Spinning, how hard can you go

Sep 12, 2026

Short answer: Eight hundred to a thousand revolutions is suitable for bamboo viscose. Higher speeds press more creases into the fabric and put more strain on the fibres, while lower speeds mean longer drying.

What spinning does

Spinning throws water out of the fabric and shortens drying time. It is the gentlest mechanical way to remove water, especially compared with a tumble dryer, where heat is also involved. The more water that comes out, the faster clothes dry on the rack. The question is how hard to go.

Why not full speed

At high speeds clothes are pressed hard against the drum wall, and sharp creases form that can be hard to remove. The fibres are also put under more strain. It shows clearly on soft, thicker fabrics, such as bamboo sweatwear, where the creases settle into the surface.

Eight hundred is a good balance

Eight hundred to a thousand revolutions removes most of the water without pressing the fabric more than needed. Clothes come out damp but not dripping and can finish drying on a rack in reasonable time. If your machine has a delicates programme, it often sits in that range already.

Take clothes out straight away

If clothes stay in the drum after spinning, the creases set and the clothes can start to smell. Take them out as soon as the machine finishes and hang them up at once. That also applies to soft items like bamboo sweatshirts for women.

Shake and shape

When clothes come out of the machine, they are pressed together. Shake each item a few times and pull it into shape along the length and at the shoulders. Most creases then disappear on their own as the clothes dry. That often means no ironing is needed afterwards.

Thin fabrics take less

Thin, smooth fabrics are more sensitive than thick ones. They crease easily, and the fibres can suffer from hard spinning. Choose the lower end of the range for thin items like bamboo tops for women. They still dry quickly, as there is less fabric to hold water.

Do not fill the machine completely

A full machine gives more creases, because clothes are pressed into a tight bundle during spinning. With some room in the drum, clothes spread out better and fewer creases form. Fill the drum about three quarters full. Washing and rinsing also improve, as the water can move.

Wet fabric is weaker

Bamboo viscose fibres are weaker when wet. That is why it helps to get the water out before hanging clothes, so the weight does not pull on the fabric. Skipping the spin entirely leaves clothes heavy and prone to stretching. A low spin is better than none.