How to use and maintain a washing machine
Author: Al Rayhan Himel | ⌚Last Updated On: March 8, 2024
Have you just purchased a new washing machine? Worried about how to use and maintain a washing machine? You definitely want to check it out now in order to get the most out of your purchase. A washing machine is relatively simple to set up. Flip through the instructions to get started. Then follow our instructions, and your washing machine will be ready for use!
How to install a washing machine?
Unpack and place
Remove the wrapping as well as any bolts that keep them secure during transport. Then, in a frost-free space, place the washing machine horizontally on a level, stable, and solid floor. When the machine is running, it can begin to shake violently or even move. The safest alternative is a concrete floor.
Water supply and evacuation
Take a look at the user manual for instructions on how to attach your washing machine to the drain and water supply hoses. Check that everything is in perfect condition and there is no water leak. Make sure that the hose is free of knots and kinks so that the water can drain properly.
Tips: install the drain hose in an overhead drain to prevent polluted water from being re-injected into the system.
Electrical connection
To attach your washing machine, all you need is a splash-proof, earthed outlet connected to a circuit breaker of at least 16A. The contact point must be at least 1 meter away from the tap. A differential circuit breaker with a 30 mA value is needed.
Do not use an extension cord or junction box.
Do you really have any queries about how to use your washing machine properly? Follow our guidelines for perfect laundry.
Top load or front load washing machine - How to use them
1st step: sorting the laundry
We all know that sorting is essential. This also applies to your laundry: choose it by color (dark, light, and white laundry) and the type of fabric (cotton, linen, synthetic fabric, silk, wool, etc.). Check the mark on your garment if you’re not sure.
Do you still want to wash different types of cloth in the same machine? It’s also possible. Select the mixed program or the program for the most delicate laundry, and set the temperature to the lowest recommended level.
It is preferable to wash the new clothing separately. What if you have to wash a red-letter white T-shirt? Add 250 mg of vinegar to a bucket of cold water and soak your t-shirt for a few hours. This way, you fix the colors and avoid fading.
Other recommendations
- Empty all clothing pockets (check that there are no handkerchiefs and coins)
- Wash pants and T-shirts with reverse prints
- Unroll the sleeves of all clothes
- Close the zippers well, leave the buttons open, tie a knot in the cords
2nd step: fill the machine
The most important thing to remember is to never overload your machine! Indeed, this prevents the laundry from spinning well and the detergent from passing through the fibers. To give you an idea, you should always be able to slip a hand between your laundry and the top of the drum.
Even though it is more environmentally friendly to fill the machine completely, if you fill it halfway, it will naturally use less water and energy.
Our suggestions
- A standard load (without overloading!) for cotton, white, colored, and linen clothes.
- Half of the drum for synthetic or heavily soiled clothes.
- One-third of the drum for woolen garments and delicate fabrics.
3rd step: add detergent
Always follow the dosage recommendations on your detergent’s packaging. If you overdose, there will be too much suds, and soap will most likely remain on your clothes. Odors and stains would not be completely removed if you don’t use enough detergent. As a result, the right detergent dosage is the key to perfect washing. Washing powder, liquid detergent, or pads: which one to choose and why?
Your decision is entirely up to you. Pods and capsules have the advantage of containing the exact amount of detergent and fabric softener needed for a fully loaded drum. Washing powders, gels, and liquid products come in two varieties: bleached for white laundry and non-bleached for colored or dark laundry. Wool and silk detergents are not available in powder form.
What if I told you… An automatic dosing system is available in some washing machines.
4th step: choose the program and the temperature
All washing machines have specific programs for cotton, synthetics, delicates, and mixed laundry. Each of them has a temperature that is appropriate for the type of fabric.
Do you want to wash your delicate fabrics in the machine? Choose the wool, silk, or hand wash program. There are also specific programs for shirts, jeans, curtains, and even baby clothes.
Clean the stains beforehand and choose a washing machine with a specific stain program, such as one for grass or chocolate stains.
To wash in an environmentally friendly manner, use a temperature of 30° or 40° C. Choose a temperature of at least 60 ° C for socks and underwear to destroy bacteria.
You can choose a program that allows you to use a rotating button, special touches, or a tactile screen. It’s much more simple than that!
5th step: empty the machine
As soon as the program is finished, remove the clothes from the drum. If you leave your clothes in the machine for an extended period of time, they can develop a musty odor or even mold. Use the delayed start feature to finish the wash cycle when you are ready to remove the clothes.
Would you like to do your washing at night to take advantage of the lower rate? Choose the “Full Tank Stop” option. As a result, your clothes will remain in the last rinse water. When you’re ready to empty your machine, simply select the program to centrifuge and pump the water.
Have you forgotten to clean your washing machine? You have no choice but to wash your clothes once more. Then choose a short program.
Keep the door open when your machine is empty. The drum will be dry properly as a result of this. This will prevent unpleasant odors.
Now you know the ins and outs of your washing machine like the back of your hand. All you have to do now is enjoy your clean laundry!
Washing machine - Easy maintenance
You use your washing machine every week or even every day. And just like all your other appliances, it regularly needs a good cleaning. A clean washing machine not only improves hygiene but also extends the life of your machine. Find out our essential tips for maintaining your washing machine in the best possible way.
Help, my laundry smells bad!
Is your washing machine emitting a bad smell? As a consequence, your fresh clothes can have an unpleasant odor. It’s high time you cleaned your washing machine properly. Mold and bacteria develop as detergent builds up in some parts of your washing machine. This is why it’s important to use the right amount of detergent and fabric softener every time.
The following are some of the possible causes of bad smells:
- Detergent substances that remain in the drum’s bottom or on its walls
- Repeatedly washing at a low temperature (30°) produces more detergent and lime deposits
- A dirty laundry tub
- You don’t open your washing machine door wide enough
- Mold embedded in the joints
The door seal
Mold and bad smells are often detected in the folds of the door seal. What should you do to stay away from them?
- Check for hair clips, coins, keys, and other small items that might have fallen into the seal on a regular basis.
- Using a damp cloth and a little washing-up liquid, clean the inside of the rubber seal.
- Remove accumulated dirt with a small brush.
The laundry tub
Remove any product residue in the detergent drawer after each cycle. Most washing machines have a removable detergent drawer. Pour in 250 mL vinegar and 1 L hot water and set aside for 30 minutes. All you have to do is use a brush to get rid of stubborn laundry residue.
If your laundry tub is not removable, pour the solution into the laundry tub and then clean it with a wet sponge.
It’s important to note that some washing machines indicate the amount of detergent to use.
The drum
Does your washing machine drum smell cold? When the machine is empty, run a washing program at the maximum temperature (90 ° C or 95 ° C) once a month. Use a dishwasher tablet or a cleaning product for your washing machine; it will eliminate bacteria and mold. Some washing machines have a drum cleaning or hygiene program to make maintenance even simpler.
Keep the door of your washing machine open after each wash. The drum will dry quickly as a result of this.
The filter
The filter is usually found behind the plinth at the bottom of your machine. Unscrew the filter and pour the remaining water into a tub. Make sure the filter hasn’t been clogged (coins, paper clips, buttons, tissues, baby socks …).
Replace the filter and make sure it’s secure.
My washing machine has been repaired: what should I do now?
So, what’s next? Just rewash your smelly laundry after cleaning your washing machine. Pour a glass of baking soda into the laundry tub for this wash cycle.
Clean your washing machine every 20 to 30 cycles to avoid odor issues in the future. Start the program at 90 degrees for 15 minutes after adding 1.5 liters of white vinegar. The high temperature removes lime and dirt.
Descaling
Lime deposits will prevent your washing machine’s resistance from heating up. As a result, it’s necessary to descale your washing machine on a regular basis with an anti-lime system.
Water inlet and drain pipes
Check the water inlet and drain hoses for cracks or wear on a regular basis. Also, double-check that the hoses are secure and watertight on both ends.
Conclusion
What’s the key to clean laundry and a pleasant use of your washing machine? Complete and regular maintenance! Hopefully, this article will help you a lot to apply all the techniques you need about using and maintaining the best washing machine you have.
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WRITTEN BY
Al Rayhan Himel
Al Rayhan Himel, owner as well as CEO of allconsumerbd. He is graduating from RPMC. He loves researching technology products like headphones, smartwatches, washing machines and more. He gained expertise in this sector by researching technical products. He loves to share his ideas and knowledge with common people so that they can benefit from his knowledge. Before writing about a topic he always tries to gather real information from the original company website.
Since he owns allconsumerbd and built his website himself, he also has enough knowledge about SEO and web hosting.