Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost. Have you ever wondered exactly how dirty your laundry needs to be to justify using your washing machine’s “heavy duty” cycle? Or ...

Quick wash cycles may seem convenient, but laundry pros warn they can damage clothes and your machine over time. Discover ...

Hand washing is recommended for some types of clothes, such as lingerie, unstructured wool items, cashmere sweaters, and any fabrics that can be damaged by too much agitation. However, the pile of ...

From fast to eco, delicate to intense cold — the options your washing machine offers up can feel excessive. If you're time-poor or just impatient, a fast or quick cycle might seem like a good option.

Time-Saver or Fabric Destroyer? - Many of us are still confused about the process of quick-wash laundry. Does it really harm ...

Consumer Reports rounds up the best washing machines of every type, based on our extensive lab tests and member surveys.