Within the context of a washing machine, the term “soil” refers to the level of dirt and grime present on the clothing being washed. This setting allows the user to adjust the wash cycle’s intensity and duration based on the estimated degree of contamination. For example, heavily soiled items like gardening clothes would require a more aggressive wash cycle than lightly soiled items such as office attire.
The proper selection of the appropriate soil level contributes to effective cleaning and fabric care. Overly aggressive cycles can damage delicate fabrics, while insufficient cleaning may leave residual dirt and stains. Historically, washing machines offered fewer customizable options, requiring users to manually adjust wash times and water temperatures. Modern machines, with their automated soil level settings, aim to simplify this process, improving cleaning outcomes while reducing wear and tear on garments.