30 minute wash cycle - yay or nay?

[EmmaGrundyForPM]

Very boring I know!

Our washing machine has a 30 minute option, at 30C. This is what I use for 90% of the washing. DH washes everything on the "normal" programmes which I think is a waste of time and energy. He thinks the "quick wash" options are for things that have barely been worn. I think it's for everything except towels and heavily soiled items.

Does anyone else use the 30 minute/quick wash programme as their default?

I use it for lighter loads on occasion. I wouldn't use it routinely. Not least as I'm not sure it's amazing for the machine and it doesn't rinse the clothes as well

No your DH is right. 30 mins at 30 degrees is for things that just need a freshen up. Everything else needs a stronger wash - especially things with bacteria such as underwear and towels. I do those on a 60 and most other things on a 40.

All my machines the instructions have emphasized the quick wash is for just a few lightly soiled items needed in an emergency- not a regular wash. The much longer eco cycle normally uses less electricity (but it will hopefully detail this at the end of the instructions)

We do, our clothes only need freshening up. I’m with you

Bed covers are done on a long wash

I use mine regularly - although on 40 degrees. I have 15/30/45 min options and use them all.
Bedding, towels or anything really dirty get longer, and often hotter, washes.

30-min wash is for items that aren't really dirty (and therefore should you really be wasting energy washing them?)

I'm with your DH - normal programme is needed for most loads.

Also do a 90 degree wash around once a month, keeps the machine healthy.

I was surprised to discover that quick wash on modern washing machines uses a lot more electricity than the normal washes. I still use it for most clothes but add disinfectant because quick wash is only low temperature.

I have a 16 minute quick wash, it's been useful on the off emergency but I do most on a standard 40 wash and run a hot cotton wash empty once a month.

I don't use the eco washes because they are ridiculously long. One is over 4 hours.

This is interesting. I am a quick wash person
I will stop
Now

I use for everything but towels and bedding. Never had an issue always come out clean and smelling nice

Looks like I'm in the wrong!

I'm going to hate telling DH he's right 🤣🤣

I only use the 30 min wash for small loads of tops that need freshening up. We live in a hard water area and I find it isn't good enough for things that are actually dirty.

I use the eco wash setting (unless it something that needs a different setting) - takes nearly 3 hours however it uses a lot less water. I put it on in the morning on one of my WFH days and hand it out at lunch time.

I was finding that my washing just wasn't getting completely clean, but then realised that I was only ever using a quick cycle (1 hour). There was a thread on here about why they're not great! Since using the proper wash cycles (around 2 hours 30 minutes) I've noticed a huge difference.

Quick washes generally use more power and more water and have a very low minimum load capacity. Overloading reduces the lifespan of the machine and is more likely to result in things not being properly rinsed so clothing etc may not last as long and might result in skin irritations.

I generally use a 90 minute mixed load cycle for clothes. Towels and bedding at 60° take about 2.5 hours. If I'm not in a hurry I use the eco setting which takes even longer.

I have a 15 minute quick wash that I'll use if I need something (i.e., one thing) washed quickly.

The rinsing is a bit rubbish on the quick wash.

Quick wash functions don't allow for a full load. It's usually only for a quarter of a normal full load. 40 degrees for everyday

I'm starting to think that maybe I should read the manual.....

Yeah the amount of time I spent constantly looking at which temps for which loads when I first got it was ridiculous 🤣

My ones got a mixed colours setting which only takes 1.5 hrs at 40 which is better than usual 2.5-3hrs. see if you got same setting op

Eeeep. Is is the time or the temperature that is the problem?

I wash all clothes on 30º, 30 mins quick cycle, with the machine half-full. I think stuff is clean but I'm having second thoughts now.

If you've got an 'eco' option, that will use even less electricity/water than the 'normal' programme. It will take a lot longer, but will cost you less.

Unless you're someone who has to do ALL their washing on the same day every week, or who is inclined to wait around for it to be finished (neither of which I can get my head around, but horses for courses and all that...) then put it on eco and save a bit of money.

The short programme can be a lifesaver when you need something quickly, but it shouldn't be the 'go to'. I'm always amazed at how many people use it as the default though.

No
Pant's definitely need a 40
Found 30 on a short wash doesn't desolve the pod

Quick washes use more agitation, which means they use more energy. Eco washes are much longer as there is less agitation but far more soaking to get the dirt out.

Think of it this way - what takes more energy to scrub - a pot that's got baked on food, or the same pot that's been soaked for an hour or so?