Washing clothes isn’t complicated, the right way of washing your clothes will make your garments clean, fresh, and durable. It would be impossible to just plug in a washing machine and get the best out of it without having some form of knowledge. Even for those who are not so experienced in the laundry or who prefer to have better experience in washing your clothes, this article will guide you through each washing machine using steps so you will not commit mistakes and provide the best result when washing your clothes in a washing machine.
1. Check Your Clothes Label
For details of the cleaning instructions, refer to the tags. Most cloths may be washed in a machine although there is always an instruction on the tag for the particular cloth. When washing garments, if the water is warm or hot some of the garments end up shrinking. While some people might be fine with using bleach, there are those who cannot handle it. Also, some clothes are not allowed to be washed by machines, including delicate and some silk clothes. It is very important to stay oriented to the label at all times.
You should separate clothes that specifically have labels such as, ‘dry clean only’ or ‘hand wash only’.
Clothes care labels are commonly placed on the inside neck area or on the inside left of the shirt.
Normally, there is always a label on the inside back of most pants.
2. Separate Your Clothes
Before washing your clothes, be sure to sort each pile and do not do laundry and put on random different color clothes together as this will result in color transfer and shrinkage or damage of clothes.
For example, do not wash a pink pair of socks together with your white T-shirts because instead of getting clean T-shirts you will get T-shirts with slightly pink.
It is recommended to separate your clothes into white, light, dark, and delicate ones, moreover, it is better to wash towels and bedding separately.
For your delicate items like underwear, tights, or silks in order to avoid them from being ripped, torn, or damaged, you can even get special laundry bags.
3. Don’t Overload The Machine
Chances are you have a huge heap of clothes accumulated in your room. However, pay attention to avoid loading many large or thick clothing items at once.
Of course, nobody wants to waste water and energy, and it is understood that many washes may look like a waste. But alongside your clothes being washed and not cleaned properly you will try to wash the clothes again, it could also damage the machine.
If you are having difficulties in closing the door of the washing machine, then it is probable that you have put many clothing that you are trying to fit in the washing machine.
4. Choose the Right Washing Cycle
The wash cycle includes two key speeds: One is agitating or tumbling the clothes with water and the other one is used to spin water off the clothes. Choose the right wash cycle depending on the type of fabric you want to wash to obtain the highest level of purity and save your clothes.
Normal Process:
This process uses a fast approach, it includes a fast tumbling and spinning process. It is suitable for washing very dirty clothes, and those that are likely to be sweaty during the course of the day; it will probably be your most used detergent. Cotton, linen, denim, towels, and bedding in general materials that are sturdy and work well in a standard wash.
Permanent or Perm Press:
This is whereby one cycle is done faster than the next cycle is done slowly. These fabrics require fast agitation so that they can be washed fast but they require slow spin so that they do not wrinkle. Apply this process to man-made fibers for example rayon, polyester, knit fabrics, and acetate. Cotton is identified to pill, or to make small fiber balls and the pilling may be prevented where the spin cycle speed is reduced.
Delicate Cycle:
It uses a slow process and gentle process hence it ensures that articles do not get agitated and damaged. However, as it drops gently, so does the cleanliness level reduces to the next level. It is most appropriate where the clothing items are specific, small, or rather sensitive, or in cases where you wear outfits Embellished with sequins and laces or tight, loose, or even thin fabrics like stockings.
Special cycles:
These newly developed washing machine types have some specific options such as sanitizing, steaming, whitening, or as mentioned on the label stain removal. For more information about different cycles of your machine, kindly check the manual of your machine.
5. Set the Water Temperature
Adjust the temperature of the water. Hotter water theoretically cleans clothes better as it kills more germs, dissolves detergents better, and removes dirt for brighter, cleaner clothes. Yet, in certain situations, using hot water may cause garments to shrink, fabrics to fade, stains to set, and also lead to higher energy costs. Select a water temperature that is safe for your fabrics and within your budget to achieve optimal results.
Utilize cold water in a gentle cycle for delicate garments, items with potential dye bleeding, or lightly soiled clothes.
Employ warm water when using the permanent press cycle for dark colors and loads that are moderately soiled.
Utilize hot water for washing bath and kitchen towels, bedding, durable fabrics, or heavily soiled items.
Washing clothes with cold water is the most energy-efficient method. Approximately 90 percent of the energy consumed during hot washing cycles goes towards heating the water. This method is also considered the most delicate when washing your clothes.
Certain machines come with pre-set water temperature depending on the cycle selected. One typical washing cycle typically involves using hot water around 30°C to 40°C (85°F to 75°F).
6. Add Detergent and Fabric Softener
The correct detergent to use in a washer, and where to pour it is best understood by going through the user manual of the washer. Most of the current-day washing machines are built in such a way that they are compatible with both liquid and powder detergents, as well as bleach and other cleaning solutions to some extent.
Most front-loading washing machines are designed to include a detergent compartment but can also have other compartments for fabric softener or bleach. That way, your machine will release the detergents at the right moment on your behalf.
In the case of top-loading washing machines, it is required to pour the detergent directly into the drum. It is advisable to pour your detergents into the washing machine before adding your clothes to minimize staining or damaging the clothes due to the high concentration of the detergent. Occasionally, one is encouraged to turn the water on before they put on their clothes so that the soap has time to dissolve.
The amount of detergent used differs with the type of detergent used as well as the producer of the washer hence to get the right amount should check the packet of detergent and the washing machine for any instructions.
7. Start The Cycle
Shut the door and push the start button. Many machines will show a signal when the door is not closed correctly, such as a light appearing or a beep, but some older machines may not have this feature.
Therefore, make sure you have shut the door securely. The last thing you want is for your home to flood with water because you didn't properly close the washing machine, it would not be good.
We prefer to use a timer once we start our laundry to avoid constantly checking for when it's done.
8. Please remember to remove your clothes
Always, ensure you remove the clothes from the washing machine as soon as the washing cycle is complete to allow them to be dried either on a tumble drier or hanging them on a clothesline. If you leave your clothes wet for long in the washing machine, they are likely to stink through bacterial and mold formation.You can leave clothes for several hours when you are not at home but just remember not to leave them overnight.
9. Clean Your Washing Machine
Sometimes it may be necessary to clean the internal processes of the machine because, in the long run, it may fill with detergent, fabric softener, and lint leading to bad smells or inefficiency. Use hot water to wash the washing machine periodically without the clothes and use either white vinegar or washer cleaner. This ensures your machine remains new and ensures your clothes are as clean as they can be.
