A washing machine’s soil level setting adjusts the intensity of the wash cycle depending on how dirty your laundry is. Use a low soil level for lightly worn items, a medium soil level for everyday items, and a high soil level for extra filthy items.

Ever squinted at your washer’s control panel and felt like it was designed by NASA? You’re not alone. Between settings like “permanent press,” “delicate,” and the bafflingly named “soil level,” it’s no wonder washing your clothes can feel like rocket science.

“Soil level” might sound like a term that belongs in a gardening manual. But it’s just laundry-speak for how much grime, sweat, and dirt your clothes have absorbed. The higher the soil level you select, the more intense the wash cycle.

Here’s the good news: you don’t need a PhD to use this setting. We’re here to make sense of it all, from what “soil level” actually means to how it affects your clothes. By the end of this, you’ll know exactly when to crank up the dirt-fighting power and when to give your clothes a gentler wash—no advanced coursework required.

What Does ‘Soil Level’ Mean On Your Washing Machine?

The soil level setting on your washing machine adjusts the wash cycle’s intensity and duration according to how much dirt, grime, or other residue is on your clothes. “Soil” here refers to more than just literal dirt; it includes sweat, oils, food stains, and everyday grime.

This setting usually includes options like light, normal, and heavy. These let you tailor the wash process depending on how dirty your laundry is. A higher soil level will involve more agitation, longer cycles, and sometimes more water to dislodge deep-seated dirt.

How to Choose the Right Soil Level for Your Load of Laundry

Selecting the right soil level depends on what’s in your laundry pile (and how dirty it is). Here’s a breakdown of when to use each setting:

Light Soil

This setting is ideal for lightly used clothing, like office wear or outfits you’ve only worn for a few hours. This shorter cycle uses less water and energy, making it more eco-friendly.

Normal Soil

The normal soil setting is your go-to for typical loads. This includes everyday clothes that have been worn all day, as well as workout wear and towels that aren’t heavily stained.

Heavy Soil

Reserve the heavy soil setting for your super-dirty items—think garden clothes, sports uniforms, and grimy towels. The heavy setting is also useful for bulky items like bedsheets and blankets, which can trap more dust and dirt.

Choosing the right setting isn’t just about getting clothes clean; it also saves on water and energy. For example, overusing the heavy soil setting can cause unnecessary wear and tear on your garments and waste resources.

How Do Different Soil Levels Affect Fabrics?

Each soil level’s specific agitation and cycle time impacts fabric longevity. Here’s what to expect:

• Light Soil: This setting is gentle on fabrics, making it ideal for delicates or lightly worn clothes that don’t need heavy-duty scrubbing. The lower friction and shorter cycle time help protect your items from wear and tear.
• Normal Soil: The balanced option between cleaning power and fabric care, this setting works well for cotton, blends, and synthetics that need a good, thorough wash without added stress.
• Heavy Soil: This one goes all-in with the most intense wash, designed for heavily soiled items with stubborn dirt and stains. However, it’s best to avoid this setting on delicate fabrics or items that are prone to stretching or shrinking, as it can be a bit rough.

Pro Tip: Always check your garment care tags and opt for the lowest effective soil level to extend the life of your clothes while still keeping them clean.

Washer Settings Can Be Confusing. Choosing the Best Laundry Detergent Is Simple.

Trying to decipher the settings on your washing machine might trigger flashbacks from that high school chemistry class you barely passed. But choosing the best laundry detergent is the easiest thing you’ll do all week.

It’s time to pitch your plastic jug full of spring breeze-scented goop and treat yourself to Laundry Sauce: the best-smelling laundry detergent on the planet. Sure, our pods are enriched with bio-enzymes to conquer stains like nobody’s business. But cleaning your clothes is just table stakes. We took it up a notch and infused our formula with luxurious fragrances like Australian Sandalwood, Italian Bergamot, and French Saffron.

One whiff of these pods turns laundry day from a chore into something you’ll actually look forward to.