electron1100 - I notice once again 60 or 90 is bought up - this cycle is designed to effectively remove all the stains that would come out at 60 or 90, but wash only at 40C. As that's a better temp for coloureds, bright coloureds (and darks if soiled with anything white??)
I agree a good method to wash whites, tea towels etc is to soak them, or give them a good 60 or 90 wash. I usually put them on no2 a 60C wash which works by holding temp for a whole hour, with the heater coming on and off.
Dascot - did you read the description (about 3rd line)?
This is one of the latest washers from Hotpoint, sold alongside (and made alongside) their current round door machines. Its programmes, and programming is EXACTLY the same as the round door machines. Just like all the other HE, HY, HF square door models (designed so they can be matched with a square door dryer, or if you prefer a traditional square door look, as some don't like the round door - lead to numerous people moaning - even on this site).
Therefore the anti-stain advertised on TV, is the Anti-stain which this machine has, and its been around for about nearly 2 years. (Still quite new - but the adverts advertise the machine as new, with Anti-stain technology).
Meanwhile as Electron1100 the reason for standard programmes being so long, is all due to the Governemnt, not just Hotpoint, but nearly all will sadly now be over 3hrs. This is due to the requirement to be energy efficient A+, A++ etc (Means a reduced temp to that that is chosen), while still delivering an A class wash (Meaning longer cycle time, due to the reduce temp and the fact that no longer a temp hold can be performed).
The Anti-stain cycle is only for 5KG because this way the drum is loosely full (52l), better movement of the clothes, as opposed to tightly compressed on the 7KG full cycle.
Yes Aquacycle - in my opinion its good to have an effective stain removal wash.