What is the best wash cycle to use on your washing machine?

From fast to eco, delicate to intense cold — the options your washing machine offers up can feel excessive.

If you're time-poor or just impatient, a fast or quick cycle might seem like a good option.

But is that the best choice?

How we use our washing machine may not always work out best for our clothes — or electricity bills.

We asked the experts to break down how different wash cycles work and which one is right for you.

Which wash cycles are most efficient?

The key here is to select a cycle that uses cold water, according to Denis Gallagher from consumer advocacy group Choice.

Most washing machines don't draw on your home's hot water supply and instead heat up water on demand.

"Most of the energy your washing machine uses (90 per cent) goes to heating the water," Mr Gallagher says.

As a general rule of thumb:

• Cold: use for items that might shrink or bleed dye, including delicate, dark and bright items
• Warm: use for man-made fibres, knits, jeans, sheets, towels and other linens
• Hot: use to sanitise clothing for people with sensitive skin as well as baby clothes and athletic wear. However, keep in mind the hot setting could shrink, damage and fade some fabrics.

Mr Gallagher says Choice testing has found the difference in results between washing in hot or cold water on an average wash "is so minimal that paying more for the extra energy to heat the water just isn't worth it".

"Eco modes that use cooler water will cost you less to run in terms of electricity and they also use less water than other wash cycles," he says.

He says this is especially true if you have a top loader washing machine, because they use much more water than front loaders do — something to consider when you're purchasing or replacing your machine.

Using a default or normal cycle is another efficient way of washing.

"Our test procedure is based on cotton, so a default of cotton and cold is our baseline for Choice testing."

Cost comparison between hot and cold

Canstar's Eden Radford says if you're conscious of energy efficiency, cold water is "absolutely the best way to save".

The finance comparison site calculated cost differences between washing in hot versus cold water and found an almost $100 difference over 365 washes.

Ms Radford says to get the cost benefits you need time and patience, as eco and cotton are often the longest cycles.

"[They] let your clothes sort of soak and clean a little bit more than it would during a quick wash, which would just agitate and spin a lot and take up all that energy."

Mr Gallagher says washing machine technology is advancing and some machines can even sense the size of the load and adjust water levels accordingly, while others can filter out microplastics.

"Most people have fabric variations that include polyester [which] can lead to microplastics going back into the water cycle if not filtered out properly," he says.

"Some of the higher-end manufacturers are looking into that space as to how they can [filter] out the microplastics from the machine before it gets back into the water system."

The best wash cycles for clothing longevity

Mother-of-two Leanne Neiland doesn't have a lot of time to spend on laundry, but she wants to get the most out of her family's clothes, towels and sheets.

The home cleaning content creator from Brisbane/Meanjin lands says a cold or cotton wash cycle is her go-to.

"Because we've got a lot of different family members, I need something that covers a lot of fabrics," she says.

"The only things I separate are my sheets, towels, colours and whites.

"[Cotton cycles] are better on the fabrics, the clothes last longer and have more vibrant colours."

She says she also pre-treats stains with a spray before washing and avoids the temptation of using quick cycles.

"People think they're saving money, but you're actually building up detergent in your clothes," she says.

"They're not rinsing out effectively, which causes fading, it can cause irritation in some people, your clothes to go stiff, towels to go hard."

Mr Gallagher agrees but says cycles such as heavy or sanitise may damage your clothes because of the warmer water and "more aggressive spin cycles".

Ms Radford says if you are in doubt and particularly fond of an item of clothing or piece of linen, check the label or care instructions before you wash it.

What are some of the other cycles for?

Canstar says not all washing cycles will be available with every washing machine, but most of them are standardised.

Bedding, bulky or heavy cycle: For washing a full capacity of heavily soiled clothes and big and bulky bedding not for everyday use. It's recommended to only wash one kind of bedding per load.

Dark garment or colour cycle: For coloured garments that might fade or bleed, such as deep reds and blues. It's also a suitable option for when the Normal setting might be too harsh.

Fast, quick or super speed cycle: Designed for a small amount of lightly to normal soiled garments needed quickly. It's also ideal if you've accidently left your wet clothes in the washing machine for a period of time and they need a refresh. It's recommended to use only half a dose of detergent to ensure the washing doesn't come out with excess residue.

Outdoor or sport cycle: For windproof or waterproof clothing designed with finishes and fibres such as spandex, stretch and micro-fibre. The cycle generally features special drum movements and low temperatures.

Permanent press or synthetics cycle: Permanent press is a milder version of the cotton cycle, often with a lower temperature. It's also a good option for items that wrinkle easily, such as dress shirts and pants.

Whites cycle: This cycle is for bleachable white fabrics. The program can be used with or without bleach. Good for T-shirts, socks, underwear and white jeans.

Wool cycle: The specific wash action is designed to protect the wool fibres from shrinkage and distortion, giving a very gentle clean overall.

Hygiene or steam: Designed to kill off any bacteria in your clothing by using high heat. However, the cycle can wear out fabrics and shorten their lifespan, so use sparingly.

Delicate, gentle, hand wash: The cycle is designed to be less abrasive, using less agitation, which is suitable for garments with appliques, sequins, sheer fabrics, lace, lingerie, loosely woven items and silks.