The world of laundry can be confusing, especially if you’re not familiar with the jargon. One term that might be perplexing is ‘soil’ on washers. What does this mean? Decoding laundry jargon may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s essential to understand soil levels to make the most out of your washer. In this article, we will break down the meaning of soil levels on washers, how to select the right level, and other relevant information.
What is ‘soil’ on washer?
The term ‘soil’ on a washer refers to the level of dirt on your clothes. The soil level is the amount of dirt, dust, sweat, and other residues present in your garments. Soil levels are generally indicated on washers as “light,” “normal,” “heavy,” or “extra heavy.” Each soil level corresponds to a specific washing cycle, and it is essential to select the correct soil level to get the best wash possible.
How do I select the correct soil level?
Choosing the correct soil level depends on the type of garment and how dirty it is. Here’s a breakdown of the different soil levels:
Light soil
Light soil is for clothes that have been worn for a short period, and there are no visible stains. These clothes are relatively clean and require a shorter washing cycle.
Normal soil
Normal soil is for garments that have visible dirt and stains. Clothes that have been worn for a day or two fall under this category. This soil level requires a longer washing cycle than a light soil level.
Heavy soil
Heavy soil is for garments that have stubborn stains or have been worn for a more extended period. These clothes need a powerful washing cycle to remove all the dirt and residue.
Extra heavy soil
Extra heavy soil is for the dirtiest of garments. Clothes that have visible grease stains or have been worn for an extended period with no washing. This level requires the longest and most powerful washing cycle with the highest water temperature.
Why is it important to select the correct soil level?
Choosing the right soil level is vital for getting the best cleaning results as it impacts the duration and intensity of the washing cycle. For instance, if you select the light soil level for clothes that need a heavy soil level, chances are high that the clothes will still have some dirt and residue after the wash. On the other hand, selecting the heavy or extra heavy level for a lightly soiled garment wastes water, energy, and time, leading to higher utility bills.
How do I adjust the soil level on my washer?
Most washers have a selector dial or button that allows you to choose the soil level. You need to locate this dial or button, select the desired soil level, and press start. However, if your washer does not have a soil level selector, you can still adjust the soil by selecting a different cycle. For example, if you want to wash heavily soiled clothes but only have a light soil level setting, select the cycle that corresponds to a heavy soil level, and adjust other settings, such as water temperature and wash time, to achieve the desired results.
What other washer settings can I adjust to improve cleaning results?
Besides the soil level, there are other washer settings that you can adjust to improve the cleaning results, such as:
- Water temperature: Hot water is excellent for removing dirt and stains. However, not all clothes can tolerate high temperatures. Check the garment care label to know the recommended water temperature.
- Spin speed: The spin speed affects how dry your clothes are after washing. A higher spin speed means less drying time but can cause wrinkles or damage delicate fabrics.
- Wash cycle: There are different wash cycles, such as normal, gentle, and heavy-duty. Choose the cycle that corresponds to the type of clothes you’re washing.
- Detergent: Use the recommended amount of detergent for the soil level and water hardness. Using too little detergent can lead to poor cleaning results.
Conclusion
Understanding the soil level on your washer is essential for getting the best cleaning results without wasting water, energy, and time. Remember to select the right soil level depending on the type of garment and how dirty it is. Additionally, adjusting other washer settings, such as water temperature, spin speed, wash cycle, and detergent, can help improve cleaning results. If your washer does not have a soil level selector, adjust other settings, such as water temperature and wash time, to achieve the desired results.
Common Questions and Answers
- Q: What happens if I choose the wrong soil level?
- A: If you choose the wrong soil level, your clothes may not come out clean, or the fabric may be damaged. Selecting a lower soil level than is required can leave clothes dirty, while selecting a higher soil level than required can damage delicate fabrics.
- Q: How do I know which soil level to choose?
- A: Choose the soil level based on how dirty the garment is. If it has visible dirt or stains, select a higher soil level. If it’s relatively clean, select a low soil level.
- Q: How do I adjust the water temperature?
- A: Most washers have a water temperature selector dial. Choose the desired temperature and press start. However, if your washer does not have a water temperature selector, you may need to adjust the hot and cold water valve manually.
- Q: Can I change the soil level during the wash cycle?
- A: Generally, you cannot change the soil level once the washer has started the cycle. However, you can power off and restart the cycle, selecting the desired soil level before pressing start.
References
- Hughes, J. (2012). The secret life of clothes. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/may/05/secrets-life-clothes
- Miele. (n.d.). Washing with Miele: tips and tricks for best results. https://www.miele.com.au/domestic/washing-320.htm
- Whirlpool. (n.d.). Washers & Dryers. https://www.whirlpool.com/washers-and-dryers.html