a 280 is as basic as it gets. however number 1 is prewash 2 is 95 and so on 5 is non fast colourds. the temp knob is to wash at recommended temp or less but not more. a is final rinse and spin. numbers 6 and higher are delicates and from memory i think 9 is wool. otherwise number 5 at 40 will cover most washes in about 45minutes.