What gentle wash means

Short answer: A gentle wash is a programme with more water, slower drum movement and a lower spin speed. The fabric gets clean without being worn as hard, which makes the programme well suited to soft clothing, underwear and anything with elastic.

More water, less rubbing

Extra water in the drum means the laundry floats instead of rubbing against itself. Mechanical rubbing wears the fibres most, because over time it roughens the surface and loosens fibre ends. With more water, movement is spread out and the fabric is treated more gently, see bamboo slips.

A slower drum

On a gentle programme, the drum turns less often and more slowly than on a normal one. The fabric gets fewer mechanical knocks and is not lifted and dropped as many times. That means less strain on seams and knits, and it is one reason soft clothing keeps its shape better, see bamboo socks.

A lower spin

At the end, the machine spins the laundry to remove water. On a gentle programme, this happens at fewer revolutions. Fewer revolutions mean fewer creases and less strain on seams and elastic. The clothes come out a little wetter, but they dry quickly on a rack, see bamboo hoodie for women.

Do clothes get just as clean

For everyday dirt such as sweat, skin oils and a little dust, clothes get just as clean on a gentle programme. Detergent and water do most of the work. For heavily soiled clothes with mud, grease stains or food, a normal programme is more effective, because the extra movement helps loosen the dirt.

What belongs on a gentle wash

Underwear, thin tops and anything with elastic benefit most from a gentle wash. The elastic thread is stretched and worn with every single turn, so it lasts longer when movement is calmer. The same goes for soft knits that pill easily, and clothes with fine seams or lace.

Temperature and detergent

A gentle wash usually runs at a low temperature, which suits most soft materials. Use a mild detergent and no more than needed, because excess soap is hard to rinse out with fewer revolutions. Skip fabric softener, which can leave a film on the fibres and make an absorbent fabric less absorbent.

Do not fill the machine

A gentle wash only works if the clothes have room to float. If the drum is full, the laundry rubs against itself however much water there is. Fill the machine to about half. Wash small items such as briefs and socks in a laundry bag, so they do not get caught in the rubber seal.

Drying after a gentle wash

After a gentle wash, it makes sense to dry clothes on a rack rather than in the tumble dryer. Shake each garment lightly, pull it into shape and hang it straight away to avoid creases. Knits and heavy items such as hoodies dry best lying flat, so the weight of the water does not stretch them.

Frequently asked questions

What does a gentle programme do

It uses more water, turns the drum more slowly and spins at fewer revolutions, so the fabric wears less while still getting clean.

Do clothes get just as clean

For everyday dirt, yes. For heavily soiled clothes with mud or grease stains, a normal programme is more effective, because it gives more movement.

What should you use a gentle wash for

Underwear, thin tops and anything with elastic. They lose the most from hard mechanical treatment, because the elastic thread is stretched and worn with every single turn.