Washing Machine Cycles Explained - Ariel

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Using a detergent like Ariel Gel can help you see better stain removal results, dissolving at any temperature to work efficiently even at lower wash temperatures.

What’s the right spin speed for my garments?

Selecting the right spin speed can be a juggling act between getting stains out and caring for your clothes. Usually the spin cycle is determined by the wash cycle you pick, but if you have to set the spin cycle on your washer, or you want to customise your cycle, then the general rule of thumb is:

  • More agitation (e.g. cotton cycles) = better cleaning and stain removal, but less fabric care.

  • Less agitation (e.g. delicates) = better fabric care, but less cleaning and stain removal power.

Synthetic fabrics fall more or less in the middle when it comes to picking a spin cycle between the high spin required for cottons, and the low spin needed for delicates.

Mix your own Cycle

Washing Machine Wash Cycle Settings

Washing machines may seem complicated, but the good thing is you have a helping hand from the fabric care labels on the inside of your clothes. Whether you want to pick the fastest washing machine cycle or one that offers a deeper clean, as long as you follow the instructions on the labels and follow our tips on how to do your laundry, you can be sure your clothes will stay looking their best for longer. You can also see our cheat sheet below on different wash cycles, to help you wash your clothes better.

Wash cycleWhen to use itHow it cleans
COTTONSTo remove dirt and stains for durable fabric. i.e. sheets, towels, whites, heavily-soiled items, cotton underwear and socks.• High agitation wash • High-speed spin cycle • Adjustable temperature
SYNTHETICSEveryday washing for synthetic garments with medium soiling. i.e. blended and synthetic fabrics, like polyester, jeans, and jumpers• Medium agitation wash • Low-speed spin cycle • Warm-to-cool temperature
DELICATESGentle cleaning for delicate items. i.e. Lingerie, silk, wool, knits, and other delicate fabrics.• Low agitation wash • Low-speed spin cycle
QUICK WASHEveryday washing that needs to be done quickly, with minimal soiling, but not for delicate garments.• Shortened wash cycle • High-speed spin cycle
HAND WASHGentle cleaning for very delicate, ‘hand wash only’ garments.• Low speeds of agitation • Low-speed spins
Wash temperatureHow and when to use it
HOT WASH 60°C AND ABOVEUse to remove the toughest stains and clean clothes worn by someone who has been sick. Use a powder detergent for the best results.
WARM WASH 40°CWash items that have been in contact with body fluids, such as underwear, on 40°C.
COLD WASH 30°C OR BELOWWash lightly- to moderately-soiled items from your daily laundry load on low temperatures.

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