Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Samsung’s Delicates cycle is a lower-stress wash program for machine-washable sheer fabrics, lingerie, bras, lace, silk and similar garments. A safe starting point is Delicates (or Hand Wash) + Cold/Tap Cold + Low or Extra Low Spin + a small amount of liquid detergent. Always read the garment’s care label first: a gentle cycle reduces agitation and extraction, but it does not make hand-wash-only, dry-clean-only or structurally fragile clothing machine-safe.
Cycle names, temperatures, spin levels and available options differ among Samsung front-loaders, top-loaders and Laundry Combo models. Use this guide for the general method, then use your washer’s model manual for definitive settings.
What the Delicates cycle does
Samsung describes Delicates/Hand Wash for sheer fabrics, bras, lingerie, silk and other hand-wash-type fabrics. Its purpose is to reduce mechanical stress through more controlled drum movement and gentler extraction than an ordinary cycle. Samsung’s Laundry Combo documentation describes controlled drum rotation for special-fabric care (Samsung cycle guidance; Laundry Combo manual).
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →“Delicates” is a washer program, not a safety guarantee. It mainly changes washing and spinning; heat, detergent, snagging and drying can still damage a garment. The care label remains the controlling instruction.
#1 Best Overall
What can you wash on Delicates?
Use the cycle only when the label permits machine washing. Material names alone are not enough: satin, for example, describes a weave and may be made from different fibers.
| Item or material | Usually appropriate? | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Bras and lingerie | Often | Fasten hooks, use a mesh bag and inspect padding and underwire. |
| Silk | Sometimes | Wash only when the label allows it, using cool water and mild detergent. |
| Lace and sheer fabrics | Sometimes | Protect in a bag and avoid high spin or rough companions. |
| Rayon or viscose | Model- and label-dependent | These fibers can shrink, distort or lose shape even on a gentle program. |
| Wool or cashmere | Only machine-washable versions | Use Wool when available and follow the label; many pieces require hand washing or dry cleaning. |
| Sequined or beaded garments | Often unsuitable | Embellishments may snag, break or detach. |
| Dry-clean-only clothing | No | Do not substitute Delicates for professional cleaning. |
| Velvet, velour, tapestry or brocade | Generally no without label approval | Samsung’s curtain guidance identifies these materials as potentially dry-clean-sensitive (Samsung guidance). |
For delicate white garments, Samsung recommends Delicates or Hand Wash with cold water and low-heat or air drying (Samsung white-garment guidance).
Delicates versus Hand Wash versus Wool
| Cycle | Best for | Main warning |
|---|---|---|
| Delicates | Sheer, lingerie, silk-like, lace and lightweight delicate garments | It does not make hand-wash-only items machine-safe. |
| Hand Wash | Loads identified by that Samsung model as hand-wash-type fabrics | Behavior varies; the name does not override a hand-wash-only label. |
| Wool | Label-approved, machine-washable wool | Use only for wool and respect the model’s load limit. |
| Normal or Quick Wash | Durable everyday clothing | Agitation, temperature or spin may be too aggressive for fragile fabrics. |
Samsung’s U.S. support material groups “Delicates, Hand Wash” for similar fabric types, so do not assume a separate Hand Wash button is always gentler. If both cycles exist, compare the exact manual’s temperature, spin and load information.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesChoose Wool when the item is wool, the label says machine washable and the washer offers that cycle. Samsung models differ: one Canadian guide describes machine-washable wool loads under 3.6 kg, recommending less than 2 kg for best results, while another manual uses a limit under 2.0 kg. These figures are not universal (Samsung Canada cycle overview; Samsung model cycle chart).
Best Samsung settings for delicate clothes
Safe starting point: Delicates or Hand Wash, Cold/Tap Cold, Low or Extra Low Spin, and a small amount of liquid detergent. Adjust only when the care label or model manual calls for something else.
Temperature
- Cold or Tap Cold: the lowest general risk of shrinkage, dye bleeding and heat-related damage.
- Cool or lukewarm: permitted for some silk or satin items, but only when the label allows it.
- Warm or hot: usually a poor default because heat can shrink fibers, weaken elastic, distort shape and affect dyes.
- Sanitize or steam-heavy options: avoid unless both the garment label and model instructions specifically permit them.
Samsung panels may show categories such as Cold, Tap Cold, Cool or Warm, and the available choices depend on the model.
Rank #2
- Exclusive Installation Bundle: Includes 3-Prong and 4-Prong Dryer Power Cords, Washer Hose Set, 8-ft Vent Duct, and 1-Year CPS Protection Plan
- Smart Wi-Fi Enabled: Control washer and dryer remotely via SmartThings app
- 4.7 cu ft capacity Washer with Active WaterJet & vibration reduction tech
- Built-in WaterJet faucet lets you pretreat stains inside the tub
- Self Clean keeps the tub fresh without harsh chemicals
Spin
- Low or Extra Low: the normal choice for most machine-washable delicates.
- No Spin: suitable for exceptionally fragile items when you can handle and dry a very wet garment safely.
- Medium or High: avoid unless the label permits it and the fabric is relatively robust.
Samsung explains that Low is intended for delicate items and No Spin drains without spinning (Samsung cycle and spin guidance). No Spin does not dry clothing; press out water without twisting or wringing.
Detergent and additives
Samsung recommends liquid detergent for Delicates/Hand Wash. Use the smallest label-approved amount, preferably a mild or delicate-fabric detergent, and follow the dispenser instructions. Overdosing leaves residue on fine fabrics; an extra rinse is useful only when the cycle and model permit it.
For wool and cashmere, Samsung recommends checking the care label, using minimal specialty detergent and a mesh bag (Samsung wool and cashmere guidance). Do not use chlorine bleach on colored or non-colorfast delicates. Samsung places bleach in the designated bleach compartment or location on top-load models, not in the detergent compartment (Samsung bleach guidance). Fabric softener can affect elastic, absorbency, technical finishes and specialty fibers, so use it only when compatible. Never mix vinegar with chlorine bleach.
How to prepare a delicate load
- Read every care label and remove anything marked Do Not Wash or Dry Clean Only.
- Separate dark, light and potentially bleeding colors; treat a questionable new garment separately.
- Close zippers, fasten bra hooks, empty pockets and remove jewelry, pins, belts and loose accessories.
- Turn printed or embellished garments inside out when the label permits.
- Place bras, lingerie, lace, silk, wool and snag-prone pieces in a mesh bag. Do not pack the bag tightly.
- Spot-treat stains gently instead of scrubbing the entire garment.
- Keep delicate pieces away from towels, denim, Velcro, open hooks and rough fasteners.
- Load loosely. A crowded drum increases tangling, wrinkling and incomplete rinsing.
How to run the cycle
- Press Power.
- Select Delicates, Hand Wash or the model’s equivalent.
- Set Temperature to Cold, Tap Cold or the coolest label-approved choice.
- Set Spin to Low, Extra Low or No Spin.
- Add the correct amount of liquid detergent to the designated compartment.
- Add the prepared garments without overloading.
- Select Extra Rinse only if needed and available for that cycle.
- Press Start/Pause.
- Remove items promptly when the cycle ends.
- Reshape and dry according to the care label.
Some Samsung cycle charts restrict temperature, spin, soil level or add-on options on Delicates. An unavailable button can therefore be normal operation, not a fault (Samsung cycle chart; Samsung model chart).
Special handling by garment type
Bras and lingerie
Fasten hooks, use a separate mesh bag and avoid mixing with items that have zippers or rough surfaces. Check underwire, padding and elastic after washing; a damaged bra should not be returned to the washer.
Silk and satin
Wash only when the label allows machine washing. Use cold or label-approved cool water, mild liquid detergent, low spin and a bag. Samsung’s satin and silk table-linen guidance permits Delicates only under specified conditions; the garment label remains controlling (Samsung satin and silk guidance).
Rank #3
- Exclusive Installation Bundle: Includes 3-Prong and 4-Prong Dryer Power Cords, Washer Hose Set, 8-ft Vent Duct, and 1-Year CPS Protection Plan
- Smart Wi-Fi Enabled: Control washer and dryer remotely via SmartThings app
- 4.4 cu ft capacity Washer with Active & vibration reduction tech
- Easy to Use and Navigate
- Self Clean keeps the tub fresh without harsh chemicals
Lace and sheer fabrics
Use a mesh bag, low spin and a small load. Keep lace away from hooks, Velcro, denim and towels that can snag it.
Wool and cashmere
Confirm machine-washability, use Wool if the washer has it, choose cool or cold water and wool-compatible detergent, and respect the model’s capacity. Samsung recommends mesh bags and flat drying for these fibers (Samsung wool guidance).
Rayon and viscose
These fibers can shrink or lose shape despite gentle washing. Follow the label precisely and avoid high spin, twisting and heat.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Embellished or structured garments
Loose beading, glued decorations, leather details, tailoring, linings and heavy structure can fail in a washer. Hand washing or professional cleaning is safer when the label requires it or the item is valuable.
How to dry delicate garments
- Check the dryer symbol before using any heat.
- Air-dry when permitted.
- Lay wool, cashmere and shape-sensitive knits flat on a suitable surface.
- Use a drying rack for garments that could stretch on a hanger.
- If tumble drying is allowed, select low, delicate, cool or no-heat settings.
- Remove items promptly to limit heat exposure and wrinkles.
- Never wring or twist wet delicate fabric; reshape it while damp.
Samsung recommends flat drying for wool and cashmere, no-heat or flat drying for silk, low heat for satin, and very low heat or air drying for delicate white garments (Samsung drying guidance).
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When not to use Delicates
- The label says Dry Clean Only, Do Not Wash or gives a specific professional-cleaning instruction.
- The item is heavily embellished, glued, structured, lined or sentimental.
- Colorfastness is uncertain and a test or separate hand wash is not practical.
- The load is heavily greasy, ground-in, bulky or requires sanitization; Delicates prioritizes protection over cleaning power.
- The garment is too large or dense to move freely in the drum.
A hand-wash-only label may be warning against machine agitation even on a gentle program. For expensive or easily distorted items, actual hand washing is the safer interpretation.
If your Samsung washer has no Delicates cycle
- Use Hand Wash if available and appropriate for the model.
- Use Wool only for label-approved, machine-washable wool.
- If the washer allows manual adjustment, choose the lowest temperature and spin.
- Use a short gentle cycle only when the model manual permits it; do not assume Quick Wash is gentle.
- Hand-wash the item when machine settings remain too aggressive.
Samsung cycle availability depends on model, region and washer design. Some compatible machines also offer downloaded cycles through SmartThings, which may appear as Downloaded; support varies by model, region, account and app (Samsung Canada washer overview; Samsung SmartThings).
Recommended Free Tools
Troubleshooting common results
The load is still soaked
No Spin leaves garments very wet by design. Press out water without twisting and follow the label for drying. If Low Spin also leaves a load unusually wet, redistribute items and check the model’s unbalanced-load instructions.
Garments stretched or misshapen
High spin, twisting, hanging heavy wet knits and heat are common contributors. Use lower extraction, reshape promptly and lay flat when appropriate.
Snags or holes appeared
Inspect for open hooks, zippers, Velcro, jewelry, broken embellishments and rough garments. Use mesh bags and separate abrasive items.
There is detergent residue
Reduce detergent to the label-approved minimum, avoid overloading and use Extra Rinse only when available. Low-temperature detergent must also be compatible with the product instructions.
Colors bled
Separate new dark or saturated items, use cold water and avoid bleach unless the label specifically permits it. Cold water reduces risk but cannot guarantee colorfastness.
The cycle takes longer than expected
Load sensing, selected options, water conditions and model programming affect duration. Check the remaining-time display and manual before treating a longer cycle as a fault.
An option is unavailable
Samsung programs can limit temperature, spin, soil level or add-ons. Consult the exact model chart rather than forcing a different cycle.
Quick Recap
Final pre-start checklist
- The care label permits machine washing.
- The cycle matches the fiber and garment type.
- Colors are separated and pockets are empty.
- Hooks and zippers are closed; fragile items are in a loose mesh bag.
- The drum is lightly loaded.
- Temperature is Cold/Tap Cold or otherwise label-approved.
- Spin is Low, Extra Low or No Spin as appropriate.
- Liquid detergent is correctly measured.
- Drying instructions are ready before the cycle starts.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Leave a Reply