When to Use the Extra Rinse Cycle—and When to Skip It

It's easy to overlook some of the buttons on your washing machine. But paying thoughtful attention to the details often makes all the difference. So when it comes to your laundry routine, that unassuming "extra rinse" button may be worth a second look.

While not every load of laundry needs this additional step, there are certain instances when it can be helpful. The key is understanding what the cycle actually does, and when it can benefit your garments.

Here, we're breaking down what the extra rinse cycle does and when to use it (and when to skip it) to effortlessly elevate your laundry routine.

What Does the Extra Rinse Cycle Actually Do?

The extra rinse setting does exactly what it sounds like: After your washer completes its regular wash and rinse cycles, it adds one more rinse with clean water before spinning your laundry dry. "Its main purpose is to flush out further detergent residue, dirt, and allergens that may linger after the initial rinse," explains James Joun, co-founder and chief operating officer of Rinse.

In practice, this can mean a few things: softer fabrics, less irritation for sensitive skin, and squeaky-clean clothes that don’t trap leftover soap.

"The extra rinse setting can be a helpful tool when used intentionally," share L’AVANT Collective co-founders, Kristi Lord and Lindsay Droz. "It’s all about knowing when your laundry needs a little more love."

When to Use the Extra Rinse Cycle

Not every load needs a double rinse, but there are specific scenarios where that final splash of clean water can make a noticeable difference.

For Babies and Sensitive Skin

If you’re washing clothing or bedding for infants, toddlers, or anyone with skin sensitivities or allergies, the extra rinse can help fully rinse away detergents that might otherwise cause irritation.

"When laundering bedding for allergy sufferers, or when using highly fragranced or concentrated detergents, the extra rinse helps ensure residue is fully removed," say Lord and Droz. Even fragrance-free detergents can leave behind traces that provoke a reaction, so erring on the side of caution is often best here.

For Heavy-Duty Loads

Bulky or heavily soiled loads often benefit from a second rinse to fully remove dirt, body oils, and excess detergent. "Items such as sweaty workout clothes, cloth diapers, or greasy kitchen towels may hold on to more soap and soil. An extra rinse ensures they’re truly clean and fresh," says Joun.

This goes for bulkier items and bedding, too, he adds. "Larger items, such as comforters or rugs, may not rinse thoroughly in one cycle due to their density."

For Fragrance-Free Results

If you’re sensitive to scents, this setting helps remove both detergent fragrance and softener residue. Even clean or fresh scents can be overpowering, especially in bedding or pillowcases that spend hours close to your skin.

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When to Skip It

While the extra rinse is a smart addition in many cases, there are a few times when it may be unnecessary—or even wasteful. "To get the most out of this setting, use it selectively, not automatically," Lord and Droz say. "Think of it as a boost—not a default."

• For Light or Delicate Loads: If you’re washing silks, lingerie, or lightly worn items, one rinse is usually enough. "Using an extra rinse on delicate fabrics or short cycles can lead to over-handling the fabric or unnecessary wear," according to Joun.
  
• If You’re Watching Water Use: If you’re trying to reduce your household’s water footprint, consider using the extra rinse only when it’s truly needed. "Extra rinse cycles use more water and energy, so they should be reserved for specific needs, not routine use," Joun says.
  
• With Everyday Laundry: If you're working a normal-sized load with a measured dose of high-quality detergent, your regular rinse is likely doing the trick. "For most typical loads like casual wear or lightly worn clothing, the standard rinse cycle is sufficient," says Joun.
  

Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Extra Rinse Setting

If you decide to make the extra rinse part of your regular routine—or even a once-in-a-while luxury—here are a few helpful reminders:

• Don't Overfill the Drum. Give your clothes enough space to tumble and rinse properly. "Always avoid overloading your machine, which can interfere with proper rinsing in any cycle," say Lord and Droz. An overstuffed machine can’t rinse efficiently, even with an extra cycle.
  
• Use the Right Detergent. High-efficiency machines require low-sudsing formulas. Even with an extra rinse, regular detergent may leave behind a filmy residue.
  
• Clean Your Machine Monthly. If your washer smells musty or your clothes aren’t coming out as fresh, give your machine a thorough clean. (You can do so using distilled white vinegar.) A clean machine means cleaner clothes—no matter the cycle.