How Long Does The Quick Wash Cycle Take? (and what it’s for)

All washing machines have a quick wash cycle of one sort or another. Depending on the make and model of your washing machine, the quick wash will run for around 30 to 60 minutes. Although there are some machines that have a 15 minute quick wash cycle.

In this article we take an in depth look at the quick wash cycle and tell you all you need to know to get your laundry done in record time! Keep reading to find out how.

What Is The Quick Wash Cycle?

The quick wash cycle is a cycle that washes clothes quickly. The duration of the quick wash cycle varies from appliance to appliance but typically ranges from 15 to 60 minutes. 

The quick cycle uses less electricity and less water than a regular wash cycle and has a shorter spin cycle as well. It usually runs at temperatures of 40 C or below. Although some machines allow the temperature to be manually altered on a quick wash cycle.

What Are the Pros & Cons Of The Quick Wash Cycle?

Let’s look at the good and bad features of the quick wash to get a better idea of what it’s for.

The Advantages Of A Quick Wash

There are several benefits of using the quick wash cycle which include;

• It’s Great For Getting Clothes Clean In A Hurry
  If you have a particular shirt or blouse that you need to wear for that meeting at work tomorrow, it can be washed in less than an hour which gives it time to dry overnight.
• Perfect For Washing A Few Items
  As the quick wash cycle is designed for washing just a small amount of clothes (typically 1 to 2kg), it’s perfect when you only have a few items that need washing immediately.
• Great For Refreshing Dusty Clothes
  The quick wash isn’t designed to clean extremely dirty clothes. But it’s great for giving dusty clothes a quick refresher to spruce them up.
• Energy Saving
  The quick wash cycle uses far less electricity than a regular wash cycle. It also uses less water too.
• Money Saving
  As this cycle doesn’t use as much water or electricity, it can save you a considerable amount of money over the course of a year.
• Does Less Damage To Clothes
  As the clothes are subjected to a short wash, rinse and spin, they’re less likely to become damaged in the machine.
• Extends The Longevity Of Your Washing Machine
  The quick wash cycle is an extremely short wash cycle which means your machine is running for less time. This means the appliance will last for longer.

The Disadvantages Of A Quick Wash 

The negatives of using the quick wash cycle include;

• Not Designed For A Full Load
  The quick wash cycle runs for less time and uses less water than a regular wash cycle. This means it should never be used for a full load of laundry, just a few bits and pieces. If you were to put a full load in a quick wash, the chances are many items will come out as dirty or even dirtier than they went in.
• Not So Good For Removing Stubborn Stains
  We would never recommend using the quick wash cycle for washing heavily soiled clothes, baby clothes or bedding. The quick wash is typically set at 40 C or below which isn’t hot enough to remove ingrained stains or germs and bacteria.
• The Spin Is Often Not Long Enough
  The spin on a quick wash is quick as well. Which means any thick items may retain more water than they would on a regular spin cycle. If this does happen, you might have to run another spin cycle to remove excess water.
• Soap Suds Sometimes Get Left In The Laundry
  Due to the short rinse and spin time, sometimes soap suds can get left in the clothes. This can increase outbreaks of allergy related rashes for those people with sensitive skin.

How To Get The Best Results When Using A Quick Wash Cycle

To get the best from washing clothes using the quick wash cycle on your washing machine, you should always;

• Refrain from using the quick wash cycle for delicate or hand wash only items
• Never fill the drum to more than 40% capacity
• Always use less detergent than you would with a full wash load
• Be prepared to run an extra spin cycle if necessary

Is Half Load The Same As Quick Wash? (and which is quicker)

No, half load and quick wash are not the same and generally speaking, quick wash is faster. 

Half load is a function that allows washing smaller loads with reduced water and electricity usage. It is ideal for washing a few items without wasting resources. On average, a half load cycle can take around 30 – 45 minutes, but some machines may have shorter or longer durations. 

Quick wash, on the other hand, is a cycle that completes washing faster than a regular cycle, typically taking 15 – 60 minutes again depending on the washer. It is designed for getting clothes clean in a hurry and uses less energy and water. 

With that being said, it’s worth pointing out that quick wash is not suitable for full loads either.

SEE ALSO: Quick Wash Vs Normal Washing Machine Cycle – What’s The Difference?

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