Delicate, hand wash, and wool are gentle care cycles with different scopes. Choose the one authorized by the garment’s care label; a similar name does not guarantee the same treatment.
Compatibility is determined before starting the cycle
A label that excludes machine washing is not overridden because the panel has an option called hand wash. Likewise, knowing that a garment contains wool does not confirm that it can handle water, spinning, or centrifugal extraction. Check the entire item, including lining, trim, and finishes.
| Cycle | What you need to confirm |
|---|---|
| Delicate | Allowed fabrics, agitation level, reduced load, and water extraction. |
| Hand wash | Which garments the appliance manufacturer actually allows and whether the label accepts that use. |
| Wool | Approval for machine-washable wool and product, temperature, and load limits. |
Settings do not fix every incompatibility
Lowering the temperature of an intensive cycle does not turn it into a wool cycle: motion and sequence matter too. A protective bag also does not change the label’s limits. Keep the load within the maximum for the gentle cycle and check the options before starting, especially if the machine remembers previous settings.
If there is no cycle that is expressly suitable, consult the garment manufacturer or use the indicated alternative care. To complete the washing and drying of the item, continue with wool, silk or viscose and regenerated fibers.
When comparing gentle cycles, use their permitted garments and load limits; similar names do not settle the choice.