{"id":4386,"date":"2021-05-04T07:36:30","date_gmt":"2021-05-04T07:36:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/?p=4386"},"modified":"2023-01-05T22:56:36","modified_gmt":"2023-01-05T22:56:36","slug":"how-to-use-a-washing-machine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/how-to-use-a-washing-machine\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Use a Washing Machine: A Comprehensive Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Most of us have a washing machine in our homes. Or, at the very least, we need to use one at the laundromat. With all of the latest advances in <a href=\"https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/washing-machines\/\">washing machine<\/a> technology, it isn&#8217;t always straightforward to understand what the settings mean and how to use them to the best of your ability. That&#8217;s why we wrote this article to help teach you how to use a washing machine and achieve great results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Different Types of Washing Machines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two main types of washing machines available, <strong>front-loading<\/strong> and <strong>top loading<\/strong>. Top-loading washing machines are the most common and have been around for a long time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Front loader washing machines are newer and are becoming more and more preferred in homes as they upgrade to a <a href=\"https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/how-to-disconnect-a-washing-machine\/\">new machine<\/a> because they use less energy and less water to wash dirty clothes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Today I just now learned how to use a washing machine .-.<\/p>&mdash; Bert (@Graalaxy) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Graalaxy\/status\/1389428565167550468?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">May 4, 2021<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Use a Washing Machine: Step-by-Step Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Read the User Manual<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are using a new washing machine for the first time, we recommend <strong>reading through the user manual<\/strong>. The manual will help you better understand the settings and controls specific to your machine. It will also help you become acquainted with any special functions and parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Gather Your Supplies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you initiate the process of washing your clothes, we recommend gathering your supplies. If you already keep all of your laundry supplies near your washing machine, take a mental inventory and determine if you have everything you need to do your laundry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What You&#8217;ll Need:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Laundry detergent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fabric softener or conditioner (optional)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stain treatment (optional)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mesh bag for delicates (optional)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Basket for your laundry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And, of course, your laundry<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/detergent-softener-and-laundry.jpg\" alt=\"detergent, softener and laundry\" class=\"wp-image-4393\" srcset=\"https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/detergent-softener-and-laundry.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/detergent-softener-and-laundry-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/detergent-softener-and-laundry-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Separate Your Laundry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The first thing you want to do when using a washing machine for laundry is to separate your clothes into different loads. Dividing your clothes can help preserve the integrity of the material and the colour consistency as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can split your laundry by colour, weight, or material. We recommend separating a load for dark-coloured clothes, a load for light-coloured clothes, a load for delicates, and a load for heavier fabrics like jeans or towels. If you do not have enough delicate items to make a small load, you may want to try putting these garments in a small mesh bag to keep them protected during the washing cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Is it possible to actually separate laundry into dark &amp; light piles without saying &quot;dark&quot; or &quot;light&quot; while dropping each piece of clothing?<\/p>&mdash; Janie Trashmouth (@janietrashmouth) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/janietrashmouth\/status\/839687368235872256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">March 9, 2017<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: Choose the Cycle Settings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After your laundry is separated and ready to go, it is time to choose the settings on your washing machine which will provide you with the best results for the type of fabric you are washing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will need to select either a regular, permanent press or delicate wash cycle with most washing machines. Also, choose the water temperature, which usually is usually cold, warm, or hot. Depending on your specific <a href=\"https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/hotpoint-washing-machines\/\">washing machine<\/a>, you may also have the option to select more specialised settings like the load size, the soil level of the clothes you are washing, and the speed of the spin cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are unsure what setting to choose, check the fabric care label on the garment. It may also include a brief description explaining the type of cycle required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 5: Add Laundry Detergent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">i put way too much detergent on this load of laundry \ud83d\ude2d<\/p>&mdash; sandra (@viennxs) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/viennxs\/status\/1387224605753061376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">April 28, 2021<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, you will add laundry detergent and other <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodhousekeeping.com\/home\/cleaning\/tips\/a19506\/fabric-softener-cleaning-product\/\" target=\"_blank\">fabric softeners<\/a> to your washing machine. With top-loader washing machines, you will add the laundry detergent to the drum and wait to add the softener.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a front loader washing machine, a pull-out detergent drawer will contain the soap, usually located near the top of the drum on the outside. The detergent drawer will have smaller compartments labelled for the softener, detergent, and possibly prewash detergent for enhanced stain removal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure you do not add too much detergent, especially with small loads, because it makes it harder to rinse out thoroughly and does not make your clothes cleaner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 6: Load Your Laundry Into the Machine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/some-clothes-and-a-washing-machine-500x500.png\" alt=\"some clothes and a washing machine\" class=\"wp-image-18382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/some-clothes-and-a-washing-machine-500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/some-clothes-and-a-washing-machine-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/some-clothes-and-a-washing-machine.png 512w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Once your machine settings have been chosen, load your clothes into the drum of your washer. Take care to add clothes loosely without packing them in or down inside the drum. If you find you are trying to stuff the clothes in, we recommend doing two smaller loads instead of forcing one larger one. It will result in cleaner clothes at the end as well as fewer wrinkles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 7: Close the Door and Press Start<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Now it is time to close the door on your washer, press start, and wait for it to run through the wash, rinse, and spin cycles. If you are using a machine that loads in the front, make sure you hear the door click shut; else, it will not start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are using a top-loading machine, you will want to monitor the cycles as they progress so you can add the softener during the rinse cycle. With a front loader, this step is automatic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 8: Unload Your Laundry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The final step is to unload your laundry from the machine&#8217;s drum. Most washing machines make a beeping sound to alert you when the washing cycle is complete. When you hear the beep, remove your garments and transfer them to the <a href=\"https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/integrated-washer-dryers\/\">dryer<\/a> or hang them to dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Beep! The laundry is done&#8230; Don&#39;t wanna get up and fold it tho! \ud83d\ude29<\/p>&mdash; Leslie Toth (@LeslieLove9492) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/LeslieLove9492\/status\/527221528967274498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">October 28, 2014<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Washing Machine Cycle Settings Explained<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>care label<\/strong> on your clothes should alert you to the best type of washing cycle, but here is an overview of the main setting options, so you won&#8217;t have to check every time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Normal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The normal cycle has a fast tumble speed and a fast spin speed. This cycle is great for sturdy materials like cotton, denim, linen, and towels. It is also good at cleaning dirty or sweaty clothes. It will most likely be the most used wash cycle on your machine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Permanent Press<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The permanent press cycle tumbles fast but spins at a slower speed to prevent wrinkles. This cycle is good for synthetic fabrics like polyester, knits, rayon, or any other material that tends to pill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Delicate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The delicate cycle tumbles and spins slowly to save the fibres in your clothes. It is good for delicate fabrics like silk, lace, and anything with sequins. The label will always say if an item should be washed using the delicate cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Special Cycles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some newer machines will also have special wash cycles like a rapid cycle, sanitise cycle, or a small load cycle. For information on these methods, refer to the manual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">An hour after I ran the pillows thru the sanitize cycle&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/lifewithdogs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#lifewithdogs<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/UAbe975epw\">pic.twitter.com\/UAbe975epw<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Bones (@ChimperScott) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ChimperScott\/status\/1216551072808022018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">January 13, 2020<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Washing Machine Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few bonus tips to help you along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Don&#8217;t fill the machine to the brim, and your washing machine will perform better.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After you <a href=\"https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/how-to-clean-a-washing-machine\/\">use and clean<\/a> a front-loading washing machine, leave the door cracked to dry on the inside thoroughly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remove things from the pockets of your clothes before washing them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Removing clothes promptly when the cycle finishes may help prevent mildew and wrinkles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don&#8217;t put fabric conditioner or softener directly on your clothes, or it could damage the fibres and leave a stain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Close any zips to prevent snags.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turn clothes with a pattern inside out.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pretreat stains with a concentrated detergent.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Time to Get Started<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After reading through our washing machine instructions and tips, you should now know all about how to use a washing machine and be ready to get your laundry started. Just remember to check the care labels, separate the garments into smaller loads based on colour and material, and don&#8217;t use too much detergent, and you should do great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you prefer using a front loader or a top loader? Let us know what you think in the comments below.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Most of us have a washing machine in our homes. Or, at the very least, we need to use one at the laundromat. With all of the latest advances in washing machine technology, it isn&#8217;t always straightforward to understand what the settings mean and how to use them to the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":4392,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"Figuring out how to use a washing machine is something everyone has gone through. Let our guide answer all your questions once and for all.","_seopress_robots_index":"","_editorskit_title_hidden":false,"_editorskit_reading_time":5,"_editorskit_is_block_options_detached":false,"_editorskit_block_options_position":"{}","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"no","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"default","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[],"modified_by":"Benjamin","uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/how-to-use-a-washing-machine.jpg",999,667,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/how-to-use-a-washing-machine-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/how-to-use-a-washing-machine-500x334.jpg",500,334,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/how-to-use-a-washing-machine-768x513.jpg",768,513,true],"large":["https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/how-to-use-a-washing-machine.jpg",999,667,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/how-to-use-a-washing-machine.jpg",999,667,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/how-to-use-a-washing-machine.jpg",999,667,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Emily Alexander","author_link":"https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/author\/emily\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Most of us have a washing machine in our homes. Or, at the very least, we need to use one at the laundromat. With all of the latest advances in washing machine technology, it isn&#8217;t always straightforward to understand what the settings mean and how to use them to the [&hellip;]","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4386"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4386"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4386\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20192,"href":"https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4386\/revisions\/20192"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4392"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4386"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4386"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homeswhiz.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4386"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}