The “Pressing” Details on Permanent Press Laundry Cycles
If you are a casual laundry-doer, you might choose normal wash and dryer settings when doing a load. Slightly more advanced aficionados may know which items to wash in cold vs. hot water. But have you ever been curious about the “Permanent Press” label on your washer and dryer and what that term means for your clothes?
We are going to give you the full rundown on permanent press washes and drying on permanent press. We’ll discuss how permanent-press functions as a setting, and if permanent press has any impact on clothing shrinkage or wrinkling. Plus, you’ll learn the kind of fabrics you might wash or dry on permanent press.
What is Permanent Press?
The term permanent press refers to any fabrics specifically constructed to help reduce wrinkling when washed and dried properly. Yes, permanent press helps distinguish individual clothing items – which is why most washers and dryers have permanent press settings.
How do you know if your clothes should be washed and dried on a permanent press setting? Permanent press clothes are typically made of synthetic fibers, like polyester. Regardless, you’ll want to check for the symbol on your fabric care label to ensure you want to wash and dry your items using permanent press.
What Does Permanent Press Mean During Wash Cycles?
Permanent press wash cycles use controlled settings to help reduce wrinkling from agitation. The way it works is by briefly washing clothes in warm water before cooling them down with a prolonged, cold-water rinse. Aside from the washing temperatures, permanent press washes also involve mild agitation and spin cycles.
Note that you’ll want to remove your items from the washer drum and begin a drying cycle immediately after a permanent wash cycle. Although permanent press washes can help reduce wrinkling and prevent new wrinkles from setting in, your clothes might still see some wrinkles if you allow them to compress in a damp environment for too long – which can also result in your laundry smelling malodorous even after washing.
What Does Permanent Press Mean in Drying?
The workings of permanent press in the dryer are essentially the same as during the wash cycle. Typically, this dryer cycle uses controlled heat at (about 135F, though the temperature varies depending on the make and model of your dryer). Additionally, permanent press in the dryer includes a post-cycle “cool down” to help reduce wrinkles in clothes.
Is Permanent Press Low Heat?
Strictly speaking, permanent press is a low heat cycle in both the washer and dryer. Although both cycles use heat, it is at a controlled temperature lower than “hot” washer or dryer cycles.
Will Permanent Press Shrink Clothes?
Since permanent press uses lower heat and is considered gentler compared to normal washing and drying cycles, it should not shrink your clothes. Nevertheless, always check the garment care label for proper drying instructions.
When to Use Permanent Press vs. Delicate Laundry Cycles
How do you know when to use permanent press vs. a delicate laundry cycle in the wash? That question might seem difficult to answer since both permanent press and delicate cycles use lower spin speeds and agitation. But delicate cycles use cool water to help wash clothes, whereas permanent press has an initial warm water wash before the cool rinse.
Most fabrics can be washed and dried using a permanent press cycle. But this is not the case for all garments. For example, certain items – such as sweaters and lingerie – may need delicate cycles to establish a more thorough clean while preserving the fabric’s integrity.
This is why it’s important to double-check the garment care label and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper washing and drying. If you see the permanent press symbol, you can proceed accordingly. Alternatively, if you do not see the symbol for permanent press but do spot the cold-water symbol, you should probably proceed with caution and wash on a delicate cycle.
Clothing made from synthetic materials usually goes through permanent press cycles. Aside from polyester, these might also include nylon or spandex. Cotton and other natural fibers that wrinkle easily may also be suitable for permanent press. Any sheer, silk, or knitted items should be washed in a delicate cycle.
Tips for Using Permanent Press Cycles
Permanent press cycles can help to reduce and prevent wrinkling. However, taking these additional steps can help ensure your clothes get a thorough clean while maintaining their appearance and texture.
1. Sort Your Laundry
Don’t just transfer all your items from the hamper to the washing machine drum. For example, items like sweaters should be washed using a delicate cycle and not permanent press. Similarly, bulky items like jeans may require a normal cycle to get a better clean. Verify which garments can be washed in permanent press and sort according to light and dark items to help avoid color bleeding.
2. Wash More Frequently
Washing your clothes more often helps prevent soils from penetrating the fabric. It also allows the gentleness of permanent press to work more effectively. Heavily soiled items may need warmer water to get thoroughly cleaned in the wash, so washing more often can preserve permanent press and wrinkle-free clothing.
3. Do Smaller Loads
Not overstuffing the washer is an important part of the laundry process. Overstuffing can prevent your laundry detergent from dispersing properly and lessen the amount of agitation during the wash cycle. Doing smaller loads may reinforce the need to wash more frequently which, as we discussed, pays big dividends when using permanent press!
4. Remove Clothes Quickly After Washing and Drying
We discussed the importance of transferring your clothes from the washer to the dryer promptly at the end of the cycle. You should also remove and fold or hang your clothes after they are dry to help prevent wrinkles from setting on the fabrics. If the garment care label recommends air drying, remove the items and lay them flat on a rack or hang them on a line as soon as possible.
If your washer or dryer does not have permanent press settings, it’s best to wash and dry permanent press and non-wrinkle clothing using cool cycles. You might also use a “No Heat” or “Fluff Air” dryer setting if applicable.
Keep Wrinkles at Bay with Permanent Press!
Using a permanent press setting can help to eliminate and prevent wrinkles on your clothes, but you also want to make sure you’re pairing the wash cycle with a laundry detergent you love. ARM & HAMMER™ laundry detergents come in a variety of formats and can help power out stains or odors to help your clothes look clean and smell fresh. Try some of our favorites:
- ARM & HAMMER™ Deep Clean Stain Formula is our most powerful formula, cleaning and removing the dirt and stink that gets deep into clothing fibers. It’s ideal for HE washing machines and works in standard machines at all washing temperatures.
- ARM & HAMMER™ Plus OxiClean™ Odor Blasters™ 5-in-1 Power Paks attack tough odors and can be thrown right in the washer before adding your clothes.
- ARM & HAMMER™ Free & Clear Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent is a dermatologist-tested laundry detergent with no dyes, no perfumes, and no parabens. It is also certified 100% by SkinSAFE™ to exclude 100% of their topmost considered allergens. This detergent also has special agents that help trap soils so they aren’t redistributed on clothes.
Keep the wrinkles away with permanent press, and make sure clean clothes are here to stay by using ARM & HAMMER™ laundry detergents!
