loads
Worst For
Bedding, towels, and heavily soiled items
Fast cleaning needs
Potential savings: By using eco mode instead of quick wash, you could lower your energy
bills by £30-£50 each year. However, this amount depends on your specific needs for your laundry routine.
When to Use a Quick Wash and
When to Avoid It
A quick wash setting can help save time, energy, and water. However, it may not be the best option for every
kind of laundry.
When to Use a Quick Wash
✅ Lightly worn clothes that just need refreshing.
✅ Workwear, gym clothes, or everyday shirts with no visible stains.
✅ Coloured laundry that doesn’t require a hotter wash.
When NOT to Use a Quick Wash
❌ Bedding, underwear, and towels that need a deep clean.
❌ Heavily soiled garments that require stain removal.
❌ Household linen or fabrics needing hot water washing.
By picking the best wash cycle for each load, you can save energy and water. This choice helps you get clean
clothes and still have good results.
FAQs About Quick Wash
Cycles and Energy Efficiency
Does a quick wash cycle
use less energy?
A quick wash usually uses less electricity and water compared to a normal cycle. This is true
when you wash light loads. However, if your laundry is heavily soiled, it might need extra
washing. This will increase energy consumption.
Is a quick wash better
for the environment?
Not always. Even though it uses less water, it might not clean clothes completely. This could
mean you need to wash them again. Using eco mode is a better choice for less impact on the
environment.
Can a quick wash kill
germs and allergens?
Most quick wash cycles use water at 30°C. This temperature is not hot enough to get rid of dust
mites, bacteria, and germs. For a clean and safe wash, it is best to wash bedding and towels at
60°C.
Does a quick wash damage
clothes less?
Shorter wash cycles cause less agitation. This means they can reduce damage to delicate fabrics.
Fabrics like wool and acrylics, as well as sensitive skin garments, are protected better.
What
is the best washing machine setting for energy savings?
For most laundry, the best option is to use eco mode set at 30-40°C. This choice saves energy and
reduces water waste. It also makes your clothes cleaner than a quick wash cycle.
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