I used to wash my lycra shorts on the delicate cycle and line dry. I noticed after a long summer of wearing the same 2 pairs of shorts and hanging them dry, that they started to smell a little strange (AFTER they were washed/dried). I was washing them in cold water and figured that maybe all of the bacteria created by sweating and being a girl wasn't being adequately squelched in the cold water and room temp air. I started drying them on the delicate cycle - and have not had the problem since. They are showing no signs of additional wear from this method.

If I were going to run a small load of anything, I would rather it be something important like my BIKE CLOTHES!!

Cherice