There are various spin speed options on your washing machine, and each is uniquely designed for different garments and is made to run each cycle for a specific functionality!
It can be confusing to know which speed is the best to use for the particular garment that you’re wanting to wash, and that’s why we’re here to keep you fully informed on which speed to use, and why.
What Is a Spin Speed?
A spin speed indicates the number of times that the drum inside the washing machine rotates per minute. The speed is measured in rpm, or revolutions per minute.
To simplify, if the washing machine is set to a cycle at 1400 rpm, then the drum will spin 1400 times in a minute. The faster the cycle, the more water will be removed from your garments by the end of the wash.
The various washing machine speeds range from 400 to 1800 rpm. Spin speed is key in ensuring the best possible clean for your clothes but be aware that fabrics can be damaged if the spin is too aggressive.
Best Spin Speeds for Different Types of Clothes
Your machine will give you the option to change the speed of your wash depending on the garments that you are going to add to your cycle.
Most machines will have a default speed of either 1200 rpm or 1400 rpm though so you will only need to change it if you have a specific garment that should not be washed at that speed.
1. Cotton (1400 RPM)
Cotton can be washed on the highest spin cycle, which means that you can set your machine to 1400 RPM when washing a load of cotton items.
Cotton garments require a high agitation wash, which means that the items, usually clothes, bedsheets, or towels need to be shaken more in order to be cleaned to the highest possible standard.
Agitation and spin speed are different things, and you will need to consider this when choosing the best cycle for your garments.
2. Denim (900 rpm)
Denim is another fabric that is capable of handling higher speeds, which is often necessary as the quicker spin will ensure that there is less water left in the material, thus allowing it to dry faster and ensuring that it won’t remain damp for too long.
3. Wool (800 rpm)
Wool is quite delicate, but it can be spun safely. However, it’s best to stick to a lower spin speed of no more than 800 rpm.
4. Delicates and Dress Shirts (600 rpm)
Dress shirts and delicates are more complicated garments that are more prone to damage, which means that they are more suited to a slower spin speed. A faster spin cycle could cause the items to rip or stretch.
The lower speed also means a lower agitation, so be sure to set the machine’s cycle to one that is specifically created for this type of garment.
5. Silk (400 rpm)
Silk is extremely delicate and needs special care when it is going through a wash cycle in your machine. It’s best to keep it at the lowest possible speed, which would be 400 RPM.
Conclusion
If you have a washing machine that runs mostly on a 1400 rpm spin cycle, you may want to investigate investing in a machine that has a silent function. These machines tend to run on the pricier side but will likely be considerably quieter than similar machines without that function.
Most machines are designed to automatically change the rpm based on the cycle option that you select. This means that if you select the ‘Cottons’ cycle then the machine should run at 1400 rpm for the wash, but if you select ‘Delicates’, then it will automatically run at 400 rpm.
It can often be more beneficial to invest in a machine that is capable of faster spin speeds as the residual dampness will be much lower. This is even better if you also have a dryer, as it will mean the dry cycle will be much shorter and will use considerably less energy.
An adventurous book lover with an animal obsession and a proclivity for travel and spontaneity. Used to passionately despise cleaning but has grown to enjoy it thanks to learning all the best tricks and shortcuts to guaranteeing a stress-free routine and a spotless home.
