At a Glance:
When to Use a Permanent Press?
Permanent Press vs Other Cycles
Should You Choose a Washer with a Permanent Press?
Wrinkled clothes can ruin your look, and nobody wants that. But ironing can be too much work and time-consuming. Well, guess what? The permanent press cycle is the solution you're looking for. It keeps your clothes unwrinkled without requiring too much effort.
Most washers and dryers have a permanent press cycle that can reduce wrinkles and improve your fabrics. However, the majority of people never actually explore the different cycle options, they opt for a normal cycle. But other options can make your laundry routine easier. Do you want to know more about the permanent press and other washer settings? This article will explore the permanent press, how to use it, and everything you need to know. Let's dive in!
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Shop All LaundryWhat is Permanent Press?
Permanent press, also called perm press, is a term commonly associated with laundry settings on washing machines and dryers, but what does permanent press mean, and how does it work? Permanent press is a fabric care setting designed to help prevent wrinkles in clothing during the washing and drying process.
When you select the permanent press cycle on your washing machine, it combines a series of gentle wash and rinse actions with a slower spin cycle. This combination of factors is intended to protect delicate fabrics while also reducing the likelihood of wrinkles forming in your clothing.
The permanent press feature is particularly useful for garments made from synthetic or blended fabrics, which tend to be more susceptible to wrinkling. Fabrics like polyester, rayon, and blends containing these materials can benefit significantly from this setting. However, it is important to note that not all fabrics should be treated with permanent press. Items like heavy denim or cotton towels, for instance, may not respond well to this setting and could still emerge from the dryer with some wrinkles.
What is Permanent Press on a Washer?
Perm press on a washing machine uses warm water to wash clothes and rinses using cold water. The agitation and spinning speed are kept low, and the cycle lasts around 30 minutes.
The permanent press cycles put less strain on clothing while wet, preventing wrinkles. Since the temperature is kept low, it also minimizes the wear and tear of the fabric. These washers are also cost-efficient since they work at lower temperatures.
What is a Permanent Press on a Dryer?
A permanent dryer press uses medium heat, preventing wrinkles or creases. It is gentler and also reduces the damages, including shrinkage. Some permanent press dryers also have a cool-down function that transitions from a warm to a cool temperature. These dryers save energy since they use lower temperatures.
So, what does permanent press mean for your laundry routine? It means that you have an option to help maintain the smooth and wrinkle-free appearance of your clothes. However, it's essential to follow garment care labels and manufacturer recommendations, as using the permanent press setting on fabrics that don't require it could lead to unnecessary wear and tear over time.
When to Use a Permanent Press?
Using permanent press has many advantages. But it doesn't mean you can use it on all the loads. There are a few things to remember as permanent can be beneficial for some loads, but it can also be harmful for others.
When to Use Permanent Press
For these items, you can use the permanent press:
➤ Synthetic fabrics like acrylic, nylon, rayon, and polyester
➤ Clothes with "tumble dry" tags
➤ Heavily soiled items
➤ Clothes that can't be ironed
➤ Bright coloured clothes
When Not to Use Permanent Press
A permanent press is not suitable for these items:
➤ Delicate garments such as sweaters and undergarments
➤ Clothes with "hand wash-only" tags
➤ Blankets, bedding, and towels
➤ Heavily soiled clothes
➤ Clothes requiring hot washes and sanitization
Permanent Press vs Other Cycles
Most washers and dryers have delicate, regular, steam, and permanent press settings, but many people don't know when to use which setting. You now know what permanent press is and when to use it. But what about other items for which it is not suitable? Let's compare the different settings against that of permanent press.
Permanent Press vs Delicate
The permanent press operates at low temperatures, which means it is delicate; however, as stated above, it is unsuitable for fragile items such as sweaters, undergarments, and crocheted items. For these clothes, the suitable option is a delicate setting. These items and others labeled for extra care should go in a delicate cycle. Let's see the difference between a permanent press and a delicate cycle.
- Spin speed: A permanent press cycle uses alternative medium and low agitation speeds. It is safe for most fabrics, but even medium speed is not bearable for delicate ones. The safer option would be using a delicate cycle because it only spins at a low speed.
- Temperature: A permanent press cycle uses medium temperature compared to a regular cycle, but a delicate cycle uses even lower water and air temperatures. It provides extra protection against higher temperatures.
Permanent Press vs Regular
Regular cycles are used by everyone daily. They are suitable for daily wear clothes that do not require any special attention. These two differ in:
- Spin speed: The normal cycle uses high-speed agitation, and these vigorous spins are unsuitable for some fabrics. It is ideal for heavy loads, and due to its high speed, it produces a lot of wrinkles on clothes, so you should not put clothes that cannot be ironed into the regular cycle. They should go in a permanent press cycle as they utilize medium-speed agitation.
- Temperature: As stated, the permanent press operates lower than the normal cycle. Regular cycles use a high temperature, and temperature makes a big difference; high temperatures can be responsible for producing wrinkles in clothes and damaging them, which reduces their life span.
Permanent Press vs. Steam
The washing process is the main difference between a perm press and a steam cycle. The steam cycle does not wash the clothes. When you want to freshen up something like a dress shirt and do not require a deep wash like a regular cycle, even the delicate one is not recommended in such a situation; in this scenario, you should go for the steam cycle. It removes wrinkles and makes your clothes fresh.
Should You Choose a Washer with a Permanent Press?
When it comes to selecting a washing machine, one of the decisions you'll need to make is whether or not to choose a washer with a permanent press setting. This decision depends on your laundry needs and the types of fabrics you frequently wash. Let's delve into the considerations to help you make an informed choice.
The permanent press cycle in washing machines is specifically designed to reduce wrinkles in clothing, making it an excellent option for individuals who value a polished and wrinkle-free appearance. If you often wear garments made of synthetic or blended fabrics, such as polyester, rayon, or poly-cotton blends, a washer with permanent press can be a valuable addition to your laundry game.
The benefits of choosing a washer with a permanent press cycle include:
- Wrinkle Reduction: The primary advantage is its ability to minimize wrinkles in clothing. This setting combines gentle agitation and reduced spinning speeds to prevent excessive wrinkling during the wash and rinse cycles.
- Fabric Care: Permanent press is gentle on delicate and synthetic fabrics, helping to extend the lifespan of your clothing items.
- Time-Saving: By reducing wrinkles, this cycle may save you time on ironing and steaming your clothes.
However, there are instances when a permanent press cycle may not be necessary or suitable:
- Fabric Compatibility: Not all fabrics require the permanent press treatment. Heavy-duty fabrics like denim or cotton towels may not benefit from this setting and may even be negatively affected.
- Preference: Some individuals prefer the natural look of slightly wrinkled clothing or have other methods for managing wrinkles, such as using a garment steamer.
Choosing a washer with a permanent press cycle can be advantageous if you frequently wash wrinkle-prone fabrics and prioritize a well-groomed appearance. However, it's crucial to consider the types of fabrics you regularly launder, your energy and water consumption preferences, and your personal preference for wrinkle management before making a decision. Ultimately, the choice should align with your specific laundry needs and lifestyle.
FAQ
What does permanent press mean?
Permanent press is a process that reduces wrinkles formation through proper washing and drying. Washing machines and dryers have a permanent press option, making the laundry process much more manageable. It takes care of clothes by operating at low temperatures and is cost efficient.
What temp is a permanent press?
A permanent press washer or dryer operates at a lower temperature as compared to a normal one. A washer operating at a normal temperature is usually around 130°F. While a permanent press cycle works at 85–105°F. A lower temperature is better for fabrics like nylon and acrylic.
Where can I buy a washer with a permanent press near me?
If you want a washer with a permanent press, Arnold's Appliances is the perfect place. We have a wide range of washes from brands including Amana, Crosley, Bosch, Asko, and more. We have various models with different features like permanent press, delicate, and steam.
Where can I buy a dryer with a permanent press near me?
If you are searching for dryers in Bellevue, WA, Arnold's Appliance is where you can buy dryers with permanent press. We have everything you need, from high-quality washers to dryers with all the new and exciting features.
Why Trust Arnold’s Appliance?
Arnold's Appliance started in the summer of 1956 when it opened its doors as Lakeshore Appliance in Redmond, Washington. John Arnold and his family have since grown the store from just a few brands to the large appliance store it is today and moved to Bellevue in 1999 in search of a larger building. Arnold’s Appliance now offers high-end innovative products from over 45 manufacturers.
In addition to extensive product knowledge, Arnold’s has been providing fine appliances to Northwest builders, remodelers, designers, architects, and developers for over 47 years. Arnold's supplies products and installation to many of the finest custom and spec home builders in the Pacific Northwest. Along with single-family housing, Arnold's has also supplied products for some of the largest multi-unit projects in the area. Arnold’s, now the third generation of the Arnold Family, is dedicated to bringing the best quality products, delivery services, and installation to customers for years to come.
Shop Laundry Appliances at Arnold’s Appliance
Stop by Arnold’s Appliance Bellevue, WA location to see what a difference buying locally with an experienced staff can make. Or shop laundry online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you understand permanent press — whether you call us at 425-454-7929, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.
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