If you’re a family with lots of washing to do and you don’t have the time to dedicate to washing the clothes yourself, then a fully automatic washer is the answer. It’s a great way to save money.
Check out these ten expert tips to make sure you're getting the best clean possible from your washer:
Pre-rinse the load: First things first: pre-rinse the clothes. This will give your machine a chance to warm up in the wash and ensure that any limescale doesn’t wash away during the rinse cycle. So turn the dial to cold, take off your clothes, and give the washer a wash cycle of about 50 minutes.
Empty limescale: To keep your washing machine working effectively and avoid mould or stains, you need to empty the limescale. To do this, insert a 100cm long pipe into your washing machine, line the other end with a plastic bag, and connect it to a small drain pipe. Connect the end of the pipe to a light switch, and you should be able to see the limescale below.
Clean your filter: Your washer is no good if it’s not clean. Unblock the drain by running hot water through the washer while removing the built-in filter with the pipe. Put a few drops of white vinegar into the drainpipe while you clean the filter using a brush. Then, tip the filter out and clean it with disinfectant.
Wash by hand: To wash your machine – not your clothes – you’ll need a soapy sponge and a gentle scrubbing brush. Make sure you give it a good scrubbing so that it becomes shiny again. Then, give it a quick rinse.
Dirty washing: To ensure your washing machine is ready for when your clothes are finished, empty the bin into the laundry basket and rinse the dirty clothes separately.
Make it last: Use any left-over washing liquid to maintain the shine of your machine. Washing machines often need to be fully emptied. So try to do this whenever you empty your bin.
Troubleshoot a broken washer: Check that the drum is rotating correctly. Turning the dial to the correct setting and then checking if the drum is spinning properly will tell you that there’s a problem.
If in doubt, call a technician: If your washing machine is still in good working order but has started to go off, call a repairman. Repairs to washing machines are fairly simple.
Prevent dirt and grease from piling up: To stop the inside of your washing machine from looking greasy and dirty, clean the inside of your drum. Use an old toothbrush and a bowl of warm soapy water to wipe away all the grime and any dirt collected on the interior.
Prevent sludge: To avoid massive amounts of soil and limescale getting caught in your bottom-cleaning hose, you’ll need to clean the hoses on your washing machine regularly. Use an old toothbrush and a bowl of warm soapy water to spray down the hoses thoroughly. Leave them to dry, and then allow them to dry completely.