Choose a light soil level for lightly soiled and delicate items, a medium for everyday clothes, and heavy for very dirty or stained garments.
What Soil Level Should I Use For Clothes?
Dingy shirts, stained pants, and smelly socks – yuck! No one likes wearing dirty clothes. But getting your laundry perfectly clean can feel like a challenge. You probably spend a bit of time staring at your washing machine controls, wondering which setting is right. One of the most confusing options is the “soil level” setting. Let’s demystify this setting to get your laundry looking its best!
What Does “Soil Level” Mean, Anyway?
Put simply, the soil level setting on your washer tells it how long and vigorously to wash your clothes. Think of it like customizing the cleaning intensity. Here’s a basic breakdown:
- Light: The gentlest cycle for lightly soiled clothes.
- Medium/Normal: The standard setting for everyday dirt and grime.
- Heavy: A more powerful cycle for seriously soiled and stained items.
Choosing the Right Soil Level
So, how do you decide when to use which level? Think about how dirty your clothes really are. Here are some guidelines:
Use the Light Soil Setting for:
- Clothes worn for just a few hours with no visible stains
- Delicate fabrics like silk, lace, and loosely woven items
- Clothes with bright colors you want to protect from fading
Use the Medium/Normal Soil Setting for:
- Everyday attire like t-shirts, jeans, and sweatshirts
- Clothes with light sweat stains or minor food spills
- Items that haven’t been sitting in the laundry hamper very long
Use the Heavy Duty Soil Setting for:
- Sports uniforms and workout gear
- Children’s clothes with food stains or grass stains
- Towels and bedsheets
- White clothes that need extra brightening
- Work clothes with grease or oil
Table: Soil Levels and Fabric Types
| Soil Level | Best for Fabrics | Examples |
| Light | Delicate fabrics, items prone to fading | Silk, lace, sheer blouses, brightly colored clothing |
| Medium/Normal | Everyday fabrics, moderately soiled items | Cotton, denim, polyester, t-shirts, jeans, sweatshirts |
| Heavy Duty | Durable fabrics, heavily soiled items | Towels, bedsheets, workwear, sports uniforms |
Factors Beyond Just Dirt
The type of fabric also matters when choosing a soil level. Some additional factors help narrow the right setting choice down further:
- Durability: Delicate fabrics won’t handle heavy-duty cycles well. Sturdy fabrics like denim can withstand the extra wash time and agitation.
- Fading: Bright colors fade faster on longer, more vigorous cycles. Minimize fading by reserving the light soil setting for vibrant colors or items that tend to bleed.
- Wrinkling: Fabrics like linen and rayon wrinkle easily. Opt for a light or medium soil setting to minimize wrinkles.
What Happens If I Choose the Wrong Soil Level?
Choosing the wrong setting won’t ruin your clothes instantly, but it can lead to issues over time. Here’s what could happen:
- Underwashing: Choosing a soil level too low won’t get tough stains out, and can make your clothes look dingy and retain odors.
- Overwashing: Choosing a soil level too high can wear down delicate fabrics, lead to fading, and set wrinkles.
A Note About Pre-Treating
No matter which soil level you choose, pre-treating stains will always give you the best results. Here are some tips:
- Act fast: Pre-treat stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting.
- Choose the right product: Different types of stains respond to different stain removers.
- Follow the instructions: Pay attention to the directions on your stain remover to avoid damage.
Additional Tips for Choosing the Right Soil Level
Let’s dive into a few more scenarios to hone your decision-making skills:
- Washing with cold water: Cold water washing is gentler on fabrics, but it’s also less effective at removing tough stains. If you’re using cold water, bump up the soil level setting by one notch to compensate.
- Heavily soiled loads: If an entire load of laundry is heavily soiled, use the heavy-duty cycle for the entire load. Trying to wash heavily soiled items with lightly soiled ones could spread dirt or compromise the cleaning results for the lighter items.
- When in doubt, err on the side of caution: If you’re unsure which setting is best, start with a lower soil level. You can always rewash items if they don’t come out clean enough.
Decoding Your Washer’s Controls
Not all washing machines have the same soil levels, but here’s a guide to some common settings:
- Pre-Wash: This soaks clothes before the main wash, loosening tough stains.
- Extra Rinse: Adds another rinse cycle to ensure detergent is fully removed. This is great for people with sensitive skin.
- Spin Speed: Controls how fast the washer spins to remove water. Use a slower speed for delicates to prevent damage.
Table: Common Washer Settings and Their Uses
| Setting | Purpose | When to Use |
| Pre-Wash | Soaks clothes to loosen tough stains | For heavily soiled items |
| Extra Rinse | Adds an additional rinse cycle | For people with sensitive skin, or items that trap detergent |
| Spin Speed | Controls how fast the washer spins | Use a slower speed for delicates, faster speed for heavier items |
A Note on Detergent Amount
The soil level you choose should also influence how much detergent you use. Here’s the simple rule:
- More dirt = more detergent
Don’t overdo it though! Too much detergent leaves residue that makes clothes stiff and attracts more dirt over time!
Energy & Water Efficiency Considerations
It’s tempting to always use the heavy-duty cycle for the most powerful clean, but lighter cycles are kinder to your wallet and the environment. Here’s the logic:
- Light and medium cycles use less water.
- Shorter cycles use less electricity.
By carefully selecting your cycles, you can reduce water and energy consumption while still getting your laundry clean.
Conclusion- What Soil Level Should I Use For Clothes?
Choosing the right soil level setting is an easy way to boost your laundry results. Understanding the “whys” behind the settings gives you the power to get your clothes clean without unnecessary wear and tear. So, the next time you look at your washing machine, you’ll know exactly what to do! Remember, the right soil level depends on how dirty your clothes are, the type of fabric, and any special washing needs. Experiment a little, and you’ll quickly become a laundry expert!