Delicate wash in an LG washing machine

Before starting the washing machine, a program must be selected. Several preset modes are already available on the machine's control panel—the user simply needs to scroll the dial and select the appropriate options. While some options, such as "Cotton" or "Quick 30," are familiar and understandable, the parameters and purpose of the delicate wash cycle are often unfamiliar. Let's explore the secrets behind the LG washing machine's delicate wash cycle. We'll clarify the drum rotation pattern, temperature, and spin intensity.

Features of the Delicate Wash mode

The "Delicate Wash" program is designed for delicate fabrics that could be damaged by conventional washing methods. However, its key features aren't adequately described even in the instructions for your specific LG washing machine. Let's look at the program's settings using the LG F1056MD as an example.

By default, when you turn on the “Delicate Wash” program, the spin speed is set to “400 rpm” and the water heating temperature is set to 30 degrees. The total duration of the program is 48 minutes, but on condition that the user does not adjust the specified parameters. Changing the settings will decrease or increase the cycle time.

The standard settings for the delicate program on an LG washing machine are: 400 rpm, 30 degrees, and 48 minutes.

Set the temperature to “Cold water” and the spin mode to “No spin” – the program execution time will be set to 27 minutes.
Temperature “Cold water”, and spin mode “400 rpm” – the program will be extended to 45 minutes.
We set “Cold water” and spin at the maximum possible speed for this program – 800, while the program time is 48 minutes.
Turn off the spin cycle ("No Spin") and set the water temperature to 30 degrees Celsius. The program will run for 30 minutes.

Please note! I'm immediately reminded of comments from people complaining about the extremely long delicate cycles in LG washing machines. It seems like these comments were written by people who've only seen LG washing machines on display in home appliance stores.

Turn off the spin cycle again and set the temperature to 40 degrees (this cycle is not possible). In this case, the machine will wash for 36 minutes.
By turning on the spin at 400 rpm and setting the heating to 30 degrees, the program execution time increases to 48 minutes.
Leaving the spin speed at 400 and increasing the temperature to 40 degrees, we notice that the machine has been running on this program for 54 minutes.
The 30 degree and 800 rpm spin settings do not increase the program execution time, but reduce it by 3 minutes, resulting in 51 minutes.
If we want to wash on the “Delicate wash” program at 40 degrees and set the spin to 800 rpm, then we will get a total time of 57 minutes.

The main disappointment of LGF1056MD users was the inability to activate the "Super Rinse" option on the delicate cycle. This is counterintuitive, as the machine washes delicate fabrics with a large amount of water, and an extra rinse would be helpful. Housewives are forced to wait for the cycle to complete and then refill the drum with a new cycle.

What items can be washed on this program?

The delicate cycle is designed for cleaning delicate and fine fabrics. This includes all materials with a loose, elastic, and bi-elastic structure. This includes silk, organza, knitwear, chiffon, cambric, guipure, satin, acrylic, viscose, and lace. The "delicate" treatment will not harm new generation fabrics: polyester, cashmere, elastane, jersey, nylon and microfiber.

There's no difference in the origin of the fabric: the delicate cycle washes both synthetic and natural fabrics. It's also recommended for cleaning "difficult-to-care for" items:

light curtains made of voile and organza;
clothes with a complex cut, relief elements and structure;
items with ruffles, braid, faux fur and lace inserts;
clothes with decoration (sequins, rhinestones, embroidery, rivets);
sportswear made from breathable materials;
thermal underwear;
clothes that are prone to shrinkage and fading;
woolen goods, sweaters, toys, hats;
lace underwear;
items made from materials of contrasting shades;
expensive clothes.

The delicate cycle is used to wash items made from delicate fabrics, as well as items with decoration, complex cuts, and those prone to shrinkage.

Experts recommend using the delicate cycle on your washing machine if you're unsure which program is best for your item. The gentle rotation of the drum, low temperature, and minimal spin will ensure gentle cleaning without damaging the garment's shape or color.

Let's choose a cleaning agent

For delicate cleaning, specialized detergents are required. Regular dry powders are unsuitable—the granules take too long to dissolve in cold water, scratch the fabric fibers, and become lodged in the fabric's structure. Liquid concentrates are preferable.

There are two options:

pre-dissolve the powder in warm water and pour it into the drum during washing;
buy a special gel for delicate washing.

We recommend using a special gel. Its liquid form allows it to penetrate the fabric faster and deeper, gently drawing dirt out of the fibers, and then rinsing away without leaving a trace. The concentrate works great at low temperatures and removes stains quickly. Such products are labeled “for gentle washing” and are sold in any hardware store.