The term refers to a setting on a washing machine that adjusts the wash cycle intensity and duration based on the amount of dirt or grime present in the laundry load. A higher selection increases wash time, agitation, and sometimes water usage to effectively remove heavy soiling. Conversely, a lower selection reduces these parameters for lightly soiled items, preventing unnecessary wear and tear on fabrics and conserving resources. For instance, work clothes might require a high setting, while lightly worn garments may only need a low setting.
Utilizing this control enhances cleaning performance and prolongs garment life. Selecting the appropriate level optimizes the balance between thorough cleaning and fabric preservation. Historically, washing machines lacked such nuanced controls, leading to either under-cleaned heavily soiled items or over-washed delicate garments. This feature improves efficiency and reduces the overall environmental impact of laundry practices by minimizing water and energy consumption when possible.
