A small load is not necessarily a delicate load. Delicate programmes are designed around particular fabric care needs, and their reduced movement or spin may not suit heavily soiled everyday items.
Understanding this situation
A handful of robust towels, for example, has different washing and water-removal requirements from a few fine garments. Selecting the gentlest setting solely because there are few items can leave the impression that the machine cleans or spins poorly. Conversely, choosing a standard cotton programme for a tiny delicate load can expose the fabric to unsuitable treatment.
A useful next step
Choose the programme from the care labels and soil level first, then respect that programme's capacity. Describe persistent poor cleaning with the programme name and fabric type rather than simply saying the load was small. If the manual offers a small-load option, use its own instructions instead of assuming that every delicate cycle serves the same purpose.
Manuals and supporting guidance
Model-specific instructions take priority. These references support the practical principles discussed here; they do not diagnose your appliance.