What the Permanent Press Setting on a Washer Means and How It Works

A washing machine is one of the most convenient appliances in the home, turning a long, labor-heavy chore into the press of a few buttons and a wait. Most settings on standard machines are fairly easy to understand, but some names are less obvious, including the "Permanent Press" cycle.

Unlike straightforward options such as "Normal" or "Towels," the Permanent Press setting does not immediately explain what it is for. In practice, it is designed for garments and fabrics that wrinkle easily, helping smooth them in a way that is somewhat similar to ironing by hand. Once you understand how it works, it can be a useful choice for certain clothes, especially if they often come out of the wash creased.

Permanent press is meant to reduce wrinkling

The phrase "Permanent Press" originally describes clothing made to resist wrinkles. In other words, these are items that stay more or less permanently pressed. Some fabrics naturally hold their shape better, such as stretchy synthetics like polyester, while others are treated to resist creasing. By contrast, many natural fibers wrinkle more easily. Formal clothing such as dresses, dress shirts, and suit jackets is often especially prone to wrinkling.

The Permanent Press cycle is not really for those wrinkle-resistant clothes themselves. Instead, it is intended to help remove wrinkles from clothing while still cleaning it thoroughly. That said, wrinkle-resistant items can safely go through this cycle too. It can be a good option for polyester clothing and dress pants, since the stronger heat and heavier spinning of a normal cycle can gradually affect their shape and texture.

It uses a gentler wash and a cooler finish

A Permanent Press cycle is more involved than a standard wash. A normal cycle mainly relies on vigorous tumbling, water, and detergent, which is effective for tough dirt but not ideal for fabrics that crease easily. Permanent Press sits somewhere between the Normal and Delicate settings.

The cycle usually begins with a medium-heat wash, gentle agitation, and slower spinning, then finishes with a cool-water spray rinse. The mix of warmer and cooler temperatures, along with less aggressive movement, helps ease out wrinkles and keep new ones from forming. Because it is shorter and gentler, though, it is best for clothing rather than bulky items like towels or bedding. It should also not be used for very delicate fabrics, such as undergarments; those are better left to the Delicate cycle.

Washing machines and dryers often both include a Permanent Press setting. After using it in the washer, you can also choose the same setting in the dryer, which uses moderate heat and a cool-down phase to dry clothes without rough treatment. As a bonus, this setting may use less energy than higher-heat drying options.