Washing synthetics in a washing machine

Modern washing machines offer a variety of programs, including "Synthetics." This button is designed for cleaning items made from synthetic fabrics such as lurex, microfiber, velor, nylon, elastane, lycra, and polyester. The machine automatically sets the desired parameters and initiates a safe cycle.

There's just one caveat: the settings may vary depending on the washing machine model. To avoid making mistakes, it's best to understand how to wash synthetics in each brand's washing machine.

Synthetic characteristics on Bosch equipment

If you look at the Bosch model range, not all of their washing machines have a "Synthetics" button. Some older units have a "Mixed Fabrics" button instead, which is also suitable for safely washing synthetic fabrics. But it is better to choose a special synthetic program.

Bosch Synthetics has several key features. Typically, these include:

• the water heating temperature is automatically set to 30-40 degrees;
• the cycle duration is varied by the user (from 70 to 140 minutes);
• the spin intensity can be changed at your discretion;
• By default, only a single rinse is offered, but an additional cycle can be enabled if necessary.

Older Bosch washing machines have a "Mixed Fabrics" button for washing synthetic items.

When washing synthetic fabrics on a Bosch, you can adjust the cycle for better cleaning results. Housewives choose the optimal settings based on the type of fabric, the number of stains, and the quality of the garment. It's also important to monitor how full the drum is—ideally, you should load the machine halfway. As for detergents, it's best to use gels and liquid concentrates, which dissolve more quickly in cold water.

"Synthetics" settings on Siemens washing machines

Siemens washing machines rarely feature a dedicated cycle for cleaning synthetic fabrics. The manufacturer requires users to manually adjust the settings for each cycle, which isn't ideal for daily use. Those with a lot of nylon and polyester clothing might want to familiarize themselves with the recommended settings or consider a different brand.

So, cleaning in the “Synthetics” mode goes like this:

• temperature range – 30-60 degrees (varies by the user within the specified limits);
• single auto-rinse (if necessary, a repeat cycle is activated);
• the spin can be set at any level, from maximum to deactivation);
• The cycle duration depends on the set parameters, but does not exceed 105 minutes.

For high-quality washing results on a Siemens machine, it's best to load no more than 2.5 kg of synthetic fabrics into the drum. Intensive drying is not supported when selecting "Synthetics." Some Siemens machines offer a "Mixed Load" mode instead of the special mode.

"Synthetics" characteristics on Samsung washing machines

When it comes to Samsung washing machines, the "Synthetics" program is considered basic and is found on almost all models, both expensive and budget. It can be used to wash any shirts, dresses, and blouses made from synthetic fabrics. The cycle parameters are as follows:

• Pre-wash is not supported;
• the maximum temperature is 60 degrees, but can be reduced to 40;
• The spin speed is automatically set to 800 rpm, but can be freely adjusted to maximum or minimum.

When washing synthetic fabrics, it is recommended to load up to 2.5 kg of dry laundry into the drum, regardless of the capacity of the machine.

Samsung recommends washing synthetics with a drum load of no more than 2.5 kg of dry items, regardless of the machine's capacity. This "free" load allows for better cleaning and rinsing. It's worth keeping in mind that this mode uses at least 50-62 liters of water per cycle.

On Indesit equipment

The vast majority of Indesit washing machines are equipped with a “Synthetics” program. Modern washing machines from Indesit has gone even further and offers the user two options for synthetic cycles. Each has some features that are worth considering when choosing a button.

When selecting the first option, the machine will heat the water to 60 degrees Celsius and activate a spin cycle at 800 rpm. Pre-wash is not possible in this case, but the "Bleach" function can be activated if desired. This cycle lasts at least 75 minutes.

Modern washing machines from Indesit offer two synthetic cycle options.

"Synthetics-2" offers a lighter cleaning option. It heats the water to a maximum of 40 degrees Celsius, reducing the cycle time to 71 minutes and eliminating the "Whitening" feature. Otherwise, the cycle settings remain unchanged.

Is there "Synthetics" on LG?

LG also has a special cycle for synthetics. On some models, it's called "Daily Wash." In any case, the settings are suitable for cleaning all synthetic fabrics: acrylic, lycra, nylon, and polyamide.

It is recommended to wash colored synthetic fabrics at temperatures up to 30-40 degrees, as hot water promotes fading and stretching of the material.

When this cycle is activated, the washing machine heats up to 40 degrees Celsius, preventing fading and deformation of items. The machine washes in approximately 70 minutes, but changing the settings can increase the time to 120 minutes. Ideally, it's best to include an extra rinse, as cold water slows down the dissolution of detergent.

Synthetic options in Kandy

The budget-friendly Candy doesn't boast a dedicated synthetics setting. However, it's easy to choose an alternative setting that will ensure gentle and high-quality washing. It's best to choose between two options.

• Super Wash. A quick cycle that saves time by setting the lowest temperature.
• Sports. This cycle is ideal for synthetic fabrics, as it uses cold water and a generous rinse cycle. However, this cycle takes at least 70 minutes.

By choosing any of the specified modes on Candy, you don’t have to worry about your synthetic clothes. The cycle will take place in warm water, which does not pose a threat to artificial fibers.

Synthetic fabrics are made from artificial materials that can become misshapen and lose their original color if washed improperly. To avoid unpleasant surprises, it's a good idea to evaluate the settings before starting the cycle and adjust them if necessary.

   

1 reader comment

1. April 12, 2022 at 1:55 AM

   Olga:

   If my LG washing machine doesn't have an outerwear program, how can I wash it? There's no synthetics setting either.

   Answer