Washing Machines - How to Get the Best From Them
When buying a new machine, get the most energy efficient you can afford, but remember:
Washing Machines - How to Get the Best From Them
Washing Machines - How to Get the Best From Them
Washing Machines - How to Get the Best From Them
Washing Machines - How to Get the Best From Them
(a) for most people, time taken by washing is not an issue. Modern machines compensate for small amounts of water (and thus less energy is used to heat this) by having longer wash times. You will pay considerably more for one with short wash times
(b) high spin speeds are only important if you do most of your final drying by tumble dryer. If you do most of your drying outside on a line, high spin speeds are less important
(c) get a machine with a high load capacity only if you are going to utilize it. If, most of the time when using the machine, you do not use the maximum amount of load, what is the point in paying extra for this?
When using the machine:
Always leave the door slightly open when not in use, because closing it causes premature deterioration of the door rubber by allowing this to stick to the glass door causing a bit of the rubber to deteriorate every time it is opened. It also allows the machine to air and dry out.
If you are very fussy, dry the rubber door gasket after each use and coat it with talcum powder.
Always use automatic, low foaming detergents,
Clean the soap drawer periodically (even if you don't use it for detergent). You would be surprised how much 'gunge' there is in water.
Never allow the machine, or its associated hoses, standpipes etc. to become frozen - this could cause expensive leaks. Get all leaks attended to straight away to avoid expensive repairs.
Empty all pockets, turn jeans inside out, check there are no coins, credit cards, etc. in the machine.
Small items such as socks, handkerchiefs, children's clothes, etc. can be dragged between inner and outer drum and cause a blockage. Such items should be put in a pillow case or mesh bag sold for this purpose.
If the machine is fitted with a filter, make sure it is kept clean. Those with traps underneath can also be cleared by a competent DIY person. Failure to empty - the most common fault - is usually caused by a blockage, which is often cleared by cleaning the filter or trap.
In hard water areas, it is advisable to use a proprietary cleaner every few washes, to prevent limescale building up. Follow the manufacturers' instructions. In soft water areas, the use of these can be less frequent.
Use the lowest temperature which gives suitable washing results, but every few months do a 60 degree wash if you never normally do one.
Do not use thick liquid detergents - in my opinion these ruin the machine. Also undiluted soft rinse is not good for the machine. I prefer powder detergent, or thin liquids you put in the drum.
Most people use far too much detergent. Use just enough so that you can see a small amount of lather during the wash cycle.
