What spin speed in revolutions means

Short answer: The spin speed tells you how fast the drum turns at the end of the wash, when water is flung out of the clothes. A higher number means drier clothes, but also more creases and more wear. For most clothing, a middle setting is the best choice.

What the spin speed measures

Once the wash itself is over, the drum starts turning fast to push the water out of the clothes. The number on the machine shows how many times the drum turns per minute during that phase. It has nothing to do with temperature or detergent, but it affects drying time and how hard the fabric is worked.

Higher speed, drier clothes

At 1400 revolutions more water is pressed out than at 800. Clothes come out lighter and drier and dry faster on the rack or in the dryer. That is useful for thick towels and bedding, but for thin, soft clothing the gain is smaller, because it dries quickly anyway. See bamboo underwear for women.

Higher speed, more creases

The faster the drum spins, the harder the clothes are pressed against its wall. Folds are pushed deep into the wet fabric and set there. The result is creases that can be hard to remove without an iron. A soft fabric meant to drape loosely looks better when it has not been pressed flat. See bamboo sweat for men and women.

Higher speed, more wear

Every time clothes are pressed against the drum, the fibres rub against each other and against the metal. At high speeds this happens with more force. Over many washes it can lead to pilling, thinner fabric and elastic that loses its stretch. You will not see it after one wash, but after a season you often will.

A sensible compromise

800 to 1000 revolutions is dry enough and gentle enough for most everyday clothing. Clothes do not come out dripping, and they are not pressed so hard that creases set in. Many machines have a delicate programme that picks a lower speed on its own, which is a good place to start. See best sellers from Copenhagen Bamboo.

Underwear and socks

Underwear is light and thin and dries quickly however hard it is spun. It does, however, have elastic in the waistband and edges, and elastic does not cope well with being stretched and pressed again and again. A lower spin speed protects the elastic, so briefs and socks keep their shape for longer.

How to set the machine

Most machines let you choose the spin speed separately from the programme. Check the default setting, because many are set high from the factory. Turn it down for soft clothing and up for towels or other thick items that need to dry. It takes a few seconds, and you do not need to change detergent or programme.

After the spin

Take the clothes out as soon as the machine has finished. Clothes lying bunched up in the drum form more creases the longer they stay there. Give each item a gentle shake, ease it into shape, and hang it up or lay it flat. Most creases then drop out on their own while the clothes dry.

Frequently asked questions

What does spin speed mean

It shows how fast the drum turns at the end of the wash. A higher number presses more water out of the clothes, so they dry faster afterwards, but it also puts more strain on the fabric.

What is the right spin speed

800 to 1000 revolutions suits most clothing. A higher speed dries better but gives more creases and more wear on the fibres, especially on soft and thin fabrics.

Should underwear be spun hard

No. Underwear dries quickly anyway because it is light and thin, and a low spin protects the elastic in the waistband, so it keeps its stretch for longer.