Washing settings guide
How to Wash Delicate Clothes
Use this guide for delicate clothes that need a gentler wash and lower spin.
Use a delicates or hand-wash programme at 20°C to 30°C with a low spin, and avoid machine washing items marked dry clean only or hand wash only unless your machine has a suitable cycle.
Last updated: 29 April 2026
Quick answer
Best washing machine setting
Program
Delicates or Hand Wash
Temperature
20°C to 30°C
Spin
400 to 800 rpm
Why: Low temperature, gentle drum action, and lower spin reduce stretching, snagging, and creasing.
Safe tip: Use a mesh laundry bag for small or snag-prone items.
Step-by-step setup
- 1.Check the care label carefully.
- 2.Use a mesh bag for small or delicate items.
- 3.Select Delicates or Hand Wash.
- 4.Set temperature to 20°C or 30°C.
- 5.Use low spin and remove items promptly after the cycle.
Related problems and error codes
When to use this setting
- Fine tops, lace items, lightweight synthetics, and delicate underwear.
- Garments marked for gentle machine washing.
- Small delicate loads that need plenty of drum space.
When not to use it
- Dry-clean-only garments.
- Wool or silk unless the machine and garment label allow it.
- Heavy mixed loads with jeans, towels, or zips that can damage delicate fabrics.
Common mistakes
- Using a normal cotton cycle because the load is small.
- Using high spin on delicate fabrics.
- Washing delicates with heavy clothes that can rub, pull, or snag them.
Related guides
What Setting for Gym Clothes
Use a synthetics, sportswear, or delicate programme at 30°C with a moderate spin. Avoid fabric softener and avoid mixing gym wear with towels.
What Setting to Wash Shirts
Most shirts suit an easy-care, synthetics, or mixed programme at 30°C to 40°C with a moderate spin to reduce creasing.
What Temperature to Wash Clothes in the UK
Use 30°C for lightly worn clothes, 40°C for more soiled everyday items, and 60°C for towels, bedding, or hygiene loads where the care label allows.
Frequently asked questions
Can delicate clothes go in the washing machine?+
Yes if the care label allows machine washing. Use a delicates or hand-wash programme with low spin.
What spin speed is best for delicates?+
400 to 800 rpm is usually safer than a high spin, but follow the garment label.
Should delicates be washed cold?+
20°C to 30°C is usually suitable for delicate machine-washable items.