Favorite laundry habits ruin fabrics: Long cycles proved much safer

The effectiveness of laundry depends more on temperature and contact time than on the price of the detergent. A common mistake is relying on express cycles for daily wear, which often fails to remove deep-seated contaminants from fabric fibers. The Limits of Express Cycles Short cycles lasting 15 to 30 minutes are insufficient for heavily soiled laundry. Within this timeframe, detergent granules or gel capsules often fail to dissolve completely. This low concentration of active ingredients means dirt is only partially removed, frequently leaving white streaks on dark fabrics. In contrast, longer cycles, such as the "Cotton" setting, allow detergents to react fully with stains. The mechanical action of the drum rotation provides the necessary friction to lift particles from the weave. According to domestic worker Nina Zakharova, prolonged contact with water at a moderate temperature is safer for fibers than the aggressive impact of high heat over a short period.