Does quick wash really work? | Better Homes and Gardens

It’s always tempting to use the quick-wash setting on your washing machine. After all, why choose an hour-long wash when you can do the same job in 30 minutes? But is it actually doing the job well?

“For refreshing clothes without stains, a quick wash is fine,” says Good Housekeeping Institute Director, Trisha Schofield. “But when it comes to anything stained, a full wash is a must, as speed washes run at too low a temperature.”

Want to get the best out of your washing machine? Follow these top tips.

Wash your clothes at 60 degrees celcius if you want to get rid of germs and dust mites. Stick to the high temperature wash for bedding and towels.
Use biological detergent to get rid of stains. Non-biological detergent uses bleach and is less effective at stain removal.
Ensure your washing rinses thoroughly on a quick wash by half-filling the machine and halving your detergent.
Musty smells can build up if you frequently use a fast, low-temperature wash. Every few weeks, run an empty wash on a hot setting with detergent containing bleach, and clean the detergent drawer and rubber ring around the drum.