What stains an ultrasonic washing machine can and cannot handle?

About 20 years ago, an ultrasonic washing machine went on sale, promising to lead a revolution among its fellows due to its small size, silent operation, low cost and minimal requirements for washing conditions.

A huge number of summer residents, residents of small apartments and simply “freebie hunters” were seduced by the advertising and purchased promising devices. As a curious person, I was always interested to know how justified the purchase was and whether the sellers’ vows about the excellent qualities of this invention were confirmed. Let's talk about whether this miracle device is really capable of washing clothes and removing stains from them, and if so, which ones.

What is an ultrasonic washer?

An ultrasonic washing machine is a device weighing no more than 1.5 kg with an adapter, somewhat reminiscent of an electric shoe dryer, only in a mono version. Operates from a 220 volt network. It erases due to constantly emitted ultrasonic waves, affecting dirt, destroying its particles and knocking them out with micro-impacts invisible to the eye.

For washing you need a metal basin, hot water and washing powder. The water in the basin should completely cover the laundry and be no lower than 50 and no higher than 90 degrees, depending on the model. The fewer items are washed, the higher the quality of the wash.During the process, the laundry needs to be stirred every 15-20 minutes, otherwise you risk getting it unwashed.

The minimum operating time is 1 hour, during which time the manufacturers promise that the items will be completely washed. However, you will have to rinse and spin them manually, since this function is not provided in the device.

The advantage of such a device is not only its small dimensions, but also significant energy savings compared to its larger counterparts.

Does the machine wash?

Let's start with the main thing: this device really washes things! However, the question of the effectiveness of such washing still remains open, since reviews of the results are directly opposite: some (it’s fair to say that they are a minority) consider the device a lifesaver, others – a useless and unnecessary thing.

If we compare the operation of such a device with the results of a conventional washing machine (no matter whether automatic or activator type), as well as with hand washing, then it is significantly inferior to them both in terms of the quality of laundry processing and in terms of time.

Judge for yourself: with a small number of items, the machine in the quick wash mode copes with the task in 15-20 minutes instead of an hour, while cleaning the laundry several times better. The same can be said about primitive manual machines.

If we consider large volumes, such as bed linen, which large washing machines run for several hours, then their ultrasonic treatment will also take more time, and besides, manufacturers directly say that a large number of items negatively affects the quality of washing.

All manufacturers pay attention to the ability of such machines to remove unpleasant odors and disinfect laundry through the influence of ultrasound. This is an undeniable plus.

One-two spots

This machine can remove only light, fresh dirt and refresh items that are washed not because they are dirty, but because “it’s time to wash.” It copes well with traces of dry soil, dust, powder, and superficial (not ingrained into the fabric) dim stains. Oddly enough, it does a good job of washing off fresh sunflower oil and traces of sweat, as well as chocolate and sweet carbonated drinks like forfeit or cola.

An ultrasonic machine will be indispensable for delicate fabrics that cannot be machine washed. Delicate silk or wool products are processed very well in this way and retain their original appearance much longer.

But fruit juices, stains from grass and berries, ketchup, wine stains, as well as traces of blood cannot be thoroughly washed off by such a device. It will, of course, make them lighter, but will not completely remove them. The device will not help you get rid of traces of cosmetics: lipstick, foundation or mascara. Well-trodden socks and children's tights, as well as shirt collars and cuffs, are also too much for him.

Despite the fact that the instructions do not recommend the use of washing powder, it is better to use it, and the higher the quality of the product, the greater the chance of dealing with stains. It's even better to use stain removers.

It turns out that an ultrasonic washing machine cannot remove complex, stubborn and old stains. In most cases, it is able to cope with the simplest stains, which themselves “come off” perfectly when soaked in hot water with powder, especially if they are lightly rubbed. Whether such a game is worth the candle, whether such a miracle of technology is needed on the farm and how much it makes life easier - the decision is yours.