New Bosch washing machine | 3 hours and 50 minutes cotton cycle | WTF?

@ThisOldThang I don't entirely disagree with you here. Some people also won't buy anything if it isn't eco-friendly or can't say it is eco friendly, so there is pressure on manufacturers from different directions, including the ones you have said, to come up with the goods. But I would also add that technology has moved on since older tests and research and I don't agree with you that now it is impossible to get a well cleaned wash in a newer washing machine.

Like many are saying here, there are other programmes which are not making the claim they are eco-friendly and can be done in shorter time scales while still giving good results. As I said in my previous post, do you not have the option to play around with the different programmes and find something that suits you? My 3 week old Beko - same idea as the Bosch - Does have super-quick options which most of the time I won't use as I think they aren't long enough, and the eco programmes are much too long and can't be reduced. But the cottons, synthetics and mixed fabrics ones are very adjustable for temperature, spin speed and time of the wash. Average time when set the way I want is about 1 hor 30 minutes

@ThisOldThang I don't entirely disagree with you here. Some people also won't buy anything if it isn't eco-friendly or can't say it is eco friendly, so there is pressure on manufacturers from different directions, including the ones you have said, to come up with the goods. But I would also add that technology has moved on since older tests and research and I don't agree with you that now it is impossible to get a well cleaned wash in a newer washing machine.

Like many are saying here, there are other programmes which are not making the claim they are eco-friendly and can be done in shorter time scales while still giving good results. As I said in my previous post, do you not have the option to play around with the different programmes and find something that suits you? My 3 week old Beko - same idea as the Bosch - Does have super-quick options which most of the time I won't use as I think they aren't long enough, and the eco programmes are much too long and can't be reduced. But the cottons, synthetics and mixed fabrics ones are very adjustable for temperature, spin speed and time of the wash. Average time when set the way I want is about 1 hor 30 minutes

I bought a top of the range Bosch and my previous Boschs and Mieles have all been fine.

As this thread has noted, washing machines in general have shifted onto longer cycles.

If you keep pressing the spin speed it will go back to the top. I always spin my washing at 1400 rpm.

Like a PP my default wash cycle is the mixed load one, but I like to run a longer hotter one for bedding and towels.

I never use laundry liquid either. A combination of laundry liquid and low temperature washes isn't good for washing machines

I also run a drum clean regularly to prevent detergent build up and mould.

Our washer is just over a year old. I replaced it when our old 21 year old Bosch washer died mid wash. I bought a Best Buy recommended by Which? and have been very pleased with it. It's a Bosch WGG24400GB.

My Bosch has a 40 degree mixed cycle. It lasts an hour. I use it for everything bar delicates and when I need to blast the bed linen at 60.

And trying to find the information on cycle lengths is near impossible.

This is why I am sitting at ex's using his machine.

Need a new one and it's too difficult to work out which machine I need for a short cycle. Live in a flat so the damn thing needs to be off by 9.30. You just can't fit in a long wash in the evening.

Yes they provide an eco wash. You are not obliged to use it

I use the multi fabric option for pretty much everything and just alter the temp. It's about 1.5 hours.

I don’t watch the washing machine but I can’t concentrate on tv or a book when it’s on its final spin

You've clearly bought the wrong washing machine for your needs then

To be fair, it's not exactly easy to check these things out before purchase. The details of which cycles are offered and how long they are are never displayed on the websites. Sometimes you can download the manuals from the manufacturer's website but it's a huge PITA to do this and they don't always have all cycles listed anyway. They aren't usually plugged in in the shop for you to cycle through the options and see what is offered. Or they can tell that the water isn't plumbed in/are waiting to weigh the load so they don't display times anyway. The EU energy sheet only gives certain details. I found it really difficult to find out actually useful information about different models last time I bought a washing machine, there is lots of marketing fluff about what new features each model has, none of which are usually of any interest for the practical use of the machine.

I can see the PP's point because the cycles she's mentioned used to be much more standard on every machine.

It's not more efficient because it heats the water slowly - as said that makes no difference.

It's more efficient because heating water is the most energy intensive process in the wash cycle, so if you reduce the amount of water used, you reduce the energy needed massively.

However, less water means longer periods of soaking and agitation are needed in order to get the clothes as clean. The longer cycles really do use less though - if you have a smart meter or one of those plug things that measures energy use this is really clear to see. It surprised me because I was also sceptical, assuming that spinning a big heavy load of washing would use much more electricity than heating up some water, but apparently not.

There is often a button somewhere in the cycle options, where the buttons are to select things like spin speed, water temp, add rinse etc, which will speed up the cycle using more water (and therefore power) but less time. This should not reduce the load capacity - check the manual. If you want to reduce energy use on a shorter cycle, choose a lower temperature. Often a lower temp shortened cycle is less energy intensive than a higher temp long cycle.

Using a designated "quick wash" will often give you poor cleaning results as those are meant for smaller loads and/or less dirty clothing.

Personally I don't mind a long cycle, it's not like it makes a difference to me unless I need to put several loads through in one day or the noise will be disturbing. I just stick it on and let it do its thing. Doesn't make much of a difference if it takes 1 hour or 4.

I agree the apps are pointless. The app on mine doesn't even let you change anything. You can download new cycles but only one at a time, and it will overwrite the rinse + spin cycle - which, WTF. Why wouldn't it override something more niche, like sportswear or duvets?? I didn't even bother to reinstall it when I got a new phone.

So you bought the wrong machine for your needs then?

Why should I have to buy a new washing machine and add yet another app to my phone to achieve basic functionality that used to be standard in previous machines I’ve had,

Lucky you, my shortest is 1 hr 48, The there’s 2 hrs, 2 hr 20 and 3 hrs 20.

Don’t have a quick wash function other than short wash

There’s not really tons of water falling from the sky. Our climate is getting drier and drier. Coupled with the fact that our population has increased but we’ve not invested in new reservoirs etc.

it’s a long cycle if you put it on in the morning and want to hang it out whilst it’s dark. So the best solution is to put it on a few hours delay last thing at night.

I know old habits die hard but you gotta try to roll with the times. As stated above a lot of research goes into these cycles.

If there aren't enough options on the washing machine then you need to get a smart one. You can tweak the settings on the app to suit you

Well think about it a bit harder then. You have a thread of women telling you they don’t want 3 hour + cycles and you’re lecturing them you know better..

I'm quite happy with a 3 hours plus cycle because that's not the only option. Have just put it on - mixed load, 40c, 1hr 19 mins. As @wheresmymojo says there are options within that setting - quick/standard/eco, 40c, 30c, 20c, cold. Spin speed selection.

You’ve missed my comments on quick wash.

In fact there are, what, probably ten or twelve settings you can use and by the time you add in that you can probably (depending on model) also vary your spin speed, whether you have a pre-wash, an extra rinse/spin cycle and temperature outside of the standard settings the average washing machine has just about as much flexibility as you can build into it.

Theres something like 5,000 different combinations between the standard settings and these independent dials.

No-one forces anyone to use the Eco mode. I’m simply explaining the benefits of it vs a quick wash. If you don’t care about those benefits, I’m not coming to your house and taking the quick wash option away.

Good grief.

I always set mine to the temperature I want and then use a timer for 40 minutes approx and then turn off and put back onto rinse and spin. I have been doing this for the duration of owning this machine which must be 13 years old now.

Well think about it a bit harder then. You have a thread of women telling you they don’t want 3 hour + cycles and you’re lecturing them you know better..

As I said above quick wash cycles are often too quick - on my Bosch it’s 15 mins. It needs to be flexible so you can choose a quick wash for 15, 30, 45, 60 mins, And I need a soak cycle, so I’m not putting things in bowls. And fewer interminably long cycles that never get used.

Absolutely 💯