What Is Perm Press on a Washer? When and How to Use It
What Is Perm Press on a Washer? When and How to Use It
You’ve seen the perm press setting on your washing machine dial for years but never used it. You always choose normal or delicate and hope for the best. But your dress shirts come out wrinkled, your polyester blouses look creased, and you spend 15 minutes ironing every load. The perm press cycle is designed for exactly these fabrics. It uses a specific combination of water temperature, agitation, and spin speed to reduce wrinkles in synthetic and blended fabrics. Here’s what perm press does, when to use it, and when to skip it.
Perm press (permanent press) is a washing machine cycle designed for synthetic and blended fabrics that are prone to wrinkling. It uses warm water, moderate agitation, and a slower spin speed with a cool-down rinse to reduce wrinkles. The cycle is gentler than normal but more vigorous than delicate.
To use perm press, select the cycle for synthetic fabrics, dress shirts, polyester, rayon, and wrinkle-prone blends. Use warm water and a moderate spin speed. Don’t use it for heavy items like towels and bedding or for delicate fabrics like silk and wool.
What Perm Press Does
Warm water. Perm press uses warm water (around 90 to 110F). Warm water relaxes synthetic fibers, which helps prevent wrinkles from setting.
Moderate agitation. The cycle uses medium agitation, which is gentler than normal but more vigorous than delicate. This prevents creasing without being too rough.
Slower spin speed. The spin cycle is slower than normal, which reduces the centrifugal force that presses clothes against the drum and creates wrinkles.
Cool-down rinse. Perm press includes a cool-down rinse at the end of the cycle. The transition from warm wash water to cool rinse water helps set the fabric in a smooth state, reducing wrinkles.
When to Use Perm Press
| Fabric | Use Perm Press? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester | Yes | Reduces wrinkles |
| Rayon | Yes | Reduces wrinkles |
| Dress shirts | Yes | Reduces ironing |
| Nylon | Yes | Reduces wrinkles |
| Cotton blends | Yes | Reduces wrinkles |
| 100% cotton | No | Use normal cycle |
| Towels | No | Use heavy duty |
| Bedding | No | Use heavy duty |
| Silk | No | Use delicate |
| Wool | No | Use delicate or hand wash |
| Activewear | No | Use cold wash |
| Denim | No | Use normal or heavy duty |
Perm Press vs. Other Cycles
| Feature | Normal | Perm Press | Delicate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water temp | Warm or hot | Warm | Cold |
| Agitation | Medium-high | Medium | Low |
| Spin speed | High | Medium-low | Low |
| Cool-down rinse | No | Yes | No |
| Best for | Cotton, everyday items | Synthetics, dress shirts | Silk, lace, knits |
| Wrinkle prevention | Low | High | Medium |
How to Use Perm Press
Step 1: Sort
Sort clothes by color. Separate perm press items (synthetics, dress shirts, blends) from heavy items (towels, bedding) and delicates (silk, wool).
Step 2: Load
Fill the drum no more than half full. Perm press works best with smaller loads because clothes need room to move freely. Overloading increases wrinkles.
Step 3: Add Detergent
Add 2 tablespoons of Tide Free and Gentle. Don’t use too much detergent, as excess leaves residue that makes clothes stiff.
Step 4: Select Perm Press
Choose the perm press cycle on your washer. Select warm water temperature if not automatically set.
Step 5: Remove Promptly
Remove clothes promptly when the cycle ends. Don’t let them sit in the drum, as this causes wrinkles. Shake out each item before drying.
Step 6: Dry on Perm Press
If using a dryer, select the perm press dryer cycle. It uses medium heat with a cool-down period. Don’t over-dry, as this sets wrinkles.
Tips to Reduce Wrinkles with Perm Press
Don’t overload. Fill the drum no more than half full for perm press loads.
Shake out clothes. Shake each item before putting it in the dryer to release wrinkles.
Remove promptly. Remove clothes from the washer and dryer as soon as the cycle ends.
Hang or fold immediately. Hang dress shirts on hangers or fold immediately. Don’t leave them in a pile.
Use dryer balls. Dryer balls help separate clothes and reduce wrinkles in the dryer.
Skip fabric softener. Fabric softener coats fibers and can reduce the effectiveness of perm press. Use vinegar instead.
FAQ
What is perm press on a washer? Perm press is a washing machine cycle designed for synthetic and blended fabrics that wrinkle easily. It uses warm water, moderate agitation, a slower spin speed, and a cool-down rinse to reduce wrinkles.
When should you use perm press? Use perm press for polyester, rayon, nylon, dress shirts, and cotton blends that are prone to wrinkling. Don’t use it for heavy items like towels and bedding or for delicate fabrics like silk and wool.
What is the difference between perm press and normal? Perm press uses warm water, moderate agitation, a slower spin speed, and a cool-down rinse to reduce wrinkles. Normal uses higher agitation, a faster spin, and no cool-down. Perm press is gentler and better for wrinkle-prone fabrics.
What is the difference between perm press and delicate? Perm press uses warm water and moderate agitation. Delicate uses cold water and low agitation. Perm press is more vigorous and better for synthetics. Delicate is gentler and better for silk, lace, and knits.
Does perm press reduce wrinkles? Yes. The combination of warm water, moderate agitation, slower spin, and cool-down rinse reduces wrinkles in synthetic and blended fabrics. For best results, remove clothes promptly, shake them out, and hang or fold immediately.
References
- Tide. “Washing Machine Cycles Guide.” tide.com.
- The Spruce. “What Is Perm Press?” thespruce.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “Laundry Cycle Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
- Whirlpool. “Washer Cycle Guide.” whirlpool.com.
