Is ok to wash cotton items on the shorter synthetic cycle?
Hi
I'm currently renting a property with an LG washing machine. I am keen to know if it is ok to wash cotton items on the synthetic cycle? The cotton wash is over 2 hrs and the cycle seems to spin the clothes very vigorously so I have been washing cotton items on the synthetic cycle which is only 1 hour 15 mins and is much gentler with the clothes. I'm aware that you can't load the machine with as many items on the synthetic wash but is it ok to wash cotton items on a synthetic cycle?
Does this cycle still wash cotton clothes (which generally don't have heavy dirt) as well? Or is it still better to use a cotton cycle perhaps with a gentler spin speed? My previous washing machines have never had a cotton cycle which lasts this long. (This washing machine model is an LG WD-14316RD). Thanks
Solution Summary
AI-generated from this discussion
This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.
LG WD-14316RD: synthetic cycle not recommended for routine cotton loads
- The problem
- The user wanted to know whether cotton items could be routinely washed on the shorter synthetic programme on an LG WD-14316RD because the cotton cycle takes over two hours and feels harsher.
- Likely cause
- No appliance fault was reported. The issue discussed was programme choice: the accepted reply said the synthetic cycle uses unsuitable wash action, water levels, rinse levels and spin behaviour for properly washing cottons, which may lead to poorer cleaning and internal grease/grime or mould build-up over time.
- What fixed it
- Use the proper cottons programme for cotton items where possible. If the final spin seems too vigorous, reduce the spin speed manually to around 1200–1400 rpm if the machine allows it. If items are only lightly soiled, try available option buttons that shorten the wash, but the exact effectiveness was not confirmed in the thread.
- Checks to try
- Model identified as LG WD-14316RD
- Cotton cycle reported as over 2 hours
- Synthetic cycle reported as about 1 hour 15 minutes
- Original poster noted the synthetic cycle is gentler and carries a smaller load
2 Answers
All modern washing machines take a long time to wash, which is a constant source of frustration for people. Unfortunately, many people are very time poor and circumvent the long wash times by using inappropriate wash cycles, which take less time but do not wash as thoroughly. This can result in a build up of grease and grime and even black mould inside the machine shortening its life.
The synthetics wash does everything wrong for cottons, the water levels, how much the drum revolves and even how firmly it turns the drum to "wash" the laundry, rinse levels and spin speeds are all not good enough to properly wash cottons.
You should try to use the proper cottons wash ideally. For most people the faster the spin the better for cottons, but 1200 - 1400 is plenty fast enough. If you can manually alter the final spin speed try dropping it down to around those speeds. If laundry isn't too dirty also try option buttons which may reduce the time but beware of eco option buttons which can actually increase wash times.
For an understanding of why they take so long read my article here - why does washing machine take so long to wash?
Need Professional Help or Spare Parts?
Thanks very much for the response- this is really helpful as I couldn't find a comprehensive answer elsewhere online. Much appreciated.
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