Why You Shouldn't Use the 'Quick Wash' Cycle, According to Laundry Experts

When you're pressed for time, the quick wash cycle on your washing machine seems like a great idea. But how well does it work to really clean your things? For lightly worn clothes and linens, it may work well for a fast refresh. But most items—especially those that are noticeably soiled, stained, or smelly—need a longer and stronger wash cycle.

That said, opting for the quick wash setting can be surprisingly effective when used correctly. The trick is knowing when to use it to achieve the best results. Before you put on your next laundry load, listen to what a laundry expert has to say about when and how to utilize the quick wash cycle for sparkling clean—and speedy—results.

Does the Quick Wash Cycle Actually Work?

Is the quick wash cycle effective? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t straightforward. According to Mary Gagliardi, aka Dr. Laundry, Clorox’s in-house scientist and cleaning expert, “[Its effectiveness] depends on the type of clothes washer, and the engineering that defines the 'quick wash’ cycle.” She explains that most appliance manufacturers shorten cycle time (with most completed in 15 to 45 minutes) by eliminating one to two high-speed extractions between rinses, which generally results in weaker cleaning power. 

Gagliardi suggests consulting the manual for your specific washing machine model, especially if you’re unsure if yours even has a quick wash option. But she says that even with the shortened cycle, it “can possibly be enough for very lightly soiled items where you only need the smallest recommended amount of detergent.” Let’s dive into when you should and—equally important—shouldn’t opt for the quick wash setting.

When to Use the Quick Wash Cycle

“The quick wash cycle is great for items that aren’t dirty but still need to be washed, like guest towels and bed linens used by a house guest who only stayed one night,” explains Gagliardi. She also recommends using hot water, a small amount of detergent, and adding an extra rinse if that’s an option for your washer. The quick wash cycle uses less water and energy, so it’s a smart choice for when you need to wash things that are only slightly dirty.

There is one clever use for the quick wash cycle that’s often overlooked: rewashing items that you accidentally left lingering in the machine. “Laundry that sits damp in a washer for a prolonged period of time, especially a high-efficiency washer that doesn’t get regular bleach clean-out cycles, can develop malodors,” Gagliardi explains. “Running a quick wash with [a product like] Clorox® Fabric Sanitizer added to the softener compartment can deodorize it.”

When to Skip the Quick Wash Cycle

The quick wash cycle can be helpful, but you don’t want to be using this setting the majority of the time. “Most laundry is dirtier than people think, so [it] should be washed with a ‘normal' or ‘heavy duty’ cycle to make sure there’s enough washing agitation time to get clothes clean," Gagliardi says. If you’re tackling tough stains or anything riddled with germs after an illness (such as bedding), you should most definitely use a regular cycle, along with the appropriate products, such as a stain remover, bleach (for bleach-safe fabrics), or a sanitizer.

Does Load Size Matter When Choosing the Quick Wash Cycle?

Perhaps you have only one relatively dirty item and assume the quick wash setting will be sufficient. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. “Load size doesn’t matter as much as soil level,” says Gagliardi. “One very dirty shirt, even by itself, may not have enough agitation time in the wash portion of a quick wash cycle to get it thoroughly clean.” Conversely, she explains that a full set of sheets that was barely slept on can come out clean as a whistle after a quick wash.

Tips for Using the Quick Wash Cycle

Now that you know you should only wash slightly dirty items on this setting, here are more ways to maximize your machine’s performance.

Use the best detergent: Liquid laundry detergent generally dissolves faster than powder or pods, so it’s best to use it for a short cycle. If you have a high-efficiency washer, be sure you’re using an HE compatible detergent.

Choose warm or hot water: While some clothes should always be washed using cold water, higher temperatures are more effective at removing dirt, oil, and sweat. So, if it’s safe for the material, aim to pair a quick wash cycle with a warm or hot water setting.

Avoid overloading: Gagliardi says the size of the load doesn’t necessarily matter when it comes to the quick wash cycle doing its job. But stuffing a washing machine—no matter the setting—will prevent proper agitation and, therefore, less cleaning power. The quick wash cycle already uses reduced agitation, so it’s especially important to keep the load to a reasonable size.