Ah, laundry day—the timeless battle against piles of clothes, stains, and mysterious substances we'd rather not identify. As we load up our trusty washing machines, we often come across the term "soil level." But what does soil mean on a washer? Is it some secret code from the laundry gods? Fear not, fellow laundry doers! In this article, we'll dig deep (pun intended) into the meaning of soil level on a washer and help you choose the right setting to conquer those dirty garments!
What Does Soil Mean on a Washer?
So, let's get down to the dirt and learn soil level meaning, shall we? The soil level setting on your washer refers to the amount of dirt, grime, and general yuckiness that has accumulated on your clothes. Choosing the correct washing machine soil level is a way for you to communicate the level of dirt on your laundry with your appliance, enabling it to determine the appropriate wash cycle and water temperature needed to tackle the laundry challenge at hand.
Understanding Soil Level Options
Washers typically offer various soil level options, usually ranging from "light" to "heavy" or sometimes even including additional settings like "normal" and "extra dirty." These options reflect the intensity of soil present on your clothes. Here's a breakdown of what each soil level means:
1. Light Soil
Imagine those days when your clothes are relatively clean, with minimal stains or dirt. The light soil setting is perfect for those casual outings, lightly worn clothes, or items that just need a quick refresh. It uses less agitation and shorter wash cycles, helping you conserve energy and time.
2. Normal Soil
Now we're talking about your everyday clothes, mildly soiled but nothing too extreme. This setting strikes the perfect balance between cleanliness and efficiency. It's great for your average T-shirts, jeans, and workwear. Say goodbye to surface-level grime!
3. Heavy Soil
When your clothes have endured the muddy trenches of life, it's time to crank up the soil level to heavy. This setting is designed to tackle the toughest challenges, like sweaty gym clothes, heavily stained garments, or clothes that have been frolicking through nature. When selecting this setting, you may want to use a stronger laundry detergent, like Dropps Active Wash, to really make the most of the high powered cleaning!
What Soil Level Should I Use?
Now you know what the different soil levels are, but do you know when to use each setting? Consider the following factors when choosing your washing machine soil level to make sure your clothes are perfectly clean every time.
Assess The Dirt
Take a moment to evaluate the level of soil on your clothes. Are they slightly dusty, mildly soiled, or could they be mistaken for having been worn in a mud wrestling championship? This initial inspection will give you a good idea of the appropriate soil level.
Consider The Fabric
Different fabrics may require different soil level settings. Delicate items like lace or silk might need a lighter touch, while sturdy fabrics like denim or towels can handle a heavy-duty wash. Check the care label on your clothes for any specific instructions.
Do a Stain Check
Pay attention to any stains on your clothes. Stubborn stains, like that spaghetti sauce that splattered on your favorite shirt, might warrant a higher soil level to ensure a thorough cleaning. You may also want to spot clean the stain beforehand using our Stain Guide!
Remember Sustainability
Remember that higher soil levels generally involve longer wash cycles and more energy consumption. If your clothes aren't too soiled, opting for a lower soil level can help conserve resources. Spot cleaning a particularly dirty article of clothing beforehand can also help you reduce the soil level needed!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more burning questions about what soil means on a washer? We’re here to help.
What does soiled mean in laundry?
In the context of laundry, "soiled" refers to clothing or fabric that is dirty or stained with various types of contaminants such as dirt, grime, food spills, sweat, or other substances. Soiled items require cleaning to remove the dirt and stains, typically through washing or dry cleaning processes. The term "soiled" is often used to describe the initial condition of laundry before it undergoes cleaning to restore its cleanliness and freshness. Determining the soil level can help you decide what laundry detergent to use, and what settings to select on your machine.
What does heavy soil mean on washing machine?
What does soil mean on a washer? Soil refers to the level of dirt–so heavy soil means those dirty, sweaty, or stained garments. If you’ve been camping, vigorously working out, or had a cooking mishap, this is the level for you.
Does soil level add more water?
In most modern washing machines, selecting a higher soil level setting generally leads to the machine using more water during the wash cycle. The soil level setting allows you to indicate the level of dirtiness or soil on your laundry, and the washing machine adjusts the water usage and agitation accordingly. Higher soil levels usually require more water and longer wash cycles to ensure thorough cleaning and stain removal. However, the exact water usage may vary depending on the specific washing machine model and its settings. If you are looking to reduce your water usage, pick the lowest soil level that is applicable for your laundry.