Households have been advised to use a specific cycle on their washing machine if they need to clean dirty towels and stained linen.
Washing machines often have lots of different cycles, which can help wash items for different situations.
This can range from Rinse and Spin if the detergent didn't rinse out completely to Sanitise, which uses a high-heat cycle.
If you have dingy towels or stained linen, then washing machine experts recommend using a specific cycle to deal with them.
What's the best washing machine cycle to use for dingy towels?
Washing machine experts recommend using the pre-wash cycle to save yourself some hassle for the aforementioned items.
This special setting soaks your items in water before the main wash begins, which typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes.
Appliance company Beko explains: "The pre-wash setting on your washing machine is intended for heavily soiled items."
It continues: "To use the pre-wash cycle, simply add detergent to your pre-wash drawer and select the programme.
"It's worth noting that you cannot use the pre-wash programme when running delicate, wool, quick wash, or rinse and spin cycles."
These heavily soiled items will often be something like a dirty towel, greyed-out whites, stained linen or muddy sports kits.
Good Housekeeping shares that the pre-wash cycle may include "some gentle agitation" to help loosen dirt and other stains.
Adding detergent or a pre-soak solution before you begin can also help lift some stubborn spots of grime.
Once the pre-soak is done, the washing machine will drain the dirty water and will quickly transition into the main wash.
What other settings are there on a washing machine?
Other options for settings on a washing machine include Delicates, which is gentler on fabrics.
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This is intended for items such as washable silk or garments with lace embellishments.
There's also Colours, which uses cooler water and a gentler spin to preserve the vibrancy of your clothes.
Additionally, Bulky or Bedding is useful for heavier items that need extra time, so it runs at a medium spin.
What are your tips for washing dirty towels and linen? Let us know in the comments.
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