Why do you need a steam function in a washing machine. Functions and modes of washing in an automatic machine

Oleg Nikolsky | 11/17/2014 | 1259

Oleg Nikolsky 11/17/2014 1259

Let's take a look at what functions are useless in a washing machine and why you shouldn't spend extra money on a "washerwoman" stuffed with unnecessary programs that affect its cost.

Washing machines, which are among the most essential household appliances, are becoming more and more sophisticated every year. Technology manufacturers are relentlessly modernizing them, adding more and more miraculous features that are designed to make life easier for users. However, newfangled programs in most cases do not meet the expectations of buyers, inspired by loud advertising promises, and sometimes are completely ineffective.

So, experts say that special modes such as "Easy Iron", "Hand Wash", "Silver Wash" or "Silver Wash" are ineffective and sometimes even do more harm than good.

Easy ironing

The "Easy Iron" program, in which the laundry at the exit is not as wrinkled as during normal operation, excludes the intermediate spin from the wash cycle and makes a larger water intake during rinsing, due to which the laundry is evenly distributed in the drum and less wrinkling.

However, it should be borne in mind that when one spin is excluded, the detergent and dirt are not fully squeezed out and remain in the drum. In addition, additional water intake is an extra cost. As a result of using "Easy Iron", the laundry after washing is less rinsed out and more damp than when using the normal mode, and requires additional time to dry.

Handwash

Also, experts say that a separate mode for delicate fabrics - "Hand wash" - is not worth paying extra for it. Delicate fabrics can be washed in a program designed for synthetics, without spinning and setting the temperature to 30 ° C.

Silver wash

The "Silver wash" program, in which the laundry is washed in water enriched with silver ions, does not at all perform the intended function properly. During the washing process, water, briefly in contact with the silver plates, simply does not have time to ionize.

What else to look for when choosing a washing machine?

When buying a machine, you should not chase the indicator of the maximum spin speed of the laundry. Experts note that 800 rpm are sufficient for spinning. An increased number of revolutions will not make the laundry drier, but it can lead to rapid deterioration of the clothes. In this case, the amount of consumed electricity will increase.

The presence of high temperature indicators also does not always justify the prohibitive cost of the car. Most washing powders are active at a temperature of 40-60 ° C, at a higher rate, washing is ineffective.

When choosing a washing machine, you should pay attention to the drum, which must be perfectly smooth so that it cannot damage delicate items during the washing process. A plastic tank is ideal in this sense. You shouldn't pay extra money for a stainless steel tank, which will "live" longer than the machine itself.

To wash stubborn or old stains on clothes, it is not enough to use the fast wash cycle all the time. In order to efficiently and effectively remove dirt from things, you need to alternate fast programs with long ones at high temperatures. These include the intensive wash in the washing machine.

In this article, you will find out what this function is and how it can be useful.

How to understand what intensive wash means, how to use it correctly? Depending on the make and model of the washing machine, this mode may differ in the amount of time spent and the temperature of heating the water.

An intensive wash differs from the usual one in that it consists of several stages, the alternation of which allows you to effectively wash difficult stains.

Use a program for washing clothes that are not afraid of high temperatures from 60 to 90 degrees. These are bed linen and things made of cotton, synthetics, linen.

When choosing a mode, you need to take into account that it lasts twice as long as the usual program. Which means spending more resources and detergents.

Intensive program icon for different brands of washing machines:

On the panel of the Samsung washing machine, you will find the name "Eco Intensive Wash" and the pattern of a soiled T-shirt.

For LG machines, manufacturers have provided a panel with the names of each function, so choosing the right program is not difficult.

Indesit washing machines have a T-shirt with stains on the panel.

How intensive wash works

To remove stubborn dirt, a washing machine takes two to four hours. At the same time, the laundry is subjected to strong mechanical processing, therefore the program is suitable only for strong fabrics.

Stages of washing:

Pre-wash or soak. Lasts for 15-25 minutes. Allows water to completely wet the fabric, and the detergent - penetrate the pollution.
Then the drum rotates smoothly for 20-30 minutes.
After that, an intensive, fast wash with a serious mechanical load begins. How long does it last? Up to 30 minutes, depending on the brand of washing machine, at high temperature.
At the end, a rinse cycle takes place, which turns into spinning at maximum speed.

Of course, the times are average: how much the machine washes depends on the manufacturer.

Note! Pre-soak means that the main wash compartment and the pre-wash compartment must be filled with powder before starting this function. Moreover, you need to use a detergent twice as much.

When using the intensive mode, the washing machine operates at full power, therefore it is not recommended to use it more than 2-3 times a month. The heating element receives a large load, which maintains a high temperature for a long time. The constant drainage of boiling water affects the pipes and the pump badly.

In more modern car models, the manufacturer has foreseen this problem. The water is now first cooled in the drum and then drained.

Be careful when choosing items for intensive processing. Silk, woolen and other delicate fabrics will be damaged if washed in this mode.

Popular modes

Let's consider what other programs are popular among users and why:

Fast or Express—washing. It takes 30 minutes. During this time, a cycle of such programs is performed: washing, rinsing and spinning. Used for frequent cleaning of lightly soiled laundry.

Daily program. The wash, reduced to 40 minutes, is intensive, which allows you to wash heavily soiled items. Of course, it is impossible to wash delicate fabrics in the fast modes.

Delicate or hand wash. This program is just for delicate and light things. The drum rotates slowly and smoothly to maintain the structure of the fabric. The spin in such programs is either minimal or absent altogether.

Biophase. It is used for complex biological contaminants (juice, wine, blood, grass). The temperature is regulated from cold to 40 degrees. It is recommended to use special powders with active enzymes.

As you can see, there are other useful features in washing machines. Knowing what intensive mode is, you can deal with tough, stubborn dirt. But often it is not worth using it, since it accelerates the wear of things and machine parts.

Dimensions and type of loading

The first thing to think about when choosing a washing machine is where you place it. According to your space possibilities, choose: standard, narrow or compact washing machine. It is also important to decide on the type of washing machine: front-loading or horizontal loading.

On the Russian market, front-loading washing machines with a width and depth of 60 centimeters are considered traditional. But not every apartment will fit a machine with such dimensions, so now many washing machines are produced with standard width and reduced depth. A number of manufacturers produce compact front-loading washing machines, such machines have reduced dimensions on all fronts and perfectly solve the problem of lack of space. Functionally, they may differ from their full-size "brothers" only by a smaller load of laundry.

Many people choose front-loading washing machines because of the ability to visually follow the progress of the wash. Machines of this type are convenient because their surface can be used as an additional shelf, for example, you can put detergents on them. In the kitchen, the front-loading washing machine fits seamlessly into the kitchen furniture. When choosing a place for the washing machine, pay attention to whether it will be convenient for you to load the laundry, whether there is enough space to open the hatch door. It is worth paying attention to the diameter of the hatch, the larger it is, the easier it is to load the laundry into the drum and take it out after washing.

If none of their front-loading options suit you, look at top-loading machines that are 40 (45) centimeters wide and 60 deep. Laundry is loaded from the top, so there is no need to provide additional space to access them. Most often, top-loading machines are placed in the bathroom, sometimes in the kitchen. The advantage of a top-loading machine is that you can put in and take out laundry without bending over.

Loading volume

Before buying, you also need to decide on the volume of the washing machine load. If a volume of 3-4 kg is enough for one person or a young couple, then a family with a child or two children already needs a car with a load volume of 4.5 - 5 kg, but if a family is more than five people, then a car with a volume 6-8 kg.

How to determine how much laundry will weigh, for example, 5 kg? You can be guided by the fact that 5 kg of cotton is about 3-4 sets of one-and-a-half bed linen. Choose the optimal drum loading volume, because if the volume is less than your washing needs, then you will have to start the washing machine more often, waste energy and water. However, buying a car with a larger load volume than you need is also not worth it. You will have to collect laundry of the same color for a very long time in order to wash it. Machines with an increased load volume are needed by those who often wash a lot, including bulky items: pillows, bedspreads, blankets. They simply won't fit into a washing machine with a load of 5 kg.

The number of revolutions during spinning

If earlier the washing machine was chosen by the number of revolutions during spinning (respectively, the more, the better), now this indicator has ceased to be decisive. In modern washing machines, it varies from 800 to 1200 rpm, which is enough to spin most things.

The spinning RPM shows how damp your laundry will be after you take it out of the washing machine. The indicator of residual moisture is directly related to this indicator, the lower it is, the drier the laundry. Most often it is about 60% at a spin speed of 1000 rpm. Today the minimum residual moisture (43%) and the highest spin speed (2000 rpm). It is good if the washing machine is equipped with a function of smooth adjustment of the number of revolutions during spinning, with its help you can reduce the number of revolutions, for example, if you are worried that the laundry will be very jammed. The spin off function is also very useful.

Washing, spinning and energy consumption classes

The classification introduced by the European Union has been in operation for a long time, which, with the help of special tests, evaluates the efficiency of washing machines. Appliances are evaluated according to three parameters: energy consumption, wash quality, spin quality. For each of these parameters, washing machines are assigned a class: from A to G, class A corresponds to the highest quality indicators. For the energy class, the highest class A + was introduced in 2002.

This classification was introduced in 1995 and applies to washing machines that are manufactured for sale in the European Union. The grades are awarded based on rigorous testing and can be trusted when choosing an instrument. But in stores there may also be washing machines that are not rated according to this classification. The absence of a sticker indicating the classes in no way indicates the low quality of these devices, most likely, they are simply not intended for sale in the EU.

The best energy consumption in modern washing machines is achieved mainly by optimizing washing programs. For example, to wash heavily soiled laundry at 90 degrees, a class C machine will take about 135 140 minutes, and a class A machine will take 20 minutes less. At the same time, you save not only time, but also energy.

Programs and functions

There are four types of wash programs that are found in almost all washing machines. This is the washing of cotton and linen products, washing of synthetic products, washing of delicate fabrics and wool. Based on them, additional programs are created for optimal washing of any clothes. Each manufacturer has its own set of such programs - choose depending on your preferences. Someone needs a program for washing children's linen, and someone needs a program "Jeans" or "Washing sneakers". Or maybe you are not looking for a compromise and you need a machine with the greatest possible set of programs?

Hand wash programs for delicate fabrics

One of the most useful programs that washing machines are equipped with is the “hand wash” program, which allows you to machine wash items marked “hand wash only”. Some manufacturers have separate hand wash programs for wool and silk. For "hand" washing in the washing machine, a special rhythm of drum movement and an optimal water heating temperature (maximum 40 degrees, on average 30 degrees) are provided.

Short wash cycle

A short wash cycle (about 30 minutes) is one of the most popular programs and even the simplest models are equipped with it. The program can be called differently: "Quick wash", "Mini-program", "Quick wash", it is designed for washing lightly soiled laundry and saves 20-30% of time.

Anti-crease

Most washing machines provide such a useful function as protection against creasing of the laundry at the end of the wash ("Easy to iron", "Anti-crease", "Loose laundry after spinning"). It can be implemented in a machine in a number of ways. Loosening the laundry after spinning provides a special cycle of rotation of the drum after spinning, due to which fewer wrinkles form on cotton and synthetics, which, in turn, makes it easier to iron. Also, the anti-crease function can consist in the appointment of additional rinses or in turning off the drain after rinsing.

Programs for heavily soiled laundry

There are a number of programs designed to wash heavily soiled laundry and remove stains. The Soak program allows you to leave your laundry in water and detergent for several hours, while the laundry is automatically stirred periodically. There are also intensive wash programs designed to remove stubborn stains using dry stain removers.

Bioprogram

The bio-program (bio-phase) is available in almost all washing machines, it provides for washing at a temperature of 40 ° C using powders with bio-additives. The program allows you to activate the enzymes contained in the powders, as they die at temperatures of 60 ° C and above. With the help of powders with bio-additives, stains of organic origin (blood, ketchup, sauces, greasy stains) are very well washed, and the laundry is prepared for the standard washing cycle. Despite the advantages of powders with bioadditives, they are dangerous for silk and wool, because these fabrics are composed of protein substances. Since the enzymes in the laundry detergents promote the breakdown of proteins, they also successfully, albeit gradually, break down the fibers of woolen and silk fabrics.

Washing different types of things

Among the preset programs in washing machines, you can also see programs designed for washing various types of things. For example, it can be “Washing baby clothes”, “Jeans”, “Pillows”, “Sportswear”, “Sneakers” - these programs provide the most optimal conditions for washing a certain type of clothing.

Electronic systems for monitoring the washing process

Electronic control systems in washing machines can be called differently: Fuzzy Control, Logic Control, Fuzzy Logic, with their help, the washing process is controlled. The washing machine, with the help of special sensors, monitors the processes occurring during the wash and reacts flexibly to them. This is a complex system for monitoring the washing process, it includes various functions that can be implemented in the washing machine separately, for example, automatic control of the water level, the function of adjusting the imbalance during spinning, control of foaming, etc. For the consumer, the presence of an electronic control system for the washing process is large a plus. The machine itself adjusts the process depending on the type and amount of laundry, adjusts the water consumption and rinsing time, and removes imbalances during spinning. This achieves the best washing result and the least resource consumption without your efforts.

Automatic water level control

With the automatic water level adjustment function, your washing machine will control the amount of water according to the amount of laundry loaded. How does the machine determine the amount of laundry? In most models of washing machines, the weight of the laundry is determined depending on the speed of water absorption into it; in its pure form, autoweighing is implemented only in premium models. This function allows you to optimize your water consumption (useful for those who have water meters) and energy consumption during washing.

Imbalance control system

The imbalance control system is present in most models of washing machines and adjusts the rotation of the drum so that the laundry does not get confused. If, nevertheless, an imbalance has occurred, the control system will spin at a safe speed.

Foam control system

The foam control system is needed in order to prevent damage to the machine in case of overdosing of detergents. In most cases, the suppression of foaming occurs in a fairly simple way - the machine includes an additional rinse cycle.

Delayed start

Delay timer (delayed start, delayed start) is a frequently encountered function that allows you to postpone the wash at a time convenient for you. This function is very relevant where there are two-tariff and three-tariff electricity meters (for example, in Moscow), and electricity is several times cheaper at night. You can schedule the washing time so that the machine finishes it when you wake up.

Saving programs in the memory of the machine

The possibility of entering personal program configurations into the memory of the washing machine is very convenient. This function saves you time and eliminates the need to re-enter the washing parameters each time, makes it possible to expand the list of automatic washing programs you need.

Control

It is also important how your interaction with the washing machine will be carried out. Electromechanical (hybrid) washing machines are equipped with software, but are controlled using traditional rotary switches. Communication with electronically controlled cars is done using buttons, displays, etc. Choose what is more convenient for you. Older people are more likely to choose cars with their familiar rotary switches, and young people like to operate the car using the display.

There are also washing machines with mechanical control, but they are already living out their days, there are only a few of them on store shelves.

Control panels of modern washing machines can be equipped with classic rotary knobs, buttons, displays. Feedback from the washing machine is mainly done through the display. The simplest machines have an LED display on which LED lights light up opposite running programs. Also in washing machines, liquid crystal displays are often used, on which digital and text information is displayed. And finally - touch screens, which not only reflect information, but also allow you to control the machine through the display. There are models that can communicate with the user in a dialogue mode, while text prompts appear on the control panel.

Additional benefits

Consider if you need the added benefits of a washing machine, such as drying laundry, sterilizing silver, or steaming items. The implementation of these functions in a washing machine implies the introduction of additional technologies, has many advantages, but also increases the cost of the product. Moreover, you will have to choose one thing, there is no drying, steaming and sterilization with silver "in one bottle".

Drying
Washing machines with dryers are a separate class of devices that, in addition to a heating element for heating water, also have a fan. A tumble dryer is necessary if you have nowhere to dry your clothes in your apartment. Such cars are also relevant for families with small children. The simplest models of washing machines of this type dry the laundry on a timer, after the end of the wash, a certain time is allotted for drying. More advanced models can dry clothes and "moisture", while the machine itself determines how long it will take. When choosing a machine with a dryer, you should pay attention to what drying programs it provides. The traditional set of programs includes iron, dry and cupboard, and some machines can have up to 11 drying programs. Often in washing machines with drying, it is provided that the load of the drum of the washing machine during drying should be half as much as during washing. But there are exceptions: Indesit and Ariston washing machines and dryers have introduced a new technology that allows you to dry a little less laundry than you have washed.

Steam function

LG was the first to introduce steam in its washing machines. Steam washing technology significantly increases the functionality of the washing machine. Steam treatment removes harmful bacteria and improves the quality of your wash, while the steam is gentle on your clothes without leaving the wrinkles on your clothes like in a regular wash. Even delicate items such as lace or silk can be washed in the steam machine. Also, this system allows you to quickly freshen clothes: smooth out folds and eliminate unpleasant odors.

Silver sterilization function

The silver sterilization function is based on Samsung's Silver Nano technology. This technology, using positively charged silver ions, ensures the destruction of 99.9% of bacteria, and the disinfecting effect lasts up to 30 days. The advantage of this system is that it allows you to destroy all types of microorganisms without damaging tissues. In addition, the “silver wash” prevents unpleasant odors from the clothes and drum of the machine, since the silver ions remaining after washing prevent the growth of bacteria that cause odor.

Safety

Finally, think about safety. First of all, pay attention to the presence of a leakage protection system. It can be complete and partial. The full system of protection against leaks applies to both the body and the hose of the washing machine, and partial to one thing. Leakproof hoses can be purchased separately and can be used with almost any washing machine.

If protection against leaks in your washing machine is important to you, pay attention to the availability of the functions AquaStop, AquaAlarm, Watercontrol, AquaBlockSystem or Waterproof. Leakage protection has its own brand name for different companies and involves different methods of dealing with leaks. Most often, protection is implemented as follows: water is supplied and drained through special double hoses with solenoid valves at the ends, which block the flow of water in case of damage to the hose. On the sealed bottom of the washing machine, sensors or floats are also located, when liquid gets on which, the water supply is turned off.

Modern washing machines are multifunctional, but in reality there are not so many basic functions that would determine the washing mode. In fact, there are only 4 programs that determine the temperature of the water, the rotation speed of the drum during spinning, the number of rinses. Also, the user usually has the ability to set the type of fabric that he loaded.

The "smart" control of the washing machine, if it sees any inconsistencies, notifies the user of this so that he can make adjustments regarding the washing mode.

In fact, there are only 4 classic programs (that is, the main ones):

Washing woolen items at 40 C;
Washing delicate items at 40 C;
Washing of cotton items at a temperature of 95 C;
Synthetics wash at a temperature of 60 C.

All other programs and modes allow you to correct these basic programs and select the desired washing mode, based on the degree of soiling of the laundry, for example. There are also functions to prevent creasing of things and to minimize the consumption of detergent. However, all the additional functions are expensive for the consumer: the more there are, the more expensive the machine becomes.

For example, expensive "cool" models automatically calculate the wash time, water temperature, number of rinses and drum rotation speed. The user just needs to set the type of fabric of the items that he loaded into the drum and press the start button.

Functions of washing machines

Most models have the following features:

Delay of inclusion. If the user sits at home and does not want to hear how the machine is noisy or wants to have things washed by the time he arrives, he can use this function. The system simply postpones the launch for a specified period of time.
Water control. This function is mainly designed to save energy, a significant part of which is spent on heating. The “smart” machine determines the amount of water required to get things wet and to get the optimal load without adding too much
Control of water transparency. A very interesting function, thanks to which a resource is also saved, but in this case - water. A special sensor after rinsing determines the transparency of the water, and if it is below the norm, the mode is repeated. If, for example, the transparency is satisfactory after two rinsing steps, the system will cancel the third and save resource.
Balancing during spinning. Spinning assumes high dynamic loads on the unit and noise. Balancing is a function that dampens vibrations, as a result of which these loads are significantly reduced, as well as the noise level. The function works like this: the drum rotates slowly until all the laundry is evenly distributed over the surface. Only after this does the spinning start.
Spin speed adjustment. A smart washing machine chooses the spin speed itself, but in other machines this can be done by the user. If the fabric is coarse, then it can be wrung out at the highest speeds. If not, select a speed of about 400-600 rpm.
Timer. The function displays the time after which the washing process will be completed.
Stop spinning. If lightweight items are washed with coarse fabrics in the drum, the user can remove them, leaving only coarse ones.
Diagnostics of problems. If something in the typewriter works "wrong" or does not work at all, this function usually tells about it. It displays the washing machine fault code on the display, and then the user can prevent it.

Machine modes

As for the modes, there are 15 of them (more or less depending on the model and manufacturer):

Handwash. In this mode, there is no spin, the drum rotates weakly, and the main idea of \u200b\u200bthe mode is to reduce physical effects on the fabric. It is called manual because it was possible to wash things so (carefully) with your hands.
Preliminary. It is used for very, very dirty things. Before using this mode, it is recommended to soak the laundry in soapy water (in water with detergent) for 2 hours.
Economy mode The very name of the regime already says a lot. In particular, we are talking about reducing the consumption of water and electricity. This lengthens the washing time.
Quick wash. Like the previous mode, it is also assumed to save water, detergent, electricity. But, among other things, time is also saved, because the cycle is shortened.
Strong heating (up to 90 degrees). If things are very dirty, then this mode is optimal. Dirt can be easily removed at high water temperatures, but remember that not all things can be washed in this mode, because some may simply deteriorate. Usually on the tags of clothes they write at what maximum temperature it can be washed.
Daily wash. The mode assumes partial loading of the washing machine drum. In this case, the cycle lasts about 40 minutes and the water temperature in the drum is up to 30 C. It is usually used to freshen up underwear and light clothes.
Intensive mode. As the name suggests, it is used to wash heavily soiled clothes. In this case, water is heated to a high temperature. The duration of the process also increases.
Eco-program. This mode assumes the use of enzyme agents by the user. The mode is famous for being able to scrub very dirty things at high water temperatures.
Biophase. It involves the use of powders, which include bioferments.
Wool. This mode washes woolen items, and in this mode the drum will rotate at 36 rpm.
Additional rinse. In this mode, an additional rinsing process is provided, which will completely remove the remaining soapy water.
Removing stains. This mode is said to remove tough stains from clothes that cannot be removed in other wash modes.
Plenty of water. When rinsing, a lot of water will flow into the drum, which will also help to completely remove any powder residues.
Anti-crease protection. When this mode is activated, the drum spins the laundry at a very low speed for a short time. As a result, after the user takes things out of the drum, it will be much easier to iron them.
Multiple rinsing. Like some other modes, this one is also aimed exclusively at removing residues of powder and soapy water.

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Read on for the essential features of your washing machine and which are simple marketing gimmicks. We understand in detail all the possibilities of washing machines.

On modern television, advertisements are constantly running, which talk about the advantages of washing machines. It may well seem to some housewife that the functions described in the advertisement will certainly come in handy, and therefore there is a desire to buy a brand new model. But aren't they lying to us? Do you need all those washing machine skills that are talked about in advertisements and press releases? Let's find this out. This article will give you an idea of \u200b\u200bwhich functions are necessary and which ones are definitely not worth overpaying.

Number of washing programs

If you remember the functions of the washing machine, then the modes of operation come to mind first. Or so-called programs. The washing machines produced in the USSR had only two modes - basic and delicate. Later, automatic washing machines appeared, which already offered five to six programs. Well, now their number can reach several dozen. But do they make a lot of sense?

Practice shows that most often the owner of a washing machine uses four to five modes. Additionally, one or another spin speed is selected, and in some cases, pressing a special button allows you to activate the “No crease” function. That's all! Why are these 20-30 programs?

In fact, it doesn't cost the manufacturer a lot of money to embed additional modes. In fact, this is simple programming, during which the electronic "brains" of the device receive new combinations of water temperature, wash time and drum speed. However, sometimes the cost of technically identical washing machines with a different number of programs is very different. In this case, we recommend that you do not chase additional modes, overpaying a lot for them.

By the way, in the future we are waiting for washing machines that can download new programs from the Internet. Why not? Of course, this will completely eliminate mechanical controls, but this feature will make the device as versatile as possible. But this will make washing machines from different manufacturers even more similar to each other, complicating the choice of the buyer.

Quality classes of washing machines

Surely you have considered the characteristics of a washing machine at least once. They often mention the quality class, denoted by Latin letters: from E to A with several pluses. Let's take a look at what a particular class is talking about.

Energy class - important for those people who do not want to overpay for electricity. However, washing machines with a low energy efficiency class are on the market less and less. Most often, modern devices are of classes A and B, and the difference between them is only 20-40 kilowatts per year - that is, one and a half to two hundred rubles. There are washing machines with an energy efficiency class A ++, but there the difference is even less significant. It remains to be glad that electricity in our country is not too expensive.
Washing class - indicates how well the machine copes with its main task. Under no circumstances should you buy an appliance with a washing class C unless it is a compact model for a summer cottage. As for classes A and B, the difference between them is no longer so noticeable. And it should be noted that the washing result depends not only on how exactly the drum rotates. It is influenced by the correct or incorrect selection of the program and the detergent used. After all, there are stains that no washing machine can handle at all, unless you use a stain remover.
Spin class - indicates how dry the laundry will become after washing. Class C means that up to 55% water will remain in the laundry. For class A, no more than 40% water should be expected. However, please note that spinning at 1600-2000 rpm / s is only suitable for thick fabrics. Any lace panties at this speed can be torn into shreds. It turns out that such a high-speed spin will not be used too often. Also, a high-speed spin will not be needed if the washing machine is in the "Khrushchev", in the kitchen, on a wooden floor - in such a place the device will start to shake and make noise very much.

Intuitive interface

Perhaps it is important that the functions of the washing machine are used by the user without any problems. Such a device is not a smartphone, which is not a pity for the study of the time spent. The washing machine must have an easy-to-use control panel. An ideal option would be electronic-mechanical control. This means that all modes will be activated electronically, but all kinds of buttons and controls are used to activate and select them. Even elderly people who are accustomed exclusively to mechanical control are able to deal with such control.

It is very easy to check the control clarity. Stand in front of a car in a store and imagine that you need to wash certain things. Do you understand which buttons to press and which knob to turn? Do you understand how to change the wash time? Do you understand how to lower or increase the water temperature? Do you understand how to change the spin speed? If all of these questions are answered yes, then the controls are very easy to learn. If you answered negatively to at least some of the questions, then it is better to choose another washing machine. Our life is too busy to spend time on a detailed study of the operating instructions.

By the way, if the main functions of the washing machine are selected using some kind of touch panel, then this not only complicates the control, but also impairs maintainability. The fact is that the control panel can break one day. But a mechanical regulator that has flown off can be replaced on the spot, this also applies to all kinds of buttons. If the touchscreen display fails, repairing it will be more difficult and expensive. And without any of the buttons, the machine can be used, while a failed touch screen will make the entire device faulty.

Steam function

Perhaps, it is difficult to argue with the fact that hot moisture really penetrates the tissue very deeply. It's not for nothing that we regularly use this function when ironing clothes. But the iron is located close to the fabric, while there can be at least a few centimeters between the laundry and the holes on the drum. And this is not to mention the fact that it is often crumpled, forming several layers of fabric. It turns out that the steam function is not used very effectively by the washing machine. However, it cannot be said that it does not help washing at all. But overpaying a lot of money for it is pointless, you should remember this.

Drying

Once upon a time, drying machines existed only as separate devices. Only residents of large houses could put them at home. In our country, many still live in small apartments. Fortunately, you can now find washing machines with built-in dryers in stores. The problem is that such a washing machine will belong to the elite class - it will cost two to three times more than an ordinary model. Is it worth it?

In fact, it all depends on the area of \u200b\u200bthe room where the washing machine is placed. If a drying machine would fit next to it, then it is better to get one. The fact is that the washing machine, in any case, will not cope with drying perfectly. Let's take a look at two of the most commonly used laundry drying technologies in these appliances:

Timer - drying time is determined either manually or according to the selected washing program. Be sure that the result in the overwhelming majority of cases will turn out to be deplorable - the linen will either have to be dried on a rope, or it will be too dry.
Determination of residual moisture - this is what the most expensive washing machines can do. The risk of overdrying will be minimal. Nevertheless, there will regularly occur cases when some of the laundry is still damp.

In short, spending money on a washing machine and dryer is not recommended. You will use a clothesline anyway. Then why overpay?

Self-cleaning function

The most difficult thing to talk about is the washing machine drum cleaning function. An increasing number of devices are receiving it. In fact, it is just another program that is designed to be used without loaded laundry. That is, it is not difficult for the manufacturer of the washing machine to add it to the arsenal of the device's skills. That is why devices with a self-cleaning function are almost the same in cost from those that are not endowed with it. If this is the case, then you are unlikely to overpay for this function at least some money.

Please note that often the self-cleaning function of the washing machine is activated in a special way. For example, in LG products, you need to hold down two buttons marked with an asterisk for three seconds. It is possible that you will quickly forget about this possibility if the self-cleaning does not have a separate button. Therefore, if you regularly wash things soiled in sand and other poorly soluble types of dirt, then it is better to get a device where drum cleaning is activated as easily as possible.

Bio wash

One of the really useful features. It is not necessarily called that. Its essence lies in a more thorough washing, in which absolutely all powder residues are eliminated. Of course, the process becomes longer, but, for example, the child's skin will definitely not feel unpleasant allergens. However, not all parents use this function. Some of them prefer to use special detergent for baby clothes instead. And here it is up to you to choose - whether to spend extra money on a more expensive powder, or to get generous with an additional amount by buying a washing machine with a bio-washing function.

Of course, if you do not have children and they are not planned to appear in the future, then this function is completely unnecessary.

Delayed start

Another useful function of the washing machine, which is not for everyone. In large cities, a special tariffication for electricity has been introduced long ago. In the evening, a kilowatt costs some money, at night - others, in the morning and afternoon - a third. It is for these users that it is most beneficial to wash at night. And it is precisely these users who need the delayed start function so that the wash automatically starts at the moment when the kilowatt becomes cheaper.

One delayed launch will not be enough. Please note that a washing machine with this function must be quiet. And it certainly must have the support of turning off the signal about the performed wash. Otherwise, you risk waking up late at night, although this was not planned.

Other useful functions of the washing machine

Automatic determination of washing parameters - sometimes it is allocated into a so-called function, whereas in other washing machines this program may be called "Mixed fabrics". When activated, the device independently weighs the laundry and "thinks" about how long to wash it and how much water to spend.
Drum parking - relevant for machines with top loading. This makes it much easier to take out and load the laundry.
Leakage protection system - almost completely eliminates the outflow of water from the drum in the event of any breakdown. This system is now possessed by almost any expensive one.
Soak and / or prewash - a useful function that comes in handy in case of very heavily soiled laundry. However, no one forbids this linen to simply be washed twice - the effect will be approximately the same.
Anti-crease - an indispensable function for those people who do not want to use the iron regularly. However, even in expensive washing machines, it does not work perfectly.
Accelerated wash - available even in fairly inexpensive devices. This function is used for washing lightly soiled laundry. Allows you to finish the process as quickly as possible, and at the same time save water and electricity.
Drum balancing control - the microprocessor constantly weighs the laundry by rotating the drum for a while so that it is positioned as evenly as possible. When spinning, this allows you to reduce vibrations and eliminate the possibility of damage to the device.
Specialized programs - special washing modes designed for pillows, shoes, down jacket and other similar items will be quite useful to you. However, you can manually select the appropriate parameters for them. But for this you have to go to the Internet, because you hardly know how exactly the same down jacket should be washed. In a word, it all depends on whether you want to save your time.
Self-diagnosis of faults is a feature that all washing machine buyers hope will not come in handy. Nevertheless, it will be better if the device is endowed with it. Otherwise, any malfunction will force you to call the master, since you simply will not know its cause.

Perhaps these are all functions that are useful in one way or another. Almost all modern washing machines have some of them. Others are available only to high- and medium-budget models. You can find out about their presence or absence by reading technical specifications, reviews and reviews.

Conclusion

Now you know almost everything about washing machines. From now on, you should understand exactly which characteristics you should pay attention to when choosing them. We hope that now you will definitely not overpay for those functions that you do not need at all.

How do you use your washing machine? Are you satisfied with the purchased model? Let us know in the comments.