Spin speed is an important but frequently disregarded factor when doing laundry. However, you understand how important it is to do it correctly if you’ve ever taken out a load of laundry that’s still drenched. The amount of water that is extracted from your clothing during the washing machine’s spin cycle has a significant impact on drying times and fabric care in general.
So, what spin speed should your washing machine be at? The solution isn’t universally applicable. Different speeds can be advantageous for different kinds of fabrics and loads. For instance, towels and jeans can withstand faster spins that wring out more water and shorten drying times, but delicate items like silk or lingerie should be spun at slower speeds to prevent damage.
This post will explain how to select the ideal spin speed for different kinds of laundry and explain how it affects the longevity of your clothing as well as the efficiency of your washing machine. We can help you with anything, from your favorite wool sweater to a heavy load of bath towels.
| Spin Speed | Best For |
| 800 RPM | Gentle fabrics and smaller loads |
| 1200 RPM | Regular loads and most fabrics |
| 1400 RPM | Heavy fabrics and larger loads |
| 1600 RPM | High efficiency and fastest drying |
Is spinning at high speeds useful?
One can boast about an expensive high-speed washing machine but also use it. The 1600 revolutions the machine dials are very handy in daily life: the laundry can be almost completely dried in a few minutes; all you have to do is hang the clothes and wait a couple of hours. Prior to exulting over the perfect model, it’s important to comprehend the implications of this "rush" for the fabric and equipment. There are a few uncomfortable times.
- Fabric wears out faster. When rotating at a speed of 1600 rpm, the fabric experiences enormous loads – the friction force increases several times. If after 1-2 washes the laundry remains the same, then after 3-4 the fibers will become thinner and lose their color, and after 10-12 – they will tear completely. How long the material will last depends on its type: strong synthetics will “live” longer, and natural cotton or linen – less.
- The load on the shock absorption and bearing unit increases. When the drum is spinning, the washing machine “works” quite a bit, and the higher the acceleration, the greater the load on the key components. Spinning at high speeds negatively affects the shaft, bearings and dampers – they wear out faster. Of course, these machines are designed for high power and will not break down in the first days of operation, but in any case, the components will suffer greatly.
- Electricity consumption increases. The speed the washing machine picks up also affects your electricity bills – at 1600 it consumes more. You should also take into account the increased load on the power grid. It is better not to turn on other powerful devices and equipment together with the machine, otherwise the line will not withstand it, or the RCD will trip.
800-1000 rpm is the ideal speed for spinning objects in the machine.
Yes, having the capacity to spin objects at 1600 rpm is definitely advantageous. However, fast speed also has disadvantages that should be considered before making a purchase. While it would be foolish to decline it, it is also not advised to keep the machine running at "maximum" all the time. It’s recommended by experts to set the spin to 800-1000, which is the "golden mean" and safe for equipment and fabric.
How effectively does the machine spin?
The spin’s efficacy can be assessed using factors other than the factory specs. Additionally, there is a self-calculation method that allows you to determine the rate at which washing is more profitable. The plan is as follows:
- weigh the laundry wrung out in the washing machine;
- dry the clothes;
- weigh in a dry state;
- subtract the dry mass from the “wet” mass;
- divide the obtained value by the weight of dry clothes and multiply by 100%.
Thus, there will be a 2.5 kg difference if the laundry weighs 6 kg after the spin cycle and 3.5 kg after drying. The final digit is divided by "3.5" to get 0.71, which is then multiplied by 100%. You will thus receive – 71%. It is advised to carry out multiple experiments to determine the spin efficiency at low, medium, and high speeds. The effectiveness of the machine in removing moisture from clothing will then be evident.
It is critical to strike a balance between fabric care and drying efficiency when selecting the optimal spin speed for a washing machine. While higher spin speeds—such as 1400 RPM—can speed up drying and remove more water from fabrics, they can also be harsh on delicate materials. Lower speeds, on the other hand, may leave clothes wetter but are gentler on them. The ideal spin speed ultimately depends on your laundry requirements, including whether you want to give your clothes extra care or prioritize speedy drying.
Spin classes
A spin class is assigned to each machine based on the dialed speed. The European standard states that the values in the "class list" range from "A" to "G," with the first letter denoting a high drying quality and the last, the lowest. The following is the complete gradation:
- "G". The lowest level, at which the percentage of residual moisture reaches 90%, and the maximum spin speed is only 400 revolutions. Due to their insufficient efficiency, these machines are practically not produced.
- «F». Washing machines of this class spin at 600 rpm, removing a maximum of 20% moisture from the fabric. Such models are extremely rare.
- «E». Here the drum spins up to a speed of 800 rpm, which allows drying things by 25%.
- «D». The machine picks up to 1000 rpm, which as a result allows you to spin the laundry by 30%.
- «C». The class is assigned if the equipment spins at 1200 rpm, and the residual moisture does not exceed 60%.
- «B». Maximum spin – 1400 rpm, which ultimately pushes out up to 45% of moisture from the fibers.
- «A». The most effective spin, which dries the fabric almost completely. About 55% of moisture is removed, since a speed of 1600-1800 rpm is achieved minute.
Every washing machine has an indicator for the spin level on its label. However, this feature has a big impact on the machine’s price because you have to pay more for a higher level.
The way your clothes come out of your washing machine can be greatly impacted by selecting the appropriate spin speed. Less water left in your clothing at faster spin speeds can result in faster drying times and require less energy. It’s crucial to balance this, though, with the kind of fabric you’re washing. For example, delicate fabrics might require a softer spin to prevent damage.
The majority of contemporary washing machines have multiple spin speeds, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your laundry requirements. As a general rule, spin heavier items (such as towels and bedding) at higher speeds, and spin lighter or more delicate clothing at slower speeds. Make sure you’re not spinning your clothes at a speed that could lead to wear and tear by always reading the care labels on your clothing.
Ultimately, the ideal spin speed depends on the type of fabric and the amount of laundry you have. You can extend the life of your clothes and ease the burden of laundry day by adjusting the spin speed to suit your needs. Try out various configurations to determine what suits you and your wardrobe the best.
