Washing machine reviews: Using your washing machine
Washing machine temperature guide
Always check the label to find out what temperatures you should wash clothes at. Use the information below as a guide when using your washing machine.
Washing at 30ºC
At the moment this is the lowest possible wash temperature on most washing machines. Around 20% of Which? readers have already followed the advice of the Energy Saving Trust and switched to washing at this cool temperature.
For best results, washing machine manufacturers recommend you buy special detergents that work at lower temperatures.
For more, see our advice on washing at 30ºC.
Washing at 40ºC
This is the temperature most people wash at. It's suitable for cotton, linen or viscose, acrylics, acetate, wool mixtures and wool/ polyester blends – in other words most everyday items.
Washing at 50ºC
Suitable for polyester/cotton mixtures, nylon, cotton and viscose.
Washing at 60ºC
A 60ºC wash is good for bed linen, towels and heavily soiled garments such as baby clothes. Many people only do a 60ºC once a week.
Washing at 90°C
This is the hottest wash program you'll find on most washing machines. It's only suitable for white cottons and linens which show the dirt. The introduction of modern detergents and synthetic fabrics means most people rarely use this program.
Laundry symbols
Many clothes need a bit of care and attention to keep them looking their best. Here we explain the most common labels you’ll come across.
Handwashing
If the tub contains a hand, wash the item by hand at 40°C or lower.
The handwash program is for delicate garments (eg cashmere or silk), and washes more gently than the normal setting to prevent clothes snagging or shrinking.
Washing synthetics and woollens
The bars underneath the tub refer to rinsing and spinning.
- If there are no bars, the garment can be spun and rinsed as normal.
- One bar indicates that the spin speed should be reduced.
- Two bars means the clothes need a mild wash action, but can be spun and rinsed normally.
Such items shouldn’t be wrung by hand.
Ironing
Don’t let ironing drive you dotty.
The dots on ironing symbols correspond to the dots on an iron’s temperature settings.
The more dots there are, the more heat can be applied.
Three dots are for linen and cotton, two dots are for synthetics, one dot is for the most delicate items such as woollens and silk.
Tumble drying
Getting tumble drying right is easy if you use the correct temperature.
- A circle inside a square means you can tumble dry the garment.
- The dots indicate temperature – one for lower heat, two for higher heat.
- A cross over the symbol means you shouldn’t tumble dry the garment.
Some clothes appear similar but have different labels – they’re most likely made from different fibres or blends. Some fibres or blends can change size or become ‘furred’ by tumble drying.
An item that’s suitable for tumble drying will have been treated to protect against these effects.
Dry cleaning
Some clothes can – or must – be dry cleaned.
- A circle means the garment is suitable for dry-cleaning.
- If there’s a letter inside the circle, it’s to tell the dry-cleaner which chemical wash and method to use.
- If the circle has a cross over it, the item shouldn’t be dry-cleaned.
Clothes manufacturers tend to give good cleaning advice. So, even if you suspect they’re being over-cautious, it’s best to follow what they say.
Fabrics tend to be more delicate these days, which is why you see more dry-clean-only items.
Bleaching
- A triangle means you can safely use a cold, dilute solution of bleach.
- If the triangle has a cross over it, the item can’t be bleached.