Normal, permanent press, or delicate: which cycle do you need

A wash cycle isn't just a name — it's a specific combination of agitation (how roughly the drum tumbles the load), spin speed, and often temperature. Choosing the right one protects a garment from a cycle that's rougher than the fabric can take.

Normal

The most agitation and the fastest spin — built for sturdy, colorfast fabrics that can take a real scrubbing: everyday cotton clothing, towels, sheets, and jeans.

Permanent press

Medium agitation with a slower spin, meant for wrinkle-resistant synthetic and blended fabrics — dress shirts and similar garments that wrinkle if handled too roughly. On a care label, this is the tub symbol with one bar underneath; see our symbol guide.

Delicate or gentle

The lightest agitation and slowest spin, for thin knits, lingerie, and anything the label marks with two bars under the tub symbol.

Hand wash only

Skip the machine entirely: cold water, a small amount of mild detergent, gentle squeezing rather than wringing, then roll the item in a towel to press out excess water before laying it flat to dry.

LaundryMax reads a garment's care label and tells you which cycle it actually needs, so you're not guessing between normal and delicate. See how it works.