What does the “Delicate Wash” icon mean?

A large number of functions and programs in washing machines leave the user with a choice. To make this choice correctly, you need to not only know the program icons, but also their purpose. Let's talk about the "Delicate Wash" mode, what it means and in what cases it should be used.

Function description

Delicate wash icon on the washing machine, which is most often accompanied by the inscription 30⁰. It is at this temperature that delicate fabrics are washed. Such fabrics include silk, satin and synthetics, and some mixed fabrics.

The reduced temperature of water heating allows you to preserve the color of delicate fabric, extending the service life of the product. The loading of the washing machine drum in this mode is the smallest, varying between 1.5 -2.5 kg depending on the maximum load of the washing machine. Another feature of washing is water consumption. It is used a little more. As a result, a small number of items are washed in a large amount of water without wrinkles.

Drum rotation is slow during washing. The items in the drum rotate smoothly from side to side. In this mode, spinning occurs at low speeds or is absent altogether.

Speaking about delicate washing, we need to talk about laundry detergent. After all, to achieve maximum effect, it is not enough to install the desired function on the washing machine. Using the wrong powder can ruin your favorite item. The gentle detergent should:

• it is easy to dissolve in water and be washed out of fabric, and therefore it is better to use gels;
• do not contain aggressive substances, chlorine, enzymes, etc.;
• maintain the color of the fabric;
• do not have an unpleasant odor;
• soften the product, rather than making it rough and hard.

Delicate wash on different machines

The delicate wash symbol is present in one form or another on different washing machines. Not all manufacturers accept the name “delicate wash,” but this does not mean that they do not use programs similar in washing algorithms. The icons are also different, but as they say, “it’s better to see once...” Let’s give examples.

Ariston brand washing machines. These machines have two similar washing modes: delicate fabrics and hand wash. The delicate fabric program runs 30 minutes longer and washes items super gently in plenty of water. The hand wash mode is faster, but it also treats things very delicately. In fact, these are two programs that emphasize soaking rather than mechanical action. In the picture below you can see the symbols with which these programs are marked on the control panel.

“Home helpers” produced under the Ardo brand. These machines, like Ariston brand washing machines, have two icons on the control panel, one means “wash by hand” (a basin with a hand in it), and the second means “delicate fabrics” (a feather). The modes work exactly the same, it feels like Ardo machines were programmed by the same specialists who worked with Ariston washing machines.

Bosch brand washing machines. Cars of this brand have an icon that looks like a woman's summer dress.What does this picture mean on the control panel of a German washing machine? This is precisely a delicate wash, and this mode is used both when you need to use a machine analogue of hand washing and when you need to wash items made of delicate fabrics such as silk, satin or mixed fabrics.

On the most modern washing machines from Bosch, the hand wash icon also appears, although on such washing machines all the icons are signed and nothing needs to be deciphered.

Electrolux washing machines. On Electrolux washing machines, there are three programs similar in execution to the delicate wash mode, and accordingly there are also three icons. In the picture below, under the number “1,” you see two washing modes: hand wash (a basin with your hand in it) and light fabrics (butterfly). There is also a mode numbered “2”, which means “delicate fabrics” (flower). These programs differ in execution time. Delicate fabrics have the most gentle and longest cycle, followed by light fabrics and the fastest program - hand wash.

Zanussi automatic washing machine. Please note that Zanussi machines have 4 programs similar to delicate washing. Two types of hand wash (cold water and 30 degrees) and two types of delicate wash (30 and 40 degrees). Such a choice of programs allows you to very accurately configure the washing machine to wash certain items, without giving the equipment a chance to spoil them.

In what cases is it used?

The delicate wash mode is used in different cases. Whatever it is called, the operating principle is almost the same in all cases. In this mode, the following are most often washed:

• products made from fine fabrics such as blouses, shirts, silk shirts, etc.;
• curtains, curtains and tulle;
• wool and cashmere items, if there is no “Wool” mode;
• viscose clothing;
• underwear;
• fabric sneakers and converse;
• soft toys and anti-stress pillows;
• In the absence of a special regime, you can wash a padding polyester or bamboo blanket, as well as pillows.

In general, the delicate mode washes everything that is “afraid” of the rapid rotation of the drum and high water temperature. Almost all automatic machines have this mode, and if not, then there is a similar one. We hope you now know enough about delicate washing and similar modes.

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