What is the intensive wash cycle in a washing machine?

What does intensive washing mean? Users of automatic washing machines know that not every stain disappears after using a quick or standard wash program.

In principle, this is not the key task of this type of technology. Stain removers help get rid of complex stains. The presence of an intensive mode in the functionality makes this task easier.

• Purpose of the “intensive wash” mode
• How is it going?
• How much time
• Temperature
• In what cases can it be used?
• Mode options on the washing machine

Purpose of the “intensive wash” mode

This program is intended for very dirty items. Therefore, in this case it is advisable to use the program, because Regular washing is unlikely to solve this problem. The characteristics of the intensive mode differ between models of different brands.

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But one thing remains common - when using the program, the washing machine operates at its maximum capacity. This is high water temperature and rapid rotation of the drum. The program is carried out in stages, which makes it possible to deal with dirt more effectively.

Intensive wash with Indesit

It is not suitable for delicate fabrics and wool. Using this mode can cause harm. It is necessary to take into account that the duration of the program is longer than others. Therefore, more energy resources are consumed.

Different manufacturers place the indicator in their own way:

• Samsung. The Eco Intensive Wash icon is represented in the form of a dirty T-shirt.

• LG. The program is signed according to its name.

• Indesit. Has a stained T-shirt design on the control panel.

Additional features

To increase interest and desire to buy more modern models of washing machines, manufacturers are introducing new additional options that help to better remove stubborn stains and simply refresh the appearance of laundry.

• An additional rinse is an excellent option, which also has another name - “anti-allergy”. It is indispensable for people suffering from allergies to household chemicals, and is perfect for families with children. This option is unique in that it guarantees thorough destruction of even minor traces of the detergent used. The function will also help to process products whose structure requires additional cleaning - carpets, toys made of fabric, outerwear.
• No spinning is a great way to preserve the life of some items. Disabling the corresponding function when processing products made of delicate materials saves them from premature wear.
• Delayed start - if it is impossible to pick up the washed items at the appointed time, they are transferred to water, followed by rinsing and spinning.
• Delayed start is a great find for busy people who don't spend much time at home. The items needed for washing are placed in the drum and powder is added. The device itself will start the wash at the time that the user sets in advance on the panel. Then all that remains is to take out and hang the laundry at a convenient time.
• Drying . Shakes things well and prevents wrinkles from forming. For materials that can be processed at high temperatures, a faster process can be selected.
• Ironing/light ironing. The selected setting does not involve an intermediate spin, and rinsing is carried out using a large amount of water. This method is simply irreplaceable for wrinkled fabrics such as linen, because it helps get rid of severe bruises.
• Wash in cold water. Used for items that should only be washed in cold water. With this installation, the water is heated to a maximum of 30 – 35°C.
• Water level control. The machine itself measures the weight of the items to be washed and determines the required volume of water. If there is not enough water during the washing process, the program adds it, but if, on the contrary, there is enough water, it limits the supply.
• Partial load. This setting ensures that the washing process proceeds according to the usual pattern, but only accelerated, since there is a limited water supply and energy savings. This cleaning method is useful when washing sportswear and everyday items.
• Washing at night - the automatic machine operates as silently as possible. The final spin is not performed, and the process is completed without using a sound signal.
• Child protection. In this type of installation, access to the operation of the washing machine is blocked at any stage of product processing. Clicking the required icon on the control panel guarantees protection against penetration into the settings of a running device.
• Balanced spin . Thanks to this setting, when turning revolutions, the washed items are evenly distributed over the drum surface.
• Extra water . A main wash with a large load can be supplemented with this function, since the standard amount of water may not be enough for rinsing in this type of installation.
• Fault diagnosis. The function provides the ability to analyze the condition of all main parts of the washing machine for damage.
• No ironing . The water is not drained completely, which helps get rid of stubborn creases and wrinkles on clothes.
• Control of water transparency. Also an indispensable function for allergy sufferers and families with small children. The machine itself determines whether things have been rinsed enough, or whether the water is not clear enough and contains soap.
• Foam control. Excess foam clogs the product with unnecessary chemicals. In this case, excess foam formed during spinning and deposited on things is removed from the drum using a special pump.
• Eco Bubble is a unique system that provides the formation of active bubbles, thanks to which the powder dissolves better in water and activates its effect on contaminated areas of fabric.

How is it going?

The mode for heavy pollution differs in its duration of 2-4 hours. The drum operates at high speeds, and the water temperature reaches high levels.

Important! For heavily soiled items, you do not need to load the drum completely. Studies have shown that when its volume is filled to less than 2:3, the process efficiency is greater.

Stages of program execution:

1. The laundry is pre-treated. The machine operates in soak or pre-wash mode. This stage lasts no more than 20 minutes. This way the detergent is completely dissolved. Then the mixture of water and detergent begins to interact with the fibers of the fabrics.
2. After this, the drum rotates at slow speeds for up to half an hour.
3. Then the intensive mode starts, lasting about 30 minutes.
4. The program ends with rinsing and a strong spin.

Intensive wash mode

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Important! The progress of the cycle depends on the model and brand of manufacturer.

Please note that for soaking or pre-washing, you should use detergent in two compartments of the container. One portion is added to the main cell, and the second to the one intended for prewash.

In intensive mode, the device uses its maximum capabilities. Therefore, you should not use it unnecessarily. The heating element needs to maintain a high temperature for a long time. The pipes and pump are exposed to hot water during the process.

Important! Some newer models cool the water slightly before draining.

Before using the intensive mode, it is necessary to evaluate the composition of the fabric, the degree of coloring and its condition. Be sure to read the information on the tag.

Do you turn off the water tap after washing?

Oh yes! No.

Useful functions of washing machines

In addition to the standard set of operations and modes, washing machines from various manufacturers may have useful additional functions that will help make washing even more convenient and efficient. Draining without spinning and additional rinsing are not surprising to the modern consumer with these capabilities, but there are some capabilities of washing machines that are worth saying a little more about.

• Drying clothes. This function is available in Candy CSW 105, Hotpoint-Ariston ARMXX D 129, LG F1496AD3, Bosch WVG30461OE. Allows you to remove dry laundry after washing. This possibility is realized by a second heating element and hot air flows. Do not dry delicate fabrics or items with heat-sensitive fittings, acrylic designs or stickers.
• Half load. Presented in Samsung WF8590NMW9, ZANUSSI ZWY 1100 and others. At the same time, electronic sensors independently calculate the water level required for washing.
• Child protection. An extremely useful feature. Completely eliminates the possibility of switching the program during operation. Available in models Whirlpool AWS 63013, Electrolux EWC 1350, Indesit IWSB 5085 (CIS) and many others.
• Delayed start Whirlpool TDLR 65230, BEKO ELB 67031 PTYA, Hansa AWS510LH. A convenient mode that saves time for busy people. You can get fresh laundry in the morning or after returning from work.

Depending on what functions are right for you, you should choose a washing machine. The choice of models is wide and it’s difficult not to get confused in all this variety, but knowing your tasks and requirements for a washing machine, it will be easier for you to choose the best option for yourself and not overpay for an unnecessary option.

Advice:

A few secrets for better washing results

• sort items by color and fabric type;
• use high-quality detergents and water softeners;
• do not forget to periodically descale the washing machine using special means;
• remove coins and other small objects from pockets so that they do not spill into the drum during washing;
• monitor the weight of the things you loaded into the tank - it is better not to allow excess.

If you follow all operating rules and recommendations of clothing manufacturers, then washing will always bring excellent results, and the washing machine itself will last a long time and without interruption. Different washing modes in the washing machine will help you properly and carefully care for your clothes, shoes and textiles. A properly selected washing regime is the key to clean clothes and tidy owners!

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How much time

The duration of the quick wash program differs for different models. This depends on the heating time, the number of revolutions, the volume of the drum and its load, the water supply speed and other factors. On average, the “quick wash” program takes about 2-3 hours.

The cycle duration is calculated based on the time spent completing each stage.

• Soaking or pre-washing in the intensive mode lasts about a quarter of an hour.
• Mixing and soaking fabrics with a mixture of water and detergent - from 15 to 30 minutes.

• Using high speeds - 25-30 minutes.
• Slow drum rotations - up to 20 minutes.
• Spinning and rinsing - about half an hour.

Another option for designating the mode

Subtleties of use

All information about the modes can be found in the instructions for the machine. There are certain subtleties in using each.

Here's what it says about prewash:

• It is carried out only with dry powder. If you open the instructions for using the automatic machine, you will find information that the main compartment cannot be filled with gel while this function is turned on. The fact is that the liquid product smoothly slides down the tube. When it comes to the main cycle, the compartment is already empty.
• The function is not compatible with express modes. If it doesn't want to turn on, then most likely you chose an express wash. The manufacturers decided that it was not needed here. It is logical that if you need to wash things quickly, it means that the laundry is not so dirty and does not require pre-washing.
• Manufacturers prohibit pouring anything other than washing powder into the pre-wash compartment.

Temperature

At high water temperatures, the machine copes better with dirt. However, this depends on the type of stains and how old they are. In intensive washing mode, the water heats up to at least 60 degrees. Some models of washing machines are designed to run the program at a temperature close to boiling.

Important! The intensive mode is designed taking into account the characteristics needed to remove heavy stains from fabric. It is up to the users themselves to ensure its effectiveness. The result depends to a large extent on the correctly selected product. The use of stain removers increases the effectiveness of the program.