Rules for using washing machines of various brands

Modern housewives prefer to use automatic washing machines to keep their laundry clean in a comfortable apartment, and semi-automatic ones if there are no public amenities. The designs of the devices are constantly being improved, the controls are becoming visually clear and simple.

However, sometimes operator errors occur and the wash quality deteriorates. Therefore, it will not hurt anyone to refresh your memory about the rules for using an SMA or a semi-manual unit.

• Features of the use of washing machines
• Preparing laundry for cleaning
• General washing instructions
• Putting SMA into operation
• Special programs
• Household cleaning products
• Prevention and maintenance of the washing machine
• Catalog of washing machines with reviews

Features of the use of washing machines

Machines that operate without human intervention perform all operations, including spinning and drying, themselves. The housewife’s job is to load the laundry, and at the end of the cycle, remove it.

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Semi-automatic devices require the participation of the operator when moving to the next operation. Based on their design, the following types of machines are often purchased:

• frontal drum-type machines - they are in greatest demand among the population, as they have a variety of operating modes and useful options;

• units with vertical loading of laundry - they also have many fans;

• semi-automatic machines - like SMA, such machines are activator and drum.

The functional equipment of semi-automatic machines is constantly being improved: heating and the ability to set a washing program are added to the spinning and draining operations. And in design, modern models are almost no different from SMA.

There is a gradual elimination of the boundaries between the two previously different types of washing machines. Further in the text, all designated regulations apply to both designs of devices.

SMA

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.

Preparing laundry for cleaning

A hint about washing modes is on the clothing label. When arranging things into batches, first empty your pockets of any objects. When sorting, consider the following:

• The tags are on the inside. On shirts - on the collar or on the left, on trousers - on the back. The labels indicate the temperature and washing mode, and the possibility of using bleach.
• Colored linen is separated from white according to the principle: dark shades - black, purple, blue, gray. Light colors - blue, purple, yellow and green. Jeans fade, they are washed separately.

• Small and light items - socks and tights - are washed separately from heavy ones: bath towels, trousers and jackets.
• Silk and delicate items are placed in a protective container or special bag to prevent damage to the fibers. In this form, things can be included in the cycle along with light-colored clothing.

The layout into 2 piles according to the degree of soiling allows you to turn on the quick wash mode and save on electricity. It is important to pay attention to the details of the clothing: if they are not securely fastened, they need to be sewn on or torn off.

General washing instructions

Having completed the sorting, they begin to store the clothes. The machine manufacturer limits the capacity of the tub or drum to the dry weight of the laundry. It should be taken into account that a wool sweater of the same weight as cotton fabric will absorb more water and will be more difficult to wash. Therefore, when filling the machine, it is better to focus on the density of the load, and you should not compact it.

Recommended standards:

• synthetic fabrics are loaded to half capacity;

• woolen clothes - one third of the volume;

• The minimum weight limit for inexpensive SMA models is 1.5 kg of dry laundry.

Weighing things is rarely used in practice. Usually they look at the table.

Overloading the machine will lead to its breakdown. Insufficient filling leads to vibrations and overuse of resources.

What information do labels on clothes contain?

The information contained on the labels of certain wardrobe items is required to be read. Because often it is this that allows you to keep things safe and sound for many years. As a rule, there are special signs on the labels, which in theory should help you navigate.

In practice, these designations for the average person are equivalent to road signs for a person who has never driven a car.

Therefore, here is a breakdown of the most common icons on labels:

• wash basin is allowed,
• crossed out basin cannot be washed,
• basin with point washable in water up to 30 degrees,
• basin with two points up to 40 degrees,
• with three points up to 50 degrees,
• basin with one line at the bottom, gentle wash,
• with two lines delicate wash,
• basin + hand.

If the fabric itself is thin, and even covered with an unstable dye, then this will be indicated by a basin with the number 40 inside. This is equivalent to washing at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees. If the fabric from which the product is made is coated with a stable dye, then this will be indicated by the number 60 with a similar picture.

The number 95 indicates that the thing can be boiled, and this will not worsen its condition. Well, the number 30 indicates that the product is made of wool, and it can only be washed at 30 degrees.

Drying is usually indicated by a square. If this geometric figure is drawn on the label, it means that drying is allowed. If the square is crossed out, this means that drying the item is prohibited. A square with a circle inside indicates that the clothes can be wrung out and dried using a washing machine. Accordingly, if this sign is crossed out, then such actions cannot be performed.

Putting SMA into operation

Through an external inspection, you should make sure that the washing machine is connected to all power supplies: water supply, sewerage and electricity. Load the prepared laundry into the drum and close the door tightly. The startup sequence is as follows:

• pour measured detergent into the retractable plastic container on the front panel; pour the conditioner into a specially designated compartment;
• insert the machine cord plug into the socket;
• open the water supply tap.

Further actions depend on the design features of various brands of SMA.

Control Panel

Some models start immediately after turning on the mode, others - by pressing the start button.

How to set the temperature

In modern washing machines, this operation is performed manually. There are devices in which the degrees are tied to the washing mode. Recommendations for heating water for various fabrics:

We must remember that hot water causes fabrics to lose color and shrink. An increase in washing temperature is directly proportional to energy consumption.

Selecting the appropriate mode

There are from 5 to 20 or more types of laundry washing programs. They are installed using a round switch, which is located in the central part of the control panel. The choice of washing mode depends on the properties of the fabric being cleaned and includes the following parameters:

• solution temperature;
• duration and variability of activator rotation;

• spin speed;
• use of additives for various purposes.

Pre-sorting the laundry helps in selecting the right program - there are warnings about the prohibition of machine washing. Some manufacturers include automatic settings in their utilities for temperature, duration and speed of tissue dehydration. Once the mode is turned on, it cannot be changed until the cycle is completed.

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Frequently used washing programs

Purchasing cars with advanced capabilities is not always a necessity, but rather a tribute to fashion: in practice, a limited list of modes is used. The price of a washing machine directly depends on the number of programs - the more there are, the higher the cost of the device. The minimum set is small:

• linen and cotton underwear at 60–95ºС for 2 hours with spin at maximum speed;
• synthetic fabrics in modes up to 60 degrees with the same washing duration and dehydration intensity as in the previous program;
• any things at a temperature of 30ºС.

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This set of utilities allows you to wash clothes with any degree of soiling. There are other modes that help clean fabrics efficiently and quickly.

Main functions

For better washing, most washing machines have the ability to select additional functions, which include:

• Spin. Using this function allows you to spin your laundry separately at the speed you require.
• Drain. The use of this function is indicated in situations where you need to drain the water from the machine, but there is no need to rinse or spin the laundry.
• Makes ironing easier. A similar function, present in many machines, will allow you to get clothes that are not too wrinkled after washing. A peculiarity of the operation of the device when this function is turned on is that it skips the intermediate spin cycle and uses a slightly larger volume of water for rinsing.
• Half load. Thanks to this function, you can save on washing in situations where there is not too much laundry accumulated, but it needs to be washed urgently. After loading the machine halfway and activating this function, the washing duration will be reduced.
• Delayed activation. This function is especially valuable for busy people, as it allows you to load laundry and detergent, and set the program to start at the selected time. Typically, this function is used to get washed clothes in the morning or before returning from work.
• Rinse delay. This function is in demand in situations where it is not possible to remove items from the machine immediately after washing. Enabling this function will retain water inside the device until the owner of the equipment turns on the drain or spin cycle.
• Additional rinse. Enabling this feature will add an extra rinse to your wash cycle. This function will be useful for allergy sufferers or parents of small children, as it will allow them to better clean clothes from detergent residues.
• Rinse and drain. Enabling this function separately allows you to rinse any clothing and then spin it.
• Disabling spin. The use of this function is relevant for things that can be damaged during the spin process. The machine will skip the spin cycle and end the program without it.
• Water level control. If such a function is available and activated, the device will determine the amount of laundry in the tank, and then fill the tank with water in the required amount, due to which water will be used more economically.
• Child protection. Enabling this function will prevent the machine from opening during the washing process.

Special programs

SMA manufacturers try to take into account the wishes of each user. This is what determines the variety of washing modes.

Delicate drum rotation

The drum makes a rocking motion, simulating manual cleaning of products made from thin, lace and light fabrics from dirt. Mechanical impacts on the fibers are minimal, so the safety of things is guaranteed. Other features of the mode:

• soap solution temperature 30–40ºС;

• low washing speed;

• no spin or very low speed.

The program provides an economical mode in terms of energy and water consumption. For different machine models, the numerical values ​​of heating temperature and drum rotation speed differ.

Selecting a program

Fast fabric refresh cycle

Divided into programs lasting 15 and 30 minutes. Suitable for washing lightly soiled clothes. In their absence - in order to give freshness to stale items or new, unworn items from the store. Other names for the mode are daily wash or express.

Distinctive features:

• possibility of simultaneous loading of laundry of different colors – water temperature up to 40ºС;
• It is recommended to fill the drum only halfway;
• spinning is carried out at maximum rotation speed.

The cost-effectiveness of the program is its main advantage. The benefit is not only in power consumption and water consumption, but also in the use of washing powder.

Pre-soak

Used for heavily soiled items and to remove old stains. This mode provides for the sequential implementation of two washes: preliminary and main. The powder is poured into 2 sections of the retractable block: during the first washing period, the product is consumed from one compartment, and during the second cleaning, from the other.

A special feature of the program is the need to keep the items placed in the drum for two hours at 30ºC. After soaking, the used solution is drained and the tank is filled with fresh water to continue the wash cycle.

Intensive treatment

This method of cleaning results in perfectly clean laundry. Before sending the stained item into the drum, it is treated with chemicals - gel, conditioner or bleach. At the first stage, set the temperature to 40ºС. On the second, 90–95º is determined and a long, intensive washing cycle is started. Push-ups occur at maximum speed.

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The listed modes are only part of an extensive list of programs. Each of them makes the process of washing clothes comfortable and tireless.

Household cleaning products

An important part in maintaining cleanliness are powders, gels and other substances and reagents. Their assortment is huge, and to figure it out, you should follow some rules. Each product must correspond to a specific type of fabric and washing method:

• It is not recommended to use manual rinsing powders for use in SMA: a lot of foam is formed, which has a negative impact on the mechanism parts.
• Follow the dosage instructions on the packaging. Pay attention to the purpose of the product: for white or colored fabrics.

• We offer washing gels that have advantages over powders: complete dissolution in water, a gentle effect on laundry, and a lower content of allergens and substances harmful to the environment. Capsules with a jelly-like filling are also used - they are placed directly into the drum of the machine. Laundry tablets are made for use in cold water - economical and convenient.
• It is allowed, together with the main detergent, to use additional additives that increase efficiency: biological (at low temperatures), bleaches and stain removers. Rinse aids are used to make laundry soft and remove static charges.

All detergents contain the main component of the composition - a surfactant, it is this reagent that cleans the fabric from dirt. Other additives include flavors or fragrances, defoamers, dyes, and anti-scale agents. As the latter, individual powders are often used.

"Kalgon" for scale

Using Calgon for water hardness

The Calgon substance has a dual purpose: it prevents the formation of scale (salt deposits) on the surface of heating elements, and softens the water. The drug is available in powder, tablet, and gel forms. The package comes with a 96 ml measuring cup, with which a certain dose is added to the machine depending on the degree of water hardness:

Pour the powder into the main compartment - it is the most voluminous, along with the detergent. It is not recommended to place Calgon directly into the drum with laundry. A more convenient form is tablets. The positive effect of using the substance is achieved by using it in every wash.

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Prevention and maintenance of the washing machine

Compliance with the rules of care for household appliances is the key to long-term trouble-free operation. It is important to ensure that procedures aimed at maintaining the washing machine in working condition are carried out regularly. To do this you need:

• install a filter system at the water inlet to the SMA if the liquid is dirty;
• leave the hatch and tray slightly open, sometimes wipe the drum with a dry cloth - this will prevent the formation of mold and unpleasant odors;
• do not disconnect the device from the network by unplugging the cord from the socket; if you need to turn off the power to the machine during washing, you should press the pause button;
• clean the drain filter from small debris at least once a month;
• do not allow the drum of the machine to be overloaded with laundry - this entails increased vibrations and wear of parts, and deteriorates the quality of washing;
• Carry out regular inspection of the main components and respond to abnormal behavior of the ACS - this will help to timely identify faults and eliminate them.

It is important to use the washing machine correctly. To do this, first read the instructions for its operation, where there is comprehensive information about connecting, setting modes and detecting some problems in the operation of the device. All recommendations are applicable for any brand: Indesit, LG, Bosch, Beko, Zanussi, Samsung, Whirlpool, Hotpoint Ariston, Candy, Haier, Atlant, Ardo and others.

Operating rules

In order for your washing unit to be able to perform washing, rinsing, soaking, spinning, and drying according to any of your requirements, you should remember about its technical condition. There are many negative factors that can negatively affect the degree of its wear resistance. The service life of the machine will largely depend on proper operation.

We strongly recommend that after purchasing the unit, you immediately carefully read the operating instructions supplied with it. The manufacturer there tried to tell you in detail about all the nuances of the work and capabilities of the product. Try to take them into account as much as possible.

The unit should only be installed on a solid, level floor.

The water pressure level must correspond to the stated technical specifications.

It is also necessary to check that the drain hose is connected correctly.

Preparing laundry for washing:

Linen must first be sorted both by color and type of fabric.

Carefully check all pockets to see if there are any small objects lying around in them.

It is advisable not to wash overly soiled overalls or torn and worn-out linen.

All zippers on clothing should be closed.

Detergents:

You can only use detergents that bear the inscription “Automat”.

Do not fill the dispensers with too much detergent.

Using programs:

The water heating temperature must correspond to the set program.

Between washes you need to take a break of 1.5-2 hours.

When the washing is completed, the unit must be disconnected from the power supply and the water supply tap must be turned off.