Drying Cycles Explained

The Normal cycle is the default for most loads — medium heat, sensor dry, automatic shutoff when the moisture sensor reads dry. It works well for cottons, blends, and most household laundry. The cycle adapts to load size and dampness automatically, so you do not need to set a time.

The Heavy Duty (or Bulky Items) cycle uses higher heat and longer estimated times for thick items like towels, jeans, and blankets. The longer cycle ensures the inside of folded items dries fully even when the outer surface reads dry. Use Heavy Duty for towels and bedding; the trade-off is more wear on the fabric, so do not use it on everyday clothes.

The Delicates (or Low Heat, or Air Dry) cycle uses minimal heat or no heat to protect fabrics that would shrink, melt, or damage in normal heat. Use it for synthetics, intimates, athletic wear, and items labeled tumble dry low. The cycle is slower and less aggressive; small loads dry well, but loading the drum full will leave items damp.

Specialty cycles include Steam Refresh (refreshes pre-worn items without full wash), Wrinkle Prevent (tumbles intermittently after the cycle ends to prevent set wrinkles), Sanitize (extended high heat to kill bacteria and dust mites), and Quick Dry (high heat for 15-20 minutes to dry small loads in a hurry). Each has a real use case; learning your dryer's specific menu is the only way to use them all.