Washing settings guide
What Setting to Wash Shirts
Use this guide for work shirts, school shirts, and everyday cotton or polycotton shirts.
Most shirts suit an easy-care, synthetics, or mixed programme at 30°C to 40°C with a moderate spin to reduce creasing.
Last updated: 29 April 2026
Quick answer
Best washing machine setting
Program
Easy Care, Shirts, or Synthetics
Temperature
30°C to 40°C
Spin
800 to 1000 rpm
Why: A moderate programme cleans shirts while reducing creasing compared with a high-spin cotton cycle.
Safe tip: Treat collar and cuff marks before washing rather than using a hotter cycle by default.
Step-by-step setup
- 1.Fasten buttons loosely and check pockets.
- 2.Pre-treat collars, cuffs, and underarms if needed.
- 3.Select Shirts, Easy Care, Synthetics, or Mixed.
- 4.Use 30°C for lightly worn shirts or 40°C for more soiled shirts.
- 5.Use 800 to 1000 rpm and hang shirts promptly after washing.
Related problems and error codes
When to use this setting
- Work shirts, school shirts, and casual shirts.
- Cotton, polycotton, and synthetic shirts that are machine washable.
- Loads where reducing creases matters.
When not to use it
- Silk, wool, or dry-clean-only shirts.
- Very dirty shirts that need pre-treatment before washing.
- Heavy mixed loads with towels or jeans.
Common mistakes
- Using high spin, then leaving shirts in the drum to crease.
- Trying to fix collar stains with heat instead of pre-treatment.
- Overloading the washer so shirts cannot move or rinse properly.
Related guides
Best Setting for Dark Clothes
Wash dark clothes inside out on a mixed, synthetics, or darks programme at 30°C, using a moderate spin and a detergent suited to colours.
How to Wash Whites Properly
Wash whites separately, use a suitable detergent, choose 40°C for most white clothing, and use 60°C for white towels or bedding where labels allow.
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
What temperature should shirts be washed at?+
30°C is often enough for lightly worn shirts. Use 40°C for more soiled shirts if the care label allows.
How do I stop shirts creasing in the washing machine?+
Use a moderate spin, avoid overloading, and remove shirts promptly after the cycle.
Can white shirts go at 60°C?+
Only if the care label allows it. Many shirts can shrink, crease, or wear faster at higher temperatures.