What Is Permanent Press in a Washing Machine? How and When to Use It

You see “permanent press” on your washing machine dial and you’re not sure what it does. You’ve been using the normal cycle for everything, but your dress shirts come out wrinkled and your synthetics look worn. Permanent press is a cycle designed specifically for synthetic fabrics and wrinkle-resistant clothing. It uses warm water, medium agitation, and a slower spin to reduce wrinkles and prevent damage. Here’s what permanent press means and when to use it.

Permanent press in a washing machine is a cycle designed for synthetic fabrics and wrinkle-resistant clothing. The cycle uses warm water (85 to 105F), medium agitation, and a slower spin speed to reduce wrinkles and prevent fabric damage. Permanent press is gentler than the normal cycle but not as gentle as the delicate cycle.

To use permanent press, select the cycle for polyester, nylon, dress shirts, and synthetic blends. Use warm water, a gentle detergent, and don’t overload the washer. Remove clothes promptly to prevent wrinkles. Don’t use permanent press for heavy items like towels or delicates like silk.

What Permanent Press Does

Water Temperature

Permanent press uses warm water (85 to 105F). Warm water cleans synthetic fabrics without causing wrinkling or damage.

Agitation

Permanent press uses medium agitation. It’s gentler than the normal cycle (which uses high agitation) but not as gentle as the delicate cycle (which uses low agitation).

Spin Speed

Permanent press uses a slower spin speed. The slower spin reduces wrinkles by preventing clothes from being pressed against the drum.

Cool Down Rinse

Some washers include a cool down rinse at the end of the permanent press cycle. The cool water helps reduce wrinkles by relaxing the fabric.

Cycle Time

Permanent press typically runs for 30 to 40 minutes.

Permanent Press vs. Other Cycles

Feature	Normal	Permanent Press	Delicate	Hand Wash
Water temp	Warm or hot	Warm	Cold	Cold
Agitation	Medium-high	Medium	Low	Very low
Spin speed	High	Medium-low	Low	Very low or none
Wash time	30-40 min	30-40 min	20-30 min	15-25 min
Best for	Cotton, everyday	Synthetics, dress shirts	Silk, lace, wool	Most fragile delicates
Wrinkle prevention	No	Yes	Yes	Yes

When to Use Permanent Press

Use Permanent Press For:

• Polyester and nylon clothing
• Dress shirts and blouses
• Synthetic blends (cotton-poly, rayon)
• Permanent press fabrics (treated to resist wrinkles)
• Work uniforms
• Lightweight jackets
• Tablecloths and linen napkins

Don’t Use Permanent Press For:

• Heavy items like towels, bedding, and rugs (use heavy duty or normal)
• Delicates like silk, lace, and wool (use delicate or hand wash)
• Heavily soiled items (use normal or heavy duty with hot water)
• Activewear with spandex (use cold wash)

How to Use Permanent Press

Step 1: Sort Clothes

Sort clothes by fabric type. Put synthetics and dress clothes in the permanent press load.

Step 2: Prepare Items

• Turn clothes inside out to reduce pilling
• Close zippers and hooks to prevent snagging
• Put small items in mesh bags

Step 3: Add Detergent

Add 2 tablespoons of Tide Free and Gentle to the dispenser.

Step 4: Add Baking Soda for Odors

Add half a cup of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda for deodorizing.

Step 5: Select Permanent Press

Select the permanent press cycle on your washer.

Step 6: Add Vinegar to the Rinse

Add half a cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser to remove residue and soften clothes.

Step 7: Remove Promptly

Remove clothes as soon as the cycle ends to prevent wrinkles.

Step 8: Dry on Permanent Press or Hang

Use the permanent press dryer setting (if available) or hang to dry. Remove promptly from the dryer.

Monthly: Clean the Machine

Use affresh Washing Machine Cleaner monthly.

What Not to Do

Don’t overload the washer. Permanent press needs room for clothes to move freely.

Don’t use hot water. Hot water can wrinkle and shrink synthetic fabrics.

Don’t use fabric softener. It coats fibers and reduces breathability. Use vinegar instead.

Don’t use chlorine bleach. Chlorine bleach can yellow synthetics. Use oxygen bleach if needed.

Don’t leave clothes in the washer. Leaving clothes causes wrinkles.

Don’t use permanent press for heavy items. Heavy items need more agitation.

FAQ

What is permanent press in a washing machine? Permanent press is a washer cycle designed for synthetic fabrics and wrinkle-resistant clothing. It uses warm water, medium agitation, and a slower spin speed to reduce wrinkles and prevent fabric damage.

When should you use permanent press? Use permanent press for polyester, nylon, dress shirts, synthetic blends, permanent press fabrics, work uniforms, and lightweight jackets. Don’t use it for heavy items like towels or delicates like silk.

What temperature does permanent press use? Permanent press uses warm water (85 to 105F). Warm water cleans synthetic fabrics without causing wrinkling or damage.

What’s the difference between permanent press and normal? Permanent press uses medium agitation and a slower spin speed to reduce wrinkles. Normal uses high agitation and a high spin speed for better cleaning but more wrinkles. Permanent press is gentler than normal but not as gentle as delicate.

Can you use permanent press for cotton? Yes, for lightweight cotton items like dress shirts. For heavy cotton items like towels and jeans, use the normal or heavy duty cycle for better cleaning.

References

1. Tide. “Washing Machine Cycles Guide.” tide.com.
2. The Spruce. “Permanent Press Cycle Guide.” thespruce.com.
3. Good Housekeeping. “Washer Cycle Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
4. Consumer Reports. “Washing Machine Guide.” consumerreports.org.