Spin vs. Drain — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 16, 2024
: Spin cycles agitate clothes to loosen dirt; drain cycles remove water from the washer, utilizing different mechanisms.
Difference Between Spin and Drain
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Spin cycles in washing machines use rapid rotation to extract water from laundry through centrifugal force, whereas drain cycles rely on gravity or a pump to remove water from the drum after washing and rinsing.
During the spin cycle, clothes are spun at high speeds to force out water, making drying more efficient, while the drain cycle simply allows water to flow out of the machine, clearing the way for either a rinse or a spin.
Spin cycles can vary in speed to suit different types of fabrics, protecting delicate items from damage, whereas drain cycles do not have variable settings but focus solely on water evacuation.
Effective spin cycles reduce the amount of moisture in clothes significantly, which decreases drying time, on the other hand, drain cycles ensure that all detergent and dirt residues are removed from the wash drum.
The efficiency of spin cycles often depends on the machine's maximum spin speed, which can impact how dry clothes are post-wash; conversely, the efficiency of drain cycles is measured by how quickly and completely they remove water.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
Extract water from clothes using centrifugal force
Remove water from drum to prepare for next cycle
Mechanism
High-speed drum rotation
Gravity or pump-based water evacuation
Speed Variability
Yes, varies to suit fabric types
No, operates at a consistent rate
Impact on Drying Time
Decreases drying time significantly
No direct impact on drying time
Residue Management
Does not remove residues but reduces moisture content
Removes washing residues effectively
Compare with Definitions
Spin
A washing machine function that rotates the drum rapidly to remove excess water.
The spin cycle can be loud, but it helps in faster drying.
Drain
Essential for clearing water before a new washing cycle starts.
Ensure the drain cycle completes before adding more detergent.
Spin
Integral for reducing overall drying times.
A good spin cycle means less time in the dryer.
Drain
A washing machine phase where water is expelled from the drum.
The drain cycle is crucial for removing soap suds.
Spin
Utilizes centrifugal force to separate water from clothes.
During the spin cycle, clothes cling to the sides of the drum.
Drain
Operates based on gravity or with the aid of a pump.
My old washer's drain cycle uses gravity alone.
Spin
Varied by rpm (revolutions per minute) settings.
Higher rpm settings result in drier clothes post-spin.
Drain
Focuses on evacuating water and residues.
A malfunctioning drain cycle can leave clothes too wet.
Spin
Often adjustable to suit different fabric types.
For delicate fabrics, use a lower spin cycle speed.
Drain
Does not involve spinning or agitating clothes.
The drum remains still during the drain cycle.
Spin
To rotate rapidly; whirl.
Drain
To draw off (a liquid) by a gradual process
Drained water from the sink.
Spin
To have a sensation of whirling, as from dizziness; reel
My head spun after I did a cartwheel.
Drain
To cause liquid to go out from; empty
Drained the bathtub.
Drain the pond.
Spin
To make thread or yarn by drawing out and twisting fibers.
Drain
To draw off the surface water of
The Mississippi River drains a vast area.
Spin
To extrude viscous filaments, forming a web or cocoon.
Drain
To drink all the contents of
Drained the cup.
Spin
To fish with a light rod, lure, and line and a reel with a stationary spool.
Drain
To cause (a resource or supply of something) to be used up gradually and often completely.
Spin
To cause to rotate swiftly; twirl
Spin a top.
Drain
To fatigue or spend emotionally or physically
The day's events drained me of energy.
Spin
To shape or manufacture by a twirling or rotating process.
Drain
(Sports) To put (a ball or shot) into a hole or basket, as in golf or basketball
Drained the putt for a birdie.
Spin
(Informal) To play (a recorded piece of music, such as a phonograph record), especially as a disc jockey.
Drain
To flow off or out
Gasoline drained slowly from the tilted can.
Spin
To provide an interpretation of (a statement or event, for example), especially in a way meant to sway public opinion
"a messenger who spins bogus research into a vile theology of hatred" (William A. Henry III).
Drain
To become empty by the drawing off of liquid
Watched the tub slowly drain.
Spin
To draw out and twist (fibers) into thread.
Drain
To discharge surface or excess water
The Niagara River drains into Lake Ontario. When flooded, the swamp drains northward.
Spin
To form (thread or yarn) in this manner.
Drain
To become gradually depleted; dwindle
Felt his enthusiasm draining.
Spin
To form (a web or cocoon, for example) by extruding viscous filaments.
Drain
A pipe or channel by which liquid is drawn off.
Spin
To relate or create
Spin a story.
Drain
(Medicine) A device, such as a tube, inserted into the opening of a wound or body cavity to facilitate discharge of fluid or purulent material.
Spin
The act of spinning.
Drain
The act or process of draining.
Spin
A swift whirling motion.
Drain
A gradual outflow or loss; consumption or depletion
The drain of young talent by emigration.
Spin
A state of mental confusion
I've been in a spin about this all week.
Drain
Something that causes a gradual loss
Interruptions that are a drain on my patience.
Spin
(Informal) A short drive in a vehicle
Took a spin in the new car.
Drain
A conduit allowing liquid to flow out of an otherwise contained volume; a plughole UK
The drain in the kitchen sink is clogged.
Spin
The flight condition of an aircraft in a nose-down, spiraling, stalled descent.
Drain
An access point or conduit for rainwater that drains directly downstream in a (drainage) basin without going through sewers or water treatment in order to prevent or belay floods.
Spin
A distinctive point of view, emphasis, or interpretation
"adept at putting spin on an apparently neutral recital of facts" (Robert M. Adams).
Drain
Something consuming resources and providing nothing in return.
That rental property is a drain on our finances.
Spin
A distinctive character or style
An innovative chef who puts a new spin on traditional fare.
Drain
(vulgar) An act of urination.
Spin
The angular momentum of rotation of a rigid body about its own axis.
Drain
(electronics) One terminal of a field effect transistor (FET).
Spin
The intrinsic angular momentum of a subatomic particle. Also called spin angular momentum.
Drain
(pinball) An outhole.
Spin
(ergative) To rotate, revolve, gyrate (usually quickly); to partially or completely rotate to face another direction.
I spun myself around a few times.
Spin the ball on the floor.
She spun around and gave him a big smile.
Drain
A drink.
Spin
To enter, or remain in, a spin (abnormal stalled flight mode).
Drain
(intransitive) To lose liquid.
The clogged sink drained slowly.
Spin
To cause one's aircraft to enter or remain in a spin (abnormal stalled flight mode).
Drain
(intransitive) To flow gradually.
The water of low ground drains off.
Spin
(transitive) To make yarn by twisting and winding fibers together.
They spin the cotton into thread.
Drain
To cause liquid to flow out of.
Please drain the sink. It's full of dirty water.
Spin
(figurative) To present, describe, or interpret, or to introduce a bias or slant, so as to give something a favorable or advantageous appearance.
Drain
To convert a perennially wet place into a dry one.
They had to drain the swampy land before the parking lot could be built.
Spin
To make the ball move sideways when it bounces on the pitch.
Drain
(transitive) To deplete of energy or resources.
The stress of this job is really draining me.
Spin
To move sideways when bouncing.
Drain
(transitive) To draw off by degrees; to cause to flow gradually out or off; hence, to exhaust.
Spin
(cooking) To form into thin strips or ribbons, as with sugar
Drain
To filter.
Spin
To form (a web, a cocoon, silk, etc.) from threads produced by the extrusion of a viscid, transparent liquid, which hardens on coming into contact with the air; said of the spider, the silkworm, etc.
Drain
To fall off the bottom of the playfield.
Spin
To shape, as malleable sheet metal, into a hollow form, by bending or buckling it by pressing against it with a smooth hand tool or roller while the metal revolves, as in a lathe.
Drain
To drink.
Spin
To move swiftly.
To spin along the road in a carriage, on a bicycle, etc.
Drain
To draw off by degrees; to cause to flow gradually out or off; hence, to cause the exhaustion of.
Fountains drain the water from the ground adjacent.
But it was not alone that the he drained their treasure and hampered their industry.
Spin
To wait in a loop until some condition becomes true.
Drain
To exhaust of liquid contents by drawing them off; to make gradually dry or empty; to remove surface water, as from streets, by gutters, etc.; to deprive of moisture; hence, to exhaust; to empty of wealth, resources, or the like; as, to drain a country of its specie.
Sinking waters, the firm land to drain,Filled the capacious deep and formed the main.
Spin
To play (vinyl records, etc.) as a disc jockey.
Drain
To filter.
Salt water, drained through twenty vessels of earth, hath become fresh.
Spin
To use an exercise bicycle, especially as part of a gym class.
Drain
To flow gradually; as, the water of low ground drains off.
Spin
To ride a bicycle at a fast cadence.
Drain
To become emptied of liquor by flowing or dropping; as, let the vessel stand and drain.
Spin
To search rapidly.
Drain
The act of draining, or of drawing off; gradual and continuous outflow or withdrawal; as, the drain of specie from a country; the project is a drain on resources.
Spin
Rapid circular motion.
The car went into a spin.
The skaters demonstrated their spins.
He put some spin on the cue ball.
Drain
That means of which anything is drained; a channel; a trench; a water course; a sewer; a sink.
Spin
(physics) A quantum angular momentum associated with subatomic particles, which also creates a magnetic moment.
Drain
The grain from the mashing tub; as, brewers' drains.
Spin
A favourable comment or interpretation intended to bias opinion on an otherwise unpleasant situation.
Try to put a positive spin on the disappointing sales figures.
The politician was mocked in the press for his reliance on spin rather than facts.
Drain
Emptying accomplished by draining
Spin
(sports) Rotation of the ball as it flies through the air; sideways movement of the ball as it bounces.
Drain
Tube inserted into a body cavity (as during surgery) to remove unwanted material
Spin
(aviation) A condition of flight where a stalled aircraft is simultaneously pitching, yawing and rolling in a spinning motion.
Drain
A pipe through which liquid is carried away
Spin
(mechanical engineering) An abnormal condition in journal bearings where the bearing seizes to the rotating shaft and rotates inside the journal, destroying both the shaft and the journal.
Drain
A gradual depletion of energy or resources;
A drain on resources
A drain of young talent by emmigration
Spin
A brief trip by vehicle, especially one made for pleasure.
I'm off out for a spin in my new sports car.
Drain
Flow off gradually;
The rain water drains into this big vat
Spin
A bundle of spun material; a mass of strands and filaments.
Drain
Deplete of resources;
The exercise class drains me of energy
Spin
A single play of a record by a radio station.
Drain
Empty of liquid; drain the liquid from;
We drained the oil tank
Spin
A search of a prisoner's cell for forbidden articles.
Drain
Make weak;
Life in the camp drained him
Spin
(dated) An unmarried woman; a spinster.
Spin
(uncountable) The use of an exercise bicycle, especially as part of a gym class.
Spin
Special interest of an autistic person.
Spin
To draw out, and twist into threads, either by the hand or machinery; as, to spin wool, cotton, or flax; to spin goat's hair; to produce by drawing out and twisting a fibrous material.
All the yarn she [Penelope] spun in Ulysses' absence did but fill Ithaca full of moths.
Spin
To draw out tediously; to form by a slow process, or by degrees; to extend to a great length; - with out; as, to spin out large volumes on a subject.
Do you mean that story is tediously spun out?
Spin
To protract; to spend by delays; as, to spin out the day in idleness.
By one delay after another they spin out their whole lives.
Spin
To cause to turn round rapidly; to whirl; to twirl; as, to spin a top.
Spin
To form (a web, a cocoon, silk, or the like) from threads produced by the extrusion of a viscid, transparent liquid, which hardens on coming into contact with the air; - said of the spider, the silkworm, etc.
Spin
To shape, as malleable sheet metal, into a hollow form, by bending or buckling it by pressing against it with a smooth hand tool or roller while the metal revolves, as in a lathe.
Spin
To practice spinning; to work at drawing and twisting threads; to make yarn or thread from fiber; as, the woman knows how to spin; a machine or jenny spins with great exactness.
They neither know to spin, nor care to toll.
Spin
To move round rapidly; to whirl; to revolve, as a top or a spindle, about its axis.
Round about him spun the landscape,Sky and forest reeled together.
With a whirligig of jubilant mosquitoes spinning about each head.
Spin
To move swifty; as, to spin along the road in a carriage, on a bicycle, etc.
Spin
The act of spinning; as, the spin of a top; a spin a bicycle.
Spin
Velocity of rotation about some specified axis.
Spin
An interpretation of an event which is favorable to the interpreter or to the person s/he supports. A person whose task is to provide such interpretations for public relations purposes is called a spin doctor.
Spin
A swift whirling motion (usually of a missile)
Spin
The act of rotating rapidly;
He gave the crank a spin
It broke off after much twisting
Spin
A short drive in a car;
He took the new car for a spin
Spin
Rapid descent of an aircraft in a steep spiral
Spin
A distinctive interpretation (especially as used by politicians to sway public opinion);
The campaign put a favorable spin on the story
Spin
Revolve quickly and repeatedly around one's own axis;
The dervishes whirl around and around without getting dizzy
Spin
Stream in jets, of liquids;
The creek spun its course through the woods
Spin
Cause to spin;
Spin a coin
Spin
Make up a story;
Spin a yarn
Spin
Form a web by making a thread;
Spiders spin a fine web
Spin
Work natural fibers into a thread;
Spin silk
Spin
Twist and turn so as to give an intended interpretation;
The President's spokesmen had to spin the story to make it less embarrasing
Spin
Prolong or extend;
Spin out a visit
Common Curiosities
What is the purpose of a spin cycle in a washing machine?
It removes excess water from clothes through high-speed drum rotation.
What happens if the drain cycle does not work properly?
Clothes may remain too wet, and detergent residues might not be effectively removed.
Is the spin cycle more important than the drain cycle?
Both are essential; the spin cycle for reducing moisture in clothes and the drain cycle for removing water and residues from the drum.
Why is the drain cycle important after the rinse phase?
It ensures all soapy water is removed before clothes are either spun or removed from the machine.
Can the spin cycle damage clothes?
High speeds can damage delicate items if the settings are not adjusted correctly.
How does a drain cycle differ from a spin cycle?
The drain cycle removes water by gravity or pumping, without rotating the drum.
Can you adjust the speed of a spin cycle?
Yes, many machines allow speed adjustments to protect delicate fabrics.
Do all washing machines have both spin and drain cycles?
Yes, these are standard features in modern washing machines.
What should I do if my clothes are still very wet after the spin cycle?
Check if the spin cycle settings are appropriate for the fabric type and load size.
How do I know if the drain cycle is working properly?
The drain cycle works properly when the water pumps out and the machine follows it's sequence.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
