• Standard washer and dryer cycles can be used for delicate and heavy items.Martin Poole/Lifesize/Getty Images
  
  Items of clothing that you might have had to hand wash or send out for dry cleaning in the past can often be cared for in today's washers and dryers. That's because the modern versions contain advanced water temperature and heat control settings that allow for the proper cleaning of delicate fabrics such as silk and wool at home, which can result in saving you money and time.
  
  

Standard Washer Cycles

• The standard cycles found on most washing machines include heavy duty, permanent press, delicate, and permanent press settings. These settings allow you to wash many fabrics, including cotton and polyester. On a standard washing machine -- which for home use is typically a top-loading model -- water temperature settings will vary depending on the wash cycle selected. Delicates will wash and rinse in cold water while other cycles will wash in hot or warm water and rinse in cold.
  
  

Standard Dryer Cycles

• Most dryers will offer basic cycle settings, including Delicate, Air Fluff, Cotton and Permanent Press. Some will also include standard More Dry or Less Dry options. These cycles differ in the amount of heat used and the length of the drying cycle. You can select a cycle that is appropriate for the fabric you are drying and the weight of the items. For example, cotton sheets will not need as much time to dry as a pair of jeans or a comforter.
  
  

Additional Washer Cycles

• Newer washing machines have a variety of features that offer premium performance and convenience. Some models may offer up to 27 wash cycles under what is known as a fabric care system. For example, Whirlpool's Duet washing machines have a quick wash cycle for small loads as well as a hand-wash cycle that agitates very gently to mimic the action of washing items by hand in a sink. A clean washer cycle refreshes the drum of the machine, removing mildew and soap residue buildup.
  
  

Additional Dryer Cycles

• Next generation clothes dryers go beyond the standard settings. Instead of simply drying clothes, models from manufacturers such as LG can steam-sanitize your children's toys and dampen clothes slightly to make ironing easier. Newer dryers also include features such as static reduction and short cycles that can be used to remove a few wrinkles from items prior to wearing them.