What Does Permanent Press Mean on a Washing Machine?

You see a permanent press setting on your washer and wonder what it does. Maybe you’ve been using the normal cycle for everything and your synthetic clothes are wrinkled. The permanent press cycle is designed to reduce wrinkles and protect synthetic fabrics. Here’s what permanent press means on a washing machine and how to use it.

Permanent press is a washer cycle that uses warm water, a slower spin speed, and a cool rinse to reduce wrinkles in synthetic fabrics. The cycle was originally designed for permanent press fabrics (synthetic blends treated to resist wrinkles) but works well for all synthetic and blended fabrics. The warm water relaxes fibers, the slower spin reduces creasing, and the cool rinse sets the fabric flat.

To use the permanent press cycle, sort clothes by fabric type, use it for synthetics and blends (polyester, nylon, rayon), use warm water, add Tide Free and Gentle, and dry on low heat or air dry. Don’t use permanent press for heavy fabrics (towels, jeans), don’t use hot water, and don’t overload the washer.

How Permanent Press Works

Warm Water Wash

Permanent press uses warm water (around 90 to 110 degrees F). Warm water relaxes synthetic fibers and helps remove wrinkles without damaging the fabric.

Slower Spin Speed

Permanent press uses a slower spin speed than the normal cycle. The slower spin reduces creasing and wrinkling by extracting less water with less force.

Cool Rinse

Permanent press uses a cool rinse. The cool water sets the fabric flat and helps prevent wrinkles from forming during the spin cycle.

Gentle Agitation

Permanent press uses gentler agitation than the normal cycle. This reduces friction and prevents synthetic fabrics from pilling and snagging.

What to Wash on Permanent Press

Fabric Type	Use Permanent Press?	Why
Polyester	Yes	Reduces wrinkles, protects fabric
Nylon	Yes	Reduces wrinkles, protects fabric
Rayon	Yes	Reduces wrinkles, gentle cleaning
Blends (cotton/poly)	Yes	Reduces wrinkles, protects blend
Knits	Yes	Reduces stretching and wrinkling
100% Cotton	No	Use normal cycle
Towels	No	Use heavy duty cycle
Jeans	No	Use normal or heavy duty cycle
Delicates (silk, wool)	No	Use gentle cycle
Activewear	Sometimes	Check care label

What Works

Sort by Fabric Type

Sort clothes by fabric type before washing. Use permanent press for synthetics and blends. Use normal for cotton. Use heavy duty for towels.

Use Warm Water

Permanent press uses warm water. Warm water relaxes synthetic fibers and helps remove wrinkles. Don’t use hot water, which can damage synthetics.

Use the Right Detergent

Use Tide Free and Gentle. It works in warm water and is gentle on synthetics.

Add Baking Soda

Add half a cup of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda to the wash for extra cleaning and deodorizing.

Add Vinegar to the Rinse

Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse. Vinegar softens clothes and reduces static.

Dry on Low Heat

Dry permanent press clothes on low heat. High heat can damage synthetics and cause wrinkles. Air dry when possible.

Remove Promptly from Dryer

Remove clothes from the dryer as soon as the cycle ends. This prevents wrinkles from setting.

Use the Right Products

Detergent: Tide Free and Gentle

Stain removers: OxiClean Max Force Spray, Dawn Ultra Dish Soap, Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam

Laundry sanitizer: Lysol Laundry Sanitizer

Ink remover: Amodex Ink and Stain Remover

Machine cleaner: affresh Washing Machine Cleaner

What to Avoid

Don’t use permanent press for heavy fabrics. Towels, jeans, and bedding need the normal or heavy duty cycle for proper cleaning.

Don’t use hot water. Hot water can damage synthetic fabrics and cause wrinkling. Use warm water.

Don’t overload the washer. Overloading reduces cleaning and increases wrinkling. Fill no more than 3/4 full.

Don’t use high heat in the dryer. High heat can damage synthetics and cause wrinkles. Use low heat or air dry.

Don’t leave clothes in the dryer. Leaving clothes in the dryer causes wrinkles. Remove promptly.

Don’t use fabric softener on activewear. Fabric softener coats synthetic fibers and reduces moisture-wicking. Use vinegar instead.

Comparison: Washer Cycles

Cycle	Water Temp	Spin Speed	Agitation	Best For
Normal	Warm or hot	Fast	Normal	Cotton, everyday clothes
Permanent press	Warm	Slow	Gentle	Synthetics, blends, knits
Gentle	Cold	Very slow	Very gentle	Delicates, silk, wool
Heavy duty	Hot	Fast	Heavy	Towels, bedding, heavily soiled
Quick wash	Cold or warm	Fast	Short	Lightly soiled, small loads

FAQ

What does permanent press mean on a washing machine? Permanent press is a washer cycle that uses warm water, a slower spin speed, and a cool rinse to reduce wrinkles in synthetic fabrics.

What should you wash on permanent press? Use permanent press for synthetic fabrics and blends: polyester, nylon, rayon, knits, and cotton/poly blends. Don’t use it for heavy fabrics like towels and jeans.

What temperature is permanent press? Permanent press uses warm water (around 90 to 110 degrees F) for the wash and cool water for the rinse.

Can you use permanent press for cotton? 100% cotton is better on the normal cycle. Cotton/poly blends can use permanent press to reduce wrinkles.

What’s the difference between normal and permanent press? Normal uses faster spin and stronger agitation for cotton. Permanent press uses slower spin, gentler agitation, and warm water to reduce wrinkles in synthetics.

References

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