Experts say these are the washing machine cycles you should be using

The best washing machines have specialized cycles designed to handle everything from delicate fabrics to bulky bedding. We've tapped the pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute, and these are the washing machine cycles experts say you should use.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we've been testing washing machines since the first model was sold commercially in 1907. Our pros know which settings can actually deliver the results you want, whether you're dealing with sweaty gym clothes, a delicate silk dress, a big load of towels, or anything else.

Keep reading to find out more about the washing machine cycles that can keep your items looking their best.

Pre-Soak (or Pre-Wash)

The pre-soak cycle is exactly what it sounds like: a special setting that soaks your laundry in water and detergent before the main wash begins. It’s ideal for heavily soiled items like muddy sports uniforms, dingy towels, grayed-out whites or linens with dried-on stains.

Though it varies by model, the pre-soak typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes and may include some gentle agitation to help loosen dirt and grime. Typically, you also add detergent or a special pre-soak solution during this step to help break down stubborn stains. Once the soak is complete, your washer will automatically drain the dirty water, sometimes spin briefly, and then transition directly into the main wash.

Speed Wash

Pressed for time? Speed wash (sometimes labeled quick wash) is a great option for lightly soiled items that need a refresh — like a shirt you wore for an hour or a towel you used to wipe up some spilled water. It can also be used for small loads of more heavily soiled items, like sports uniforms. Just be sure to adjust the water temperature and soil level options accordingly. And don’t overload the drum or use it for heavy-duty loads, otherwise, the clothes may not get thoroughly cleaned.

Colors

Similar to the permanent press cycle you may find on older machines, this cycle typically uses cooler water and a gentler spin to help preserve color vibrancy, prevent fading or bleeding, plus minimize wrinkling. It’s ideal for wardrobe staples like jeans and anything else that’s not quite delicate but still deserves a little more care than your average item.

Bulky or Bedding

This setting is made for larger, heavier items that absorb a lot of water, such as pillows, comforters, puffy coats, sleeping bags and filled items that need extra time and a medium spin to prevent flattening. It also typically uses more water and has a longer wash time to ensure everything inside the drum gets fully saturated and rinsed.

Delicates

This cycle is gentler on fabrics since it uses a softer wash action, lower water temperature, and a slower spin speed. On some machines, it may also be shorter than other cycles. Use it for items like lingerie, washable silk or anything with lace or embellishments.

Sanitize

This longer, high-temperature cycle, which often uses steam, is designed to kill bacteria and allergens, making it ideal for heavily soiled items like workout gear, kitchen or bath towels and anything else that’s been exposed to germs, like if you or someone else in your house is sick. Just don't use it on everyday loads or delicate items since it uses extra-hot water and an extended wash time.

Rinse and Spin

If you already sent clothes through the wash, but something’s not quite right — maybe detergent didn’t rinse out completely or maybe the clothes sat too long in the machine — the rinse and spin cycle basically repeats the final stage of a wash to freshen the load without starting from scratch. It's also useful for hand-washed items that just need a final rinse or extra water removal.

Self-Clean (or Tub Clean)

This one isn’t for your clothes — it’s for your machine. Run the self-clean cycle, sometimes called tub clean, about once a month. This dedicated washer cleaning cycle presets the time, agitation and water temperature to remove detergent buildup, mildew and odors from inside the drum. If recommended by the manufacturer, you can add bleach; otherwise, add a washing machine cleaning powder, like GH Seal Star Tide Washing Machine Cleaner or affresh tablets.