Heavy Duty is about load needs, not maximum power
Manufacturers commonly position Heavy Duty for sturdy or heavily soiled items. The exact temperature, spin and time depend on the washer model and selected options.
Good candidates
Durable towels, jeans or workwear may fit when their care labels allow the selected settings and the load can move correctly.
Poor candidates
Delicates, unstable dyes, heat-sensitive finishes and stretch-heavy garments may need a gentler cycle even when they are dirty.
Treat stains separately
A stronger cycle does not replace stain identification and pretreatment. Use a stain-specific method before increasing wash severity.
Use product-specific instructions
Garment care labels, appliance manuals and laundry-product directions can be more specific than a general guide. Use them when they set a tighter limit.