This ignored washing machine button is the secret to longer appliance life
The extra rinse button on washing machines, which many people ignore (photo: magnific.com)
There are many buttons on a washing machine panel whose purposes we often don't even think to check. One of them can be particularly useful if clothes retain an odor or detergent residue after washing.
Styler explains what extra rinse is for and when to use it.
What is extra rinse for?
The extra rinse function adds an additional rinsing cycle to the selected program. This helps wash away more detergent residue from the fabric. Instructions for some washing machines note that this option increases rinsing efficiency and helps remove detergent as thoroughly as possible. It can also be beneficial for people with skin sensitive to detergents.
Therefore, the button should be used if you are washing items with a large amount of detergent, have fully loaded the drum, or notice that the fabric remains too "soapy" after a regular cycle.
Expert advice
Consumer Reports laundry expert Richard Handel advises against overusing detergent. According to him, excessive amounts of powder or gel can lead to residue buildup in the washing machine and leave clothes feeling soapy to the touch.
Therefore, if clothes retain an odor or feel of detergent after a regular cycle, don't simply increase the amount. Instead - check the dosage, and if necessary, use the extra rinse function.
It can be particularly useful when washing towels, bed linens, bulky items, or large drum loads, when detergent may not rinse out of the fabric as effectively. Extra rinse can also help if white powder marks remain on dark clothes after washing.
Should you turn it on every time?
No. If you use the correct amount of detergent, don't overload the drum, and items rinse well after washing, the additional cycle is not necessary.
Moreover, this function can increase water consumption compared to a standard rinse cycle. The exact amount depends on the model and program.
So there's no point in leaving this button on constantly. Use it when items truly need more thorough rinsing, not as a way to make regular washing "even cleaner."
When not to skip extra rinse:
- White marks remain on black clothes;
- Items feel slippery or "soapy" after washing;
- You accidentally added too much detergent;
- Washing towels, blankets, bed linens, and other dense items;
- The drum is almost fully loaded;
- Washing children's clothes and wanting to rinse out detergent residue more thoroughly.
And most importantly - if the problem with powder residue repeats regularly, first check the amount of detergent and the machine load. Extra rinse will help fix the consequence, but won't eliminate the cause.
