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
Bosch Max washing machines
The operating instructions provide detailed instructions on safety precautions, proper connection and use of the machine. It is clear that the instructions will be different for each model. However, there are also general points. For example:
- The safety regulations for each device will be the same. This means being careful when washing at high temperatures, being careful with sockets, not loading the machine both inside and outside while washing - the machine should not support heavy objects.
- The mode is selected using a special handle, which is fixed automatically during the washing process.
- Using special lights, you can determine the stage of washing or the malfunction of the device.
- In addition to the main modes, it is possible to use additional ones, and you can also combine several modes.
- You can change the program or stop it completely.
- There is a function that allows you to soak or starch your laundry.
More details on how to use the Bosch Max washing machine, as well as about the specific model, can be found in the instructions supplied with the device.
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.
Home appliances from LG
All models of this brand have their own characteristics, indicated in the description of each individual technical unit. However, most devices have the following built-in options:
- protection from child interference;
- smart wash mode;
- the ability to regulate the washing speed;
- possibility of drum self-cleaning;
- built-in automatic diagnostics;
- all-wheel drive system.
Also, more modern and new models provide the ability to control via the Internet. How to use an LG automatic washing machine will be explained in detail by the instructions for use included with each piece of equipment.
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.
| Name | Approximate weight, g |
| Jeans | 800 |
| Shirt | 300 |
| Handkerchief | 60 |
| Kitchen towel | 200 |
| Pillowcase | 200 |
| Sheet | 500 |
Overloading the machine will lead to its breakdown. Insufficient filling leads to vibrations and overuse of resources.
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:
| Types of linen and clothing | Temperature, ºС |
| Delicate items – wool, silk | <30 |
| The entire range of home textiles: bedding, curtains, baby clothes | 30―40 |
| Heavily soiled items - children's and work clothes, kitchen towels | 40―60 |
| Disinfection of soft toys, medical linen and removal of difficult stains | Up to 95 |
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.
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:
| Salt content | Quantity: ml/piece of vessel |
| Small | 32/third |
| Average | 64/more than mid-level |
| High | 96/full |
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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Washing modes
The huge variety presented on the household appliances market allows you to choose a washing machine to suit every budget and taste. Depending on the price and production date, the device’s functionality can contain from five to thirty different programs and modes. However, almost all machines have standard programs:
- Washing cotton items - temperature range 95 °C, 60 °C and 40 °C. The washing time varies depending on the selected temperature - from one and a half to two hours (the higher the temperature, the longer it takes).
- Delicate wash - temperature 40 °C. Washing time is one and a half hours, spinning required.
- Washing synthetic items at 60°C. Washing time is two hours.
- Enhanced wash mode. Temperature: 90 °C. Spin is required. The most unforgiving mode. Washing time is from 2.5 to four hours.
- Hand wash mode - temperature 40 °C. Spinning is not provided. Washing time is one hour.
- Washing silk or knitted items - temperature 30 ° C. Washing time is one hour.
- Express mode - temperature 30 °C. Washing time is half an hour.
There are also modes for washing shoes, duvets, children's clothes, economical washing with minimal need for water and energy costs. More expensive models provide a “delayed start” mode, self-diagnosis, control of the level and transparency of the liquid, the amount of foam, ironing of laundry, additional activation or disabling of rinsing, spinning or draining.
How to use an automatic washing machine correctly? Let's look at the example of equipment from famous brands.
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.
We take care of equipment
You can increase the service life of your washing machine if you take proper care of it. The user only needs to periodically clean the device and use various compounds that prevent the formation of scale. The recommendations will be as follows:
- Be careful not to let metal objects, such as coins, bra underwires, etc., get into the machine’s tank. These elements can cause serious damage to the washing machine;
- if the unit is washing and there is a need to disconnect it from the network, first press the power button and only then unplug the cord;
- Once a month, clean the drain filter from accumulated debris;
- periodically rinse the machine systems with special anti-scale agents;
Plaque accumulated on the elements of the washing machine can lead to failure of the machine. To clean it, pour the cleaning solution into the dispenser and run the normal washing cycle.
- Wipe the drum and cuff of the hatch door after each wash.
Before operating the washing machine, carefully study the technical characteristics of the model, read the step-by-step instructions for connecting the device, and understand the basic rules for using the equipment. Also, do not forget to promptly care for your “home assistant” to extend its trouble-free service life.
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