How to wash my clothes in a washing machine?

I know you have to separate the whites and the darks when washing and have laundry detergent available. What settings for white clothes and how long? What settings for dark clothes and how long? How long in the dryer? What's your method of washing your own clothes? Thanks!
Answers

sara

They can use the same setting. Cotton steam wash 60° 1 and a half hours

robgwisdala: Whites

Whites: Heavy Duty Cycle Maximum Wash Time Hot Wash/Cold Rinse Use the correct water level for the size of the load. Colors: Heavy Duty Cycle Maximum Wash Time Warm Wash/Cold Rinse Use the correct water level for the size of the load. Permanent Press: Permanent Press Cycle Maximum Wash Time Warm Wash/Cold Rinse Use the correct water level for the size of the load. Delicates: Delicate Cycle Maximum Wash Time Cold Wash/Cold Rinse Use the correct water level for the size of the load.

Anonymous

Modern dyes rarely run, so everything goes in together unless brand new. Don't overload the machine- I prefer a liquid that goes in a ball in the machine but any brand of machine powder is usually OK. For settings read the care label on the garments: most wash at 40 deg. I don't use a dryer but hang things up as they come out of the machine. Periodically do a hot wash (60 deg plus) which can be whites, as low temperature does not kill bacteria that can build up.

mickster440

My clothes are never that dirty, so I usually never set it to the longest time on the machine. 40 mins. in dryer is average. (maybe less/more).

Gino C

bleach all whites