How to use a washing machine correctly

It would seem that everything is simple when working with a washing machine. The functionality on the panel is clearly described by symbols and inscriptions. However, improper use of the washing machine will significantly shorten its service life. Therefore, you need to know how to properly prepare and start the wash.

The washing machine is a long-term household appliance. Manufacturers indicate the service life of machines from 5 to 20 years. But the period depends not only on the technical and design characteristics of the equipment. To ensure maximum operational life, the correct algorithm of actions and handling of equipment is important. Incorrect functionality of the machine can also ruin things.

The instructions for each device indicate how to use the model correctly. By strictly following the instructions, the chance of ruining your clothes or machine becomes minimal. Rules for use include preparing for washing, choosing a mode, loading laundry, using detergents and caring for the machine.

Selecting washing mode, temperature

Functionality Different models may differ greatly from each other, but there are washing modes that are inherent in most devices:

• Cotton – up to 95°.Long-term wash up to 2 hours;
• Synthetics – up to 60°. Duration – up to 2 hours;
• Manual – up to 40°. No spin;
• Delicate – up to 40°. With spin;
• Fast - 30°. Duration – 30 min. High speed spin;
• Intensive – up to 90°. Strong rotation of the drum during the process;
• Preliminary – up to 2 hours, with a determined temperature;
• Economy – minimum water temperature and supply to the drum;
• Silk, wool – delicate mode with low temperature. No spin.

Each mode may have its own characteristics in different models, but the ones listed are standard.

Turning on, setting the mode

Before starting the wash, you need to make sure that the electrical cable is connected to the outlet, the shut-off valve is open, and the hose allows free access of water to the equipment.

There may be a large number of buttons on the panel. The function of each of them must be written in the instructions. It also indicates the features of washing modes and rules of use. You need to turn on the machine only according to the instructions.

Mode selection is usually done using a rotary knob or dial. Each model has symbols around the rotary knob that are quite clear. More modern models use touch panels, setting the mode for which will not present any difficulties.

Drum loading

The amount of textiles washed depends on the size of the drum. The equipment has restrictions on the weight of laundry per wash from 5 to 20 kg, depending on the model. It is also not recommended to stuff the machine up to the permissible weight. So it works in an enhanced mode, which will lead to wear faster. Therefore, the best option would be to weigh things, but a small percentage of housewives resort to such an event.

Bedspreads with complex textures and padding polyester blankets are not always easy to load into the drum. To do this, you need to roll it lengthwise several times and twist it into a roll. You need to twist it tightly so that the blanket fits into the loading hatch. It will unfold on its own in the drum.

Filling detergent containers

A container for detergents in the form of a drawer usually has three compartments:

1. compartment for main wash detergent;
2. rinse aid compartment;
3. Compartment for pre-wash detergent.

Most models have a listed sequence of compartments from left to right. It is important to follow the recommended amount of detergent, since excess detergent settles in the cylindrical tank, which causes an unpleasant odor from the equipment. Cleaning your machine requires a lot of effort, so it's best to be on the safe side.

The product is selected depending on the fabric. There are powders for white, black, colored items, for different fabrics and for certain stains.

How to use an automatic washing machine correctly

An automatic washing machine requires compliance with operating instructions and regular maintenance. To delay the failure of the device, you must adhere to the following rules:

• do not overload the machine;
• if the area has hard water, you need to use descaling solutions;
• use high-quality powders that are completely soluble in water;
• Before washing, make sure there is good water pressure;
• Periodically clean filters, pockets, containers for household chemicals, etc.

Sorting laundry

Throwing all items from the wardrobe in a row into the washing machine is prohibited. This can lead to damage to the products, since each fabric requires its own washing regime. When sorting laundry, you must adhere to the following rules:

• You definitely need to find out about the washing mode of each item from the tags;
• some types of fabrics can be washed exclusively by hand;
• distribute clothes by color: white and colored;
• distribute clothes by weight;
• for washing delicate textiles, it can be placed in a special container;
• Clothes with heavy soiling that may not be able to be washed after the first time should be washed separately.

Airing after washing

To prevent moisture from accumulating in the machine, which serves as an excellent breeding ground for fungus, it must be ventilated periodically. To do this, open the loading hatch lid and the container for household chemicals. The procedure does not require effort or time, but will definitely extend the life of the machine.

Also, after washing, you need to leave the lid and container slightly open each time so that all the moisture from the device evaporates.

Maximum load

Preliminary weighing of things will not always help to load them into the machine correctly. A coarse wool product weighing 1 kg will absorb significantly more moisture than cotton fabric of the same weight. Therefore, you also need to navigate by the degree of filling of the drum. The drum should be filled 1/2 with synthetics, and 1/3 with woolen products.

But there is also such a thing as a minimum drum load. Modern models do not have such a limitation due to their operating features.

If you load 2-3 T-shirts into a machine with a minimum load limit of 1 kg, the device may immediately break down. It's all about vibrations during the spinning process. Thus, there will be an imbalance in the drum, as a result of which the vibration will increase. This easily leads to damage to equipment components.