Laundry Cycles Explained: Washing Machine Edition

Take the mystery out of wrinkle shield and other laundry settings so you don’t damage your clothes or your washing machine.

Today’s washers, especially the high-end models, have so many laundry settings, it can seem like it might be easier to pilot the space shuttle than it is to do a load of darks. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What’s wrinkle shield?” or “When should I rinse and spin?” this infographic is right for you.

Here’s a primer for what all those washing machine cycles really mean. It’s high time you unlock all of the fancy features of your new washer — before you do irreparable damage to your favorite clothing items.

Think you know everything there is to know about laundry? Take our quiz and find out.