Automatic washing machine
Now almost every family is the happy owner of a modern automatic washing machine. Like all household appliances, a washing assistant requires careful care. All operating and maintenance rules are written in the instructions, but most people get acquainted with the instructions only after a problem has arisen. If, from the first days of the appearance of household appliances, you learn how to properly care for a washing machine, then it will last you more than a dozen years, and the washing quality will be excellent and you won’t have to spend extra time fixing defects.
to contents ↑How to care for a washing machine?
After you have determined a place in your home as a household assistant, follow this path to ensure that the washing machine is properly maintained.
Item number 1. Read the instructions
Carefully read the operating and maintenance rules specifically designed for your model. Strictly follow all manufacturer's recommendations and follow them during operation.
Item number 2. Proper machine installation
It is better to provide the installation of such equipment to specialists, so that afterwards warranty service is possible.
Important! If you decide to install the device yourself, be sure to check out our publication, where you will find useful tips on how to connect the washing machine.
The rules are simple, but require certain knowledge and skills in order to carry out the installation correctly and to ensure the proper care of the automatic washing machine in the future:
- The place where the washing machine will be located should be perfectly flat. This is necessary to maintain stability during operation. Vibration during loading should be minimized, which will prevent possible breakdowns and rapid wear of parts.
- Hoses, electric cable should not be twisted, and also should not be damaged in the form of cracks and tears.
Important! Be sure to check the correct connection to the water supply and power supply. During storage and inactive mode, water and other liquids must not get on the machine.
Item number 3. Control the quality of the incoming water
Be sure to determine the hardness of the water in the tap. This can be done by calling the water utility or by buying a test strip to determine the properties of water. The information you need is necessary to determine the amount of detergent and to understand if you need Calgon water softener.
Important! On the packaging of the detergent powder, the required amount for one or another hardness of water is indicated. If there is no such information, then for soft water use the minimum allowable amount of powder, and for hard water, use the maximum. This will improve the quality of washing, and also save the machine from the formation of scale.
Manufacturers recommend washing water first through a filter to prevent mechanical particles in the water from damaging the solenoid valve.
Important! Do not waste money on an expensive filter installation, a simple rough water filter will do. On our portal of useful tips we have prepared a separate publication. Use the information from it toinstall a coarse filter.
Item number 4. Follow the rules for washing clothes:
- Before washing, be sure to check all pockets of the products so that there are no small and sharp piercing objects.
- The zippers on the products must be firmly fastened.
- To improve the quality of washing clothes, be sure to sort it: wash white linen separately from color, then there will be proper care not only for the washing machine, but also for your clothes.
- Washing sneakers, things with buttons, zippers is possible only in special bags so that foreign objects do not get into the tank. Torn buttons or other small objects can damage the sealing rubber or drum.
- Do not wash torn and dilapidated laundry in the machine.
- Too much soiled clothes before washing in the machine, first clean in another way (you can wash them manually or apply suitable ones locally household stain removers or folk remedies).
- Do not overload the machine with laundry. If it is written that the maximum load is 5 kg of linen, then we are talking about “wet” weight. When overloaded, the washing machine motor can burn out quickly. In our separate review, we prepared a separate table of mass of laundry.
Important! If you are going to wash too few things, there may be an imbalance in the tank, so load the machine no less than ⅔.
- To avoid imbalance when loading laundry into the tank, lay things out evenly and in turn (either large or small).
Item number 5. Choose the right detergent
To correctly resolve the issue of how to care for a washing machine, use only special powders designed for this type of system. The packaging should be labeled “Automat”.
Important! A large number of household products are presented on the detergent market. Do not make a mistake in this abundance and choose our best powder will help you detergent rating.
In some modern models, detergents containing biologically active enzymatic additives can be used. They well remove organic contaminants (fat, coffee, sauces, blood, etc.) even at low temperatures (less than 50 C). Such products are ideal for washing delicate types of laundry, but powders with enzymes can only be used in machines with the Bio-Care program.
Important! When using detergents, be sure to follow the instructions and recommendations. You can not pour a large amount of powder into the dispenser so that an excessive amount of foam does not form, since it is an enemy for all washing machines.
Item number 6. Choose the right program for washing:
- Observe the temperature of washing determined by the set program.
- At the end of the program, be sure to turn off the tap and turn off the power to the machine.
- Before the next wash, a break should be at least 2 hours.
Important! In order not to be mistaken in choosing the right program, be sure to find out what icons on the washing machine.
Item number 7. Take care of the exterior and interior of the machine
During operation, it is imperative to monitor the body of the washing machine, take care of the appearance, removing dust, traces of powder, and fingers from the surface. Wipe the machine with a soft sponge and a product that does not contain alcohol.
In addition to appearance, the inside also requires cleaning. To arrange the proper care of the automatic washing machine, follow these recommendations:
- Pay special attention to external rubber parts; clean them with a cloth dampened in soapy water.
Important! Do not use solvents or cleaning agents to clean rubber parts, as they have a detrimental effect on rubber.
- Regularly clean the dispenser for detergents, as the remnants of the powder are not always washed off completely, and after they harden, it will be difficult to clean them. Remove the dispenser and rinse it with warm water. Hard-to-reach areas are cleaned with an old toothbrush.Perform this procedure at least once every couple of weeks, but generally focus on the frequency of operation of the equipment.
- Keep the hatch of the machine and the tray for filling the detergent ajar so that moisture evaporates and mold does not appear.
- After each wash, be sure to check the pump and clean it of debris.
Important! Modern washing machines have special self-cleaning pumps that do not require maintenance. It is necessary to clean only the casing once a month. To do this: remove the lower front panel and unscrew the cover, and then remove the small debris and residual water.
- To prevent rust, be sure to wipe the machine dry after each wash - both outside and inside.
Important! You can remove the rust on the elements of the washing machine with a soap solution and an old toothbrush.
- To combat the scum, choose the appropriate option for yourself, as some advise not to use scum cleaners, but only use high-quality water filtration. You can use folk remedies in the fight against scum, for example, citric acid. We recommend that you listen to the advice of professionals - masters in the repair of washing machines, or use your own experience.
- The machine door does not need to be kept open between washings, as you may accidentally hook it and damage it, or dust may get inside.
- If you use a fabric softener, be sure to wipe the rubber seal with a damp cloth after using it, and leave the drum door briefly open for ventilation.
- When cleaning the machine outside, do not forget about all the cracks around the door. Clean them with an old toothbrush.
- Do not store dirty laundry in the tank of the washing machine so that an unpleasant smell does not appear. Use special containers to store dirty laundry.
Helpful hints:
- You can rinse the inside of the automatic machine using this mixture: 1 tbsp. bleach and 2 cups of washing powder. Dilute the mixture in a container, mix well and pour into the compartment for washing powder. Turn on the machine and set the program for a full wash with a temperature of at least 60 ° C. Perform this cleaning procedure without laundry and at least 1 time per year so that the filter is cleaned of dirt and the drum is descaled.
- If you notice a drop in water pressure or a voltage drop, stop washing immediately. Press the “Delay wash” or “Pause” button. Modern machines meet all the new requirements, and after 30 minutes the assistant will be able to continue the program.
- Quickly respond to any new unusual sound when washing (creaking, knocking, etc.), perhaps this is a harbinger of breakdown. Turn off the typewriter and call the wizard until the case has gone too far.
- If you are leaving home for a long time, be sure to turn off the washing machine and turn off the water supply to it.
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Following simple tips, rules and recommendations, you will extend the life of your assistant, and she will serve you faithfully for many years, helping in everyday life. Provide proper care to the typewriter from the very beginning of its life, and she will thank you with clean clothes.