A wash cycle isn't just a name — it's a specific combination of agitation (how roughly the drum tumbles the load), spin speed, and often temperature. Choosing the right one protects a garment from a cycle that's rougher than the fabric can take.
The most agitation and the fastest spin — built for sturdy, colorfast fabrics that can take a real scrubbing: everyday cotton clothing, towels, sheets, and jeans.
Medium agitation with a slower spin, meant for wrinkle-resistant synthetic and blended fabrics — dress shirts and similar garments that wrinkle if handled too roughly. On a care label, this is the tub symbol with one bar underneath; see our symbol guide.
The lightest agitation and slowest spin, for thin knits, lingerie, and anything the label marks with two bars under the tub symbol.
Skip the machine entirely: cold water, a small amount of mild detergent, gentle squeezing rather than wringing, then roll the item in a towel to press out excess water before laying it flat to dry.
LaundryMax reads a garment's care label and tells you which cycle it actually needs, so you're not guessing between normal and delicate. See how it works.