A delicate wash cycle is the machine equivalent to handwashing, this cycle uses warm or cold water with low or no spin. It's the shortest and most gentle cleaning cycle. If the machine defaults to warm water, we recommend you override this by selecting cold water. ... It's the ideal casual wash cycle.

When should I use the delicate cycle?

Delicates: A short, cold wash with slow tumbling and spinning. Use it for sweaters, lingerie, and other items that require a light touch. Hand Wash: Designed to mimic the way clothes are washed in the sink, with periods of gentle tumbling and soaking in cold water, this is for garments labeled “hand-wash.”

Can you wash everything on delicate cycle?

You may be taking extra care to avoid ruining delicate clothing items in the wash, but your laundry machine's "delicate" wash cycle may be anything but for your local water municipality. ... If you wash your clothes on a delicate wash cycle, the clothes release far more plastic [fibers].