Cycle names describe mechanical action and timing
Washer cycle names are shortcuts for combinations of agitation or tumbling, cycle length, spin behavior and sometimes temperature defaults. Exact behavior varies by machine, so the appliance manual and garment label both matter.
Normal or cotton
This is generally the everyday cycle for durable, normally soiled items whose care instructions permit regular machine washing. It usually uses more mechanical action than a delicate cycle.
Delicate or gentle
FTC care-label terminology defines gentle or delicate washing around slower agitation and reduced time. Use it when the garment label calls for a gentler machine process, not simply because a fabric feels soft.
Permanent press
FTC terminology describes permanent-press washing as including a cool-down or cold rinse before reduced spinning. Machine implementations differ, so use the named cycle when it matches the garment instructions.
Heavy duty and quick wash
Heavy-duty cycles generally increase wash intensity or duration for robust, heavily soiled items. Quick cycles are intended for smaller or lightly soiled loads. Neither label overrides the clothing care 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.