7 Washing Machine Settings That Will Make Your Life Easier

Washing machines have come a long way in the last few years, and seeing as a new appliance will set you back hundreds or even thousands of pounds, we've come to expect that they will come with the latest features that can make your laundry day as easy as possible.

Knowing what settings your washing machine has can help you make the most of your appliance. Here are 7 settings that could make life easier and help you tackle that laundry pile.

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1. Extra silent setting

Some washing machines now offer this setting for when you want to wash in the evening or overnight, ensuring your machine won't cause keep y0u awake (or your neighbours!).

Sometimes referred to as a 'night wash' setting, this option is particularly handy if you live in a flat/terraced house or have a light sleeper in the house!

2. Time delay

This function allows you to choose when you want your washing machine to start its cycle. Simply place your washing in the drum, add detergent, choose the program you want and select which time you'd like it to begin.

You can typically delay it from 1-24 hours. This way you can coincide your return with the cycle finishing and ensure your clean laundry isn't left festering in the drum for long periods.

3. Spin speeds

Spin speed is an important consideration, as a faster spin could reduce drying time. Typically they range from 1200 - 1600 rpm (revolutions per minute).

If you don't own a tumble dryer or have limited outdoor space to dry your laundry, it is sometimes worth running your clean wash on an extra spin and drain cycle to help remove as much water as possible from your laundry as it will help reduce drying time.

4. Intelligent dosing

Intelligent dosing is a feature to look out as it means the machine has an integrated system that automatically manages liquid detergent and fabric softener.

You simply keep the integrated tanks filled up with the detergent of your choice and the machine measures and dispenses the right amount at the right time, stopping you using too much and wasting money.

5. Delicates and silk programs

It's a common washing machine woe: where we shrink or ruin delicate items after popping them in our washing machine.

Thankfully delicates programs, where items that are recommended for hand-washing only can be safely put in your washing machine, are becoming more common. They often claim to be gentler than washing by hand. Do check if care label instructions allow this and ensure you don't use an enzyme-based detergent.

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6. Quick wash programs

Very handy when you want a quick result for a small amount of laundry. These cycles can pack washing and spinning into shorter program times, some around 15 minutes. Ensure you don't put too much in the drum as it will lengthen the program.

7. Sportswear programs

Ideal for clothes that are sweaty but not heavily soiled. The machine runs a short wash and rinse cycle, and the temperature is also lowered to prevent creases in a typically synthetic garment.

Best washing machines to buy in 2023

Best washing machine

Miele W1 Excellence WEI865

£1,649 at John Lewis

Pros

• Excellent stain removal
• Low energy and water consumption
• Well-designed with thorough instructions and WiFi connectivity

Cons

• Lengthy processes to set up a quick wash or the auto-dosing system

Score: 85/100

Best budget washing machine

Indesit BWE 91485X W UK N

£319 at Very

Pros

• Wide-opening door and drum that easily accommodates a load that's 75% of the machine’s maximum capacity
• Removed over 80% of stains from polycotton and cotton
• Low energy consumption on its quick wash

Cons

• All three cycles we tested consumed a lot of water

Score: 82/100

Best washing machine for stain removal

Bosch Serie 6 WAU28R90GB

£549 at John Lewis

Pros

• Best stain remover on test, eliminating 87% on polycotton and 88% on cotton
• Intuitive design with touch screen controls
• Lots of programmes to choose from including one for sportswear

Cons

• High energy and water consumption on full-length cycles

Score: 79/100

Best washing machine for ease of use

Beko Pro AquaTech B5W5941AW

£423 at Amazon

Pros

• Sturdy appliance with a wide-opening door
• Easy to clean drum and detergent drawer
• Quick wash cycle has a low energy consumption

Cons

• High water consumption

Score: 77/100

Best washing machine for large loads

Haier I-Pro Series 7 HW100-B14979 10kg 1400 Spin

Now 23% Off£499 at AO

Pros

• Fits between five and six kilograms of washing comfortably
• Straightforward controls and instructions
• Its quick wash cycle had the lowest energy consumption of all we tested

Cons

• Its cycle durations were noticeably longer than the claimed times

Score: 77/100