Washing machine in Italy, just a base model, has 18 numbers, 6 symbols, a temperature dial from 30 to 100 degrees and 4 buttons ! Read the instruction book… Here are some good suggestions: open the water all the way, if it’s a new machine, run an empty load first to clean it, your machine will probably recommend a super long, hot load for your cottons. If you have anything delicate, beware! If your dial starts at 30 degrees, but you want just a cold load, set the dial in the area before the numbers start. Use caution. Anything really cheap (t-shirts from the market), really bright (the year that turquoise was in) or really expensive (that adorable Max Mara shirt) should be hand washed with “Lip” (woolite). Experiment gradually until you find what works best. When loading a front-loader, make sure nothing gets caught in the door when you close it. I have been known to cause small floods in this way.