The gentle cycle, what it is and when you use the programme

Short answer: What is the gentle cycle? It is a wash programme with low temperature, mild movement and low spin speed, which suits delicate clothes. You use it for underwear, knitwear and other items where the label recommends careful treatment.

What the gentle cycle is in practice

What is the gentle cycle when you look at the machine? The programme runs with lower temperature, calmer movement in the drum and lower spin speed. The clothes are therefore worn less, and fibres and elastic are protected. The name of the programme varies from machine to machine, so look in the manual for the symbol or the name.

When you use the programme

Use the gentle cycle for clothes where the label recommends careful treatment, for example fine underwear, knitwear and items with elastic. What is the gentle cycle good for? Anything you want to avoid pulling out of shape. If in doubt, read the care instructions and choose a gentle programme rather than a hard one.

The gentle cycle compared with other programmes

What is the gentle cycle compared with a normal programme? It is milder, but often also longer or uses more water, so the clothes are rinsed carefully. A normal programme is faster and takes harder hold, which suits heavily soiled clothes better. Choose by what the clothes need and not by speed alone.

The gentle cycle and bamboo underwear

Viscose from bamboo is a soft material that many people want to look after. Follow the care label and choose a gentle programme if the label recommends it. Look at our bamboo underwear for women if you want more pieces to rotate between, so they are not washed too often.

Use a laundry bag

A laundry bag makes the gentle cycle even gentler, because the clothes do not rub against other clothes. It also stops small items such as knickers from disappearing in the machine. Do not fill it completely so the water can circulate, and close it before you start the programme.

Detergent and temperature

Choose a mild detergent and dose according to the instructions, as too much can settle in the fabric. The temperature on the gentle cycle is low, and that is usually fine for underwear that is not heavily soiled. Always follow the label, and skip fabric softener if you want to keep the feel of the fabric.

What about drying

After the gentle cycle the clothes are often damper, because the spin is low. Hang them on a rack or lay them flat, and avoid high heat in a tumble dryer unless the label allows it. That way the clothes keep their shape and you do not wear them out unnecessarily.

How to sort for the gentle cycle

Gather delicate clothes in one wash and keep them apart from heavy items such as jeans and towels. Sort by colour too, so light items do not pick up colour. Feel free to combine bamboo knickers and bamboo T-shirts for women in the same gentle wash if the instructions match.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the gentle cycle and a delicates wash

The names are used differently from machine to machine and often mean almost the same. Look in the manual to see what the programmes do, and follow the label in the clothes.

Can I wash underwear on the gentle cycle

Yes, if the label allows it, the gentle cycle is often a good choice for underwear. Feel free to use a laundry bag and a mild detergent.

How warm is the gentle cycle

The temperature is low, but it varies from machine to machine. Check the machine manual and the care label in the clothes.