What Does Soil Mean on a Washing Machine? Understanding Soil Levels and Wash Settings

You're loading the washing machine, picking the cycle, and suddenly you notice: Soil level. There are options like Light, Normal, and Heavy, but what do these mean? 

The soil level tells your washer how dirty your laundry is. A T-shirt you wore around the house doesn’t need the same amount of washing as your hiking shorts, and this setting helps your machine account for that difference.

In this Mozi Wash guide, we break down: 

• What does soil level mean on a washing machine?

• The most common soil options available.

• How do you choose the right soil option?

What does ‘soil level’ mean on a washing machine?

Let’s understand what does soil level mean in a washing machine. Soil level of a washer indicates the level of dirt or soil on the garments. So, when your washer asks you to select a soil level, it’s really asking: How dirty is this load? 

Based on the soil level you pick, the washer may adjust:

• Water levels

• Wash time

• The amount of detergent used

• Wash motion

However, you should remember one important distinction: soil level and wash cycle aren't the same thing. Your cycle is generally chosen based on the type of laundry you're washing, while the soil setting tells the washer how dirty that laundry is. 

So you might choose a Normal cycle for two different loads, then select Light soil for one and Heavy soil for the other. 

What are the most common washer soil levels on a washing machine?

Most washers that let you select a soil level have three basic options: Light, Normal, and Heavy. Some machines give you additional levels in between, but the idea is the same.

Here’s what you need to know about the typical soil level options on a washing machine:

How to choose the right soil level for your laundry?

Most of us want to understand what does soil mean on a washing machine to ultimately choose the right level for our clothes. But how do you do that? Firstly, don’t overthink it. Just use the following factors to figure it out.

Assess how dirty the clothes are

Start with the obvious: look at your clothes for a quick visual assessment. A t-shirt you wore while driving around for a few hours will probably be cleaner than muddy baseball pants.

As a general guide:

• Light soil: Barely dirty or lightly worn clothes

• Normal soil: Regular everyday laundry

• Heavy soil: Muddy, heavily stained, or noticeably dirty clothes

Consider the fabric

Next, don’t choose the soil level simply based on the dirt alone. You also have to think about what the fabric can actually handle. Sturdy fabrics like denim and towels can generally take a more intensive wash. Delicate fabrics need gentler treatment, even when they're dirty. Check the care label before choosing a higher soil level. 

Check for stains

This one is easy. If the clothes have visible stains, they will need a higher soil level setting. For instance, you can wash your stain-free white silk shirt at the normal level, but your kid’s shirt that’s covered with spaghetti sauce needs the heavy soil level setting. 

Additionally, if you see visible stains, it’s always best to pre-treat them before tossing it into the washer (even with the heavy soil level on). Just spot clean first with an enzyme-based cleaner like Mozi Stain Treater and then toss it in. 

Keep sustainability in mind

Higher soil levels generally mean a longer, more intensive wash. If your clothes are only lightly worn, that extra washing isn't necessary. 

How to use the soil setting

By now, you’re well-versed in what does soiling mean on a washing machine and how to select the right option. Next is how to use this setting. 

Here’s how:

• Load the washer and add your detergent.

• Select Light, Normal, or Heavy soil level based on the condition of your clothes.

• Choose your wash cycle and temperature as usual.

• Start the washer and let it run.

On many washers, choosing a soil level is optional. If you leave the setting alone, the machine will typically default to Normal soil.

Tackle every soil level with Mozi Wash 

From lightly worn clothes to loads covered in everyday stains, Mozi Wash laundry detergent is made to handle different levels of dirt without being heavy-handed on your fabrics. 

Here’s why Mozi Wash is the preferred detergent for every level of soiling:

• Plant-based enzymes target a variety of everyday stains and grime.

• Concentrated formula means you need less detergent to get the job done.

• Gentle cleaning formula helps care for fabrics wash after wash.

• Luxury-inspired scents give clothes long-lasting freshness well beyond laundry day.

Conclusion

Knowing what light soil means on a washing machine can save you from overdoing it. Barely dirty? Go Light. Your regular laundry basket? Normal will usually do. Mud, visible stains, or serious grime? That's when Heavy earns its name.

And if your machine uses different names or offers more soil levels, check the manual to see exactly what each setting changes. 

What does soil mean in a washing machine FAQs

1. Does a higher soil level add more water?

Typically, yes. Most top-load washing machines tend to add more water when you select a higher level of soiling. This is done to rinse out the dirt more effectively. However, front-load models may still use the same level of water and instead rely on tumbling action to remove dirt. 

2. What does heavy soil mean on a washing machine?

Heavy soil means the load contains a higher amount of dirt, grime, staining, or odors and needs more cleaning action. It's commonly used for things like sports uniforms, outerwear, bedding, towels, and other heavily soiled laundry.

3. What does light soil mean on a washing machine?

Light soil is for clothes with little visible dirt or staining, such as lightly worn garments or certain delicate items. It generally uses a shorter wash time than heavier soil settings. 

4. Is the soil level the same as the water level?

No. Soil level describes how dirty the laundry is, while water level refers to how much water the washer uses. A soil-level selection may affect water usage on some machines, but the two settings aren't the same.