How to Use a Speed Queen Washing Machine
If you’ve been using the same wash cycle for all your clothes with no regard to color or material, you might be doing your laundry all wrong. In fact, the average household should be operating at a minimum of four different wash cycles – and that’s not even mentioning special features like load size, water level and pre-rinse options to ensure that your clothes come out smelling like the hibiscus-fresh ocean breeze at midnight that all major laundry detergent brands promise.
So whether you’re a new homeowner or just moved out of your parent’s house, we can teach you how to use a Speed Queen washing machine and all its settings in our short guide below.
Speed Queen Washer Settings
The sheer amount of Speed Queen washer settings can feel a little overwhelming for first-time users. Some options might be self-explanatory, for example, whites, but what constitutes delicates vs. perm press? And when do you use a rinse and spin cycle?
We’ll cover all the washer setting basics in the charts below, so the next time your friends ask you why their shirt shrank in the wash, you can give an explanation and a solution:
Speed Queen Wash Cycles Explained
Wash Cycles | Explanation |
Heavy Duty | Sturdy fabrics, work and sports clothes, jeans, towels, T-shirts, etc. |
Favorite | Users can save up to 9 of their favorite cycles |
Whites | White clothing |
Bulky | Bulky clothing, blankets or comforters |
Normal Eco | Cotton and linens |
Quick Wash | Lightly soiled clothes |
Perm Press | Permanent press and synthetic clothes |
Rinse & Spin | Quickly rinses clothing and spins. Wash new or delicate clothes, rinse bathing suits and remove extra detergent residue |
Delicates | Hand wash only items, silk, lace, undergarments, decorated clothing, blouses, etc. |
Spin | Removes excess water if clothes are still too wet after a regular wash cycle |
Speed Queen Washer Options Explained
Options | Explanation |
Soak | Adds 27 minutes to the beginning of the cycle |
Pre-Wash | Adds a second wash to the cycle |
Second Rinse | Adds a second, cold-water rinse to the cycle |
Third Rinse | Adds two cold-water rinses to the cycle. Best for those with sensitive skin and allergies |
Delay Start | Delays the cycle up to 24 hours. Press the delay start button once for every hour you’d like the wash delayed (ex. Once for one hour, twice for two hours, etc.) and then the start/pause button to begin |
Signal | Changes the end-of-cycle signal volume to off, low, medium or high |
Control Lock | Locks the keypad. Activate and deactivate the control lock by holding the signal keypad for three seconds |
How to Use a Speed Queen Washing Machine
- Step 1. Sort and prepare clothes for washing – Before tossing your load of laundry into your Speed Queen commercial washer, it’s a good idea to look through the pockets, check the cuffs and zip up any hoodies. Removing loose items will protect the laundry machine and clothes from damage, reduce noise and prevent clogged drains.
- Step 2. Add detergent – The manufacturer recommends using the HE (high efficiency) laundry detergent. However, use only half the amount recommended on the label.
- Step 3. Load the washing machine – Load dirty clothes into the washtub. Do not add more than 18.7 pounds (8.5kg) of dry clothing for energy efficiency and electrical safety.
- Step 4. Close the washing machine lid – Next, shut the washing machine lid, as the washer will not start, fill, agitate or spin while the lid is up.
- Step 5. Turn on the washer – If you haven’t done so already, ensure the washer is plugged in and press the power button to turn it on.
- Step 6. Select a wash cycle and press start – Select the wash cycle that’s recommended for your type of clothing material explained in the chart above. Once you’ve selected your washing machine settings, go ahead and press the start/pause button.
- Step 7. Select the wash temperature – The Speed Queen washer comes with hot, warm, cool and cold temperature selections. Hotter temperatures are better at busting stains and sanitizing clothing but may shrink or damage certain materials. Cooler temperatures save energy and reduce shrinkage and wrinkles but might not remove some of those tougher stains, such as grease, grass or ink spots.
- Step 8. Select load size and soil level – Choosing the optimal load size and soil level for your laundry is vital in ensuring clothes get effectively washed for energy and water efficiency. Small loads need only a low water level, whereas large loads require a higher water level.
- Step 9. Select the options – Choose from the range of options listed and explained in the above chart.
- Step 10. Unload the laundry – Depending on the wash cycle and additional settings you’ve selected, a load of laundry might take anywhere from 15 minutes to over two hours. You can also check on the progress of your wash on the display screen.
- Step 11. Leave the door open – Once you’ve uploaded your washing machine to either machine or air dry your clothing, leave the washer’s lid open.
For more information on everything and all things washing machine-related, check out our vast collection of Speed Queen manuals and diagrams!