Buyers Guide - Washing Machines
Now getting cleaner, softer, hygienic, and stain-free clothes have become easier with washing machines. Choose your new washing machine with the right capacity and the right features. They are not only super practical, but are efficient and effective for your clothes too. Take care of them to keep receiving all the love it showers on you and your clothes.
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Now, let’s have a look at the various types of washing machines available to choose the one that satisfies your needs.
These are entry-level washing machines with two tubs. So, you have to manually move the clothes from one tub to another for washing and drying.
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These machines come with one tub, that serves as the washer, rinser, and drier. They are further categorised into two types – Agitator and Impeller.
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These machines are small but equally functional, that will allow you to do a load of laundry without occupying much of your apartment’s space. If you are a frequent traveller, you can easily carry them on your backpack.
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As the name suggests, clothes are filled in from the top. The tub is vertically equipped, so you don’t have to bend your back.
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These are the most advanced washers and can actually provide top-notch wash quality. They also have a larger capacity as compared to others. The innovative technology in these machines takes care of delicate fabric.
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These machines are designed to make your wash process simpler and more flexible. They can be used for loading your clothes from top or front.
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This is the most common and important factor that you should be concerned about while buying a washing machine. Take into consideration the size of the family and wash frequency as it is going to be a long- term investment.
Here are some features that you can look for while getting home your new washing machine.
Usually a washing machine comes with three main wash functions – normal, heavy, and permanent. Some machines also come with preset washing programs and water level options. However, you can customise them as per your requirement.
This is one of the common features that comes with almost every machine. The function is excellent for smaller loads and takes just 15-18 minutes to wash a load of 1.5 kg of laundry. Some machines do have 40-45 minutes of wash cycles because of larger capacity loads.
With this feature, you can delay the washing process upto 23 hours. The wash starts automatically on its own even if you are not around. You can also soak your clothes for a specified period.
If you don’t like fancy features, this one is for you! It automatically chooses the best washing condition depending on the load of clothes. It auto-detects the weight and determines the wash cycle time, detergent, and water needed for washing.
This feature locks down the option panel, so that kids won’t be able to obstruct the washing process.
Basically known as “Protective Rat Mesh”, this function lets you protect the external or physical parts of the machine from rodents.
This function ensures that you do not have to get up and drain the water yourself. It also prevents your clothes from over-soaking.
Controls can be digital or dial. Digital may not be as easy as a dial control, but it can show different wash modes as per the kind of fabric, apart from other useful features.
Today, most of the machines comes with temperature control options, which is suitable for the winter months. These machines have built-in heaters for hot water and steam settings.
No matter whatever model of washing machine you choose, there are basically three types of function that is used to give your clothes a fresh look. They are wash, rinse, and spin.
To run the wash cycle, fill the machine with water to a certain level. Hot, cold, or warm water can be used. The time of washing may vary from as less as four to as much as fifteen minutes, depending on the settings.
This is generally performed several times after the washing is done in order to remove extra dirt and detergent. The function doesn’t need as much water as needed for washing. Some machines also feature extra rinse option.
This cycle removes extra water, which results in quick drying. A washer with an effective spin option lessens your burden of drying clothes. But be careful, not to spin for too long, else the clothes might lose life.
| Wash Cycle | Attributes | Best Used For |
| Heavy duty clothes | Features extra soaking time, a longer cycle and more vigorous agitation | Diapers; jeans; towels; throw rugs; filthy clothes, such as those worn by children, farmers, mechanics, or athletes. |
|---|---|---|
| Regular clothes | Regular spin cycles and vigorous wash | Cottons, synthetics, cotton blends, and everyday clothes |
| Delicate ones | Gentle washing and spin cycles, possibly a soaking cycle | Lingeries, inner-garments, swimsuits, washable silk, and wool |
| Light wash clothes | Features a short wash cycle | Rush jobs, clothes that need freshening and cleansing, but are not too dirty. |
| Hand wash stuffs | Gentle wash and regular spin cycles, with even more soaking and less tumbling than the delicate cycle | Vintage garments, embellished and embroidered clothes, hand-knit or crocheted stuffs |
| Hygiene stuffs | Very hot water and steam are used to remove bacteria and other allergy-causing germs | Diapers, work clothes, clothes worn by those who suffer from any sort of ailments |
| Rinse and spin type | Features a short wash cycle | Items that are already hand washed and not dirty |