A permanent press cycle on a washing machine is a specific setting designed primarily to reduce or remove wrinkles from clothing.
Understanding the Permanent Press Cycle
The permanent press cycle is a staple feature on most modern washing machines and dryers. Its main purpose is to treat fabrics prone to wrinkling, such as synthetic blends and some natural fibers, in a way that minimizes creases and makes ironing easier or unnecessary.
According to the reference, a permanent press cycle refers to either a washer or dryer cycle that can help remove or reduce wrinkles. This means the setting aims to prevent deep wrinkles from forming during the wash, rinse, and spin phases, and similarly in the drying process.
How It Works
This cycle typically uses a combination of specific water temperatures and spin speeds tailored for wrinkle-prone fabrics:
- Wash: Often uses warm water to help relax wrinkles and clean the fabric effectively.
- Rinse: Usually uses cold water. This contrast helps the fibers "set" and prevents further wrinkling.
- Spin: Employs a slower spin speed compared to cycles like "normal" or "cotton." A slower spin extracts less water but is gentler on the fabric, reducing the creases caused by high-speed tumbling.
The slower spin speed is a key difference that minimizes the deep wrinkles often created by faster cycles.
Fabrics Suitable for Permanent Press
The permanent press cycle is ideal for:
- Synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon, rayon blends)
- Wrinkle-resistant cotton blends
- Knitted garments
- Casual wear like blouses, shirts, and slacks that benefit from reduced wrinkling
It's generally not recommended for delicate items (which need a gentle or delicate cycle) or heavily soiled sturdy fabrics (which may require a normal or heavy-duty cycle with a faster spin).
Alternative Names
Washing machine manufacturers may use different names for this cycle. As stated in the reference, on Whirlpool front load washers and dryers, the permanent press cycle is denoted as the “casual” or “wrinkle control” cycle. Always check your appliance's user manual to confirm the specific name and settings.
Benefits of Using Permanent Press
- Reduces ironing: Clothes come out less wrinkled, saving time and effort.
- Protects fabrics: The gentler spin speed can be less harsh on certain materials compared to high-speed cycles.
- Energy saving: The cold rinse saves energy compared to a warm rinse.
In summary, permanent press on a washing machine is a specialized cycle designed to handle specific fabric types gently, using controlled temperatures and spin speeds to minimize wrinkling and make your laundry routine easier.
