There is also useful functionality that is worth paying for. Useful functions of modern washing machines

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 one of the most essential household appliances, are becoming 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 if 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. Delicates 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 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 wear 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.

It is impossible to imagine a modern urban home without an automatic washing machine. There are many models on sale, differing in price and technical characteristics. After choosing several options, you should consider the classes (modes) of washing, energy consumption and spinning of suitable machines, since these parameters are much more important than most buyers think.

What is the washing class

The class of washing efficiency is usually called the value that characterizes the cleanliness of the washed laundry. The classes are designated in Latin letters from A to G. The highest class is supplemented by the designations A +, A ++ and A +++, since the new washing machines are more advanced.

To determine the wash class of a particular model, a piece of cotton is soiled in a specific way and washed at 60 ° C for an hour using one of the basic programs. The washed fabric is then compared with a reference sample. Comparison of cleanliness indicators (whiteness and other properties) is carried out using special optical instruments that give the result (washing efficiency coefficient) in digital form.

Table 1 shows the correspondence between the obtained coefficient and the washing class of the machine:

In fact, this indicator can hardly be called objective, since it is almost impossible to create identical testing conditions, and the cost of a washing machine directly depends on the value of this coefficient.

It is almost impossible to catch the difference in the quality of washing classes A +++ and A (sometimes B) with the naked eye. It is enough to take a good quality detergent, and the difference will become generally invisible; it makes no sense to overpay for a prestigious badge in the product's passport. However, when buying, it is better to choose a car of a higher class, all other things being equal.

Energy consumption and energy efficiency classes

The energy class of the automatic washing machine depends on the amount of electricity consumed by the device in the basic mode for washing 1 kg of cotton laundry for 1 hour at a temperature of 60 ° C. The lower this indicator, the higher the class of the washing machine in terms of energy consumption.
Until 2010, the following gradation of energy consumption classes for automatic washing machines was adopted (Table 2):

After 2010, instead of the energy class, a new characteristic was introduced - the energy efficiency class. This indicator depends on the Energy Efficiency Index (EEI). To assign a value to the new model, the average energy consumption figures for the year are used. Take into account washing modes at different temperatures and partial load. When calculating, it is assumed that the machine goes through 220 full cycles per year. The standard consumption (100%) of electricity for a full cycle (with a load of 6 kg of dry cotton linen) is 1.52 kWh, that is, 334 kWh per year.

The energy efficiency index is the percentage of the actual energy consumption of a particular model to the standard. The higher the class of the unit, the lower the index value. In order to find out how much electricity a particular washing machine consumes per year, it is enough to multiply the reference consumption (334 kWh) by the index corresponding to the class of the energy consumption model and divide by 100.

Energy efficiency indices for different classes of washing machines (table 3):

What does the term "spin class" mean?

The spin class of the washing machine depends on the amount of moisture in the laundry that has passed the full spin cycle. The lower this indicator, the higher the class. To calculate this coefficient, the dry weight is subtracted from the weight of the wet laundry after spinning, then the result is divided by the weight of the dry laundry and multiplied by 100%.

The values \u200b\u200bof the moisture content of the laundry after washing (in%) and the drum rotation speed (rpm) corresponding to the spin classes (table 4):

The efficiency of spinning is related to energy consumption: the higher the rotation speed of the drum during spinning, the greater the energy consumption. High-speed spin mode (class A) is needed mainly when washing thick fabrics, for example, denim (denim). A significant mechanical effect on the fabric negatively affects the service life of things and their appearance: creases appear that are difficult to straighten even with an iron or ironing press. It is not necessary to choose a machine with a spin class A, B or C is sufficient.

Washing modes in the washing machine

Manufacturers create automatic washing machines with various sets of basic and additional modes. At the same time, both generally accepted names and designations are used, as well as original ones inherent only to this brand. Therefore, it is better to study the meaning of the pictograms and inscriptions according to the passport for a specific model.

There is a set of basic modes that (with minimal differences) all automatic cars have.

The main operating modes of the washing machine:

• washing clothes made from natural materials: linen or cotton (from +90 to + 95 ° C), - a full cycle, which is used for heavily soiled white laundry, spin at maximum speed;
• washing clothes made of synthetic materials - gentle mode (+ 60 ° C), spin at maximum speed;
• washing wool and silk (+ 40 ° C) - gentle mode, in which the drum does not rotate, but only sways from side to side, without spinning, the processing cycle ends by draining the water;
• delicate washing of delicate and delicate fabrics: underwear, lace and embroidered items that require careful handling. Gentle mode, no spinning (+ 30 ° C).

All modes can be adjusted using the buttons on the control panel, adding or disabling individual functions.

Additional washing modes

In addition to the main ones, automatic washing machines have additional washing modes, which differ in the amount and temperature of water, the duration of some washing phases, and the drum rotation speed during spinning.

On machines with electronic control, modes are switched using rotary knobs, and functions can be selected by pressing buttons. If the control is touch-sensitive, then there can be both recessed buttons and those activated by a light touch of fingers, data on the operation of the machine are displayed on the display.

On mechanically controlled machines, program selection is made using the rotary knob and buttons on the control panel. Such a machine, unlike a similar one with electronic control, can be stopped at any moment of the cycle and switched to another program.

Mechanical models are more likely to fail due to a large number of moving parts, while electronic ones are damaged as a result of voltage surges.

Frequently encountered additional washing modes:

• "Prewash" (soaking) - the program is suitable for very dirty items that are initially in a cold detergent solution for several hours, then the main wash begins. In this mode, two portions must be poured into the powder container, using both compartments;
• "Intensive wash" - used when you need to remove stains. The water is gradually heated to + 60 ° C, and after the primary treatment of the stains, the temperature reaches + 90 ° C;
• "Quick wash" - this program is used for daily care of things. The cycle ends after 15-30 minutes at a water temperature of 30-40 ° C. Washing parameters depend on the machine brand. If you need to wash things quickly without heavy dirt, this mode is the best;
• "Economy mode" - provides washing of cotton and linen at a low temperature, with low water and energy consumption. Due to the increase in the processing time, the washing quality does not suffer;
• "Half load" - this mode is very convenient in those cases when things need to be washed urgently, but there are not enough of them for a full load. The washing time will be reduced, therefore the consumption of water, electricity and detergent will be reduced;
• "Easy ironing" - when washing in this mode, the laundry is constantly straightened and not wrinkled due to the slow rotation of the drum with the intermediate spin function disabled. The final spin takes place at a reduced speed. Things after such processing are easy to iron.

Automatic washing machines are equipped with a set of useful functions that make the washing process even more convenient:

• "Delayed start" - allows you to program the start of washing in the selected mode within 24 hours, which is convenient for busy people;
• "Additional rinse" is a very useful option if you need to thoroughly remove the remaining detergent from baby, underwear and bed linen;
• "A lot of water" - when washing and rinsing in an increased amount of water, it is easier to completely get rid of the smell and residues of washing powder;
• "Rinse delay" - if it is not possible to immediately take out the laundry at the end of the wash cycle, it is better to leave it in water so that creases and unnecessary folds do not appear. At a convenient time, the functions of draining and spinning are started, after which clean items are taken out of the drum;
• "Night wash" - this function makes the process almost silent, as it completely eliminates spinning. In the morning, you can finish washing by switching on the "drain" and "spin" modes in sequence.

Security modes

When designing modern automatic machines, manufacturers place great emphasis on safety. The following locks may be provided on different models:

• leakage protection. Thanks to this function, the water supply is automatically stopped, if there is a danger of leakage, sometimes the device turns off completely, it depends on the model;
• foam suppression system. Excessive foam can cause leakage. With the help of a special sensor that determines the amount of foam during draining and spinning, the suction is turned on, excess foam is removed and the cycle continues;
• balancing control. With a significant imbalance, the machine begins to vibrate strongly, the sensor turns on a special shaking mode, in which the laundry is evenly distributed over the drum due to slow reverse rotation (alternately, clockwise and in the opposite direction). This function protects the car from mechanical damage;
• protection from children. Reliable door lock, so that the baby cannot open the door in any way, neither during work, nor in standby mode.

P.S. It often happens that the happy owner of a car with a maximum set of various interesting modes does not find time to understand them and uses only a few. So is it worth buying an expensive model, because the more washing modes, the higher the price and the risk of ruining complex equipment? It is better to take a closer look at reliable and high-quality units with a high energy efficiency class, without too complex programs that may not be needed.

How to choose a washing machine for a long time and wash well? By asking the right questions to the manager or by reading the technical specifications, everyone can choose the equipment that is suitable for the price and quality. To find out which car is better, a detailed analysis of the functions and parameters of modern models will help.

What characteristics should you pay attention to?

All the characteristics that need to be considered when choosing a "washing machine" are divided into three groups:

• constructive,
• technical,
• functional.

Characteristics from the first two groups will tell you whether the machine is suitable for its size, the amount of loaded laundry, as well as ease of use. Technical parameters affect noise, energy consumption and service life.

Size and method of loading laundry

The design parameters include the size of the machine, the amount of loaded laundry and the loading method - frontal or vertical. Their selection is individual - after all, very often the place for a typewriter is very limited. Before buying, you need to determine the place for the new equipment and take measurements, find out what the maximum height, width and depth should be.

As a rule, the larger the machine, the more laundry can be loaded into it in one wash. This also needs to be taken into account. For a large family, a 3 kg load will not be enough. But buying a device with a "margin" is not worth it. Although the documents do not indicate the minimum load of laundry, if you put one or two blouses in a large machine, the quality of the wash will suffer. Manufacturers recommend loading the drum 2/3, which ensures friction between fabrics and guarantees a high-quality wash. Cars are available with a load from 3 to 12 kg, so that everyone can choose their own version.

For a family of 3-4 people, the best option would be a machine with a load of 5 kg. For each next family member, you need to add another 1.5 kg.

The choice of front or vertical loading also often depends on the availability of free space. If the loading doors open from the side, the machine can be installed under the washbasin. And the built-in models are frontal. Vertical loading has its advantages - it has less depth. In addition, when loading, you can open the lid at any time and adjust the amount of laundry: pick up a random item or add a few more.

Functional

The number of programs and additional functions affect the usability of the machine. For example, if there is a delicate wash, you do not have to manually wash your favorite linen, you can entrust it to his technique. How to choose the right washing machine, focusing on its functionality? Should I choose "everything and more", or is it better to limit myself to the most necessary programs? Let's figure out what manufacturers offer and what convenience it provides.

Interface

You need to start talking about washing programs from the control. Today there are two options: mechanical and electronic. Mechanical interface - rotary switches. The program selector works like a timer, so the progress of the wash can be seen by moving it. Many people prefer this interface, as it is quite easy to understand. In addition, there is a prejudice that the mechanics are more reliable, and if a breakdown does occur, it is cheaper to repair the control mechanism.

I must say that the technology of the new generation is quite reliable, therefore, electronic control cars do not burden their owners with repair histories. The visually electronic interface is the buttons used to set the washing programs. There is an LED display on the control panel, it shows at what stage of the wash, what is the water temperature and the number of revolutions.

Some new models "communicate" not only through the display, but also through voice prompts. A pleasant female voice informs about the beginning and end of the wash. Sometimes this can be inconvenient. For example, if you use the delayed start function, then at night the voice notification will be a complete surprise.

Main programs

When choosing a machine, you need to carefully read the washing modes. In order not to get confused in the store, it is better to make a blank at home - a list of the most necessary programs. Modern models can have up to 20 programs. The cheaper ones have 8-10 washing options. Perhaps these 10 options completely coincide with your needs, then there is no point in overpaying. All programs are divided into several groups.

By type of fabric:

• cotton;
• synthetics;
• silk;
• wool;
• delicate fabrics;
• kids clothes;
• sportswear;
• pillows and blankets;
• fabrics with a water-repellent effect (outerwear).

By washing intensity (by degree of soiling):

• intensive wash;
• bio wash;
• quick wash;
• washing with a shower jet;
• soak;
• prewash;
• boiling;
• additional rinse.

Additional programs:

• half load;
• economical wash;
• hand wash wool;
• anti-crease and crease mode (easy ironing);
• drainage;
• "Hygiene" mode (anti-allergenic;
• Silver nano.

Most of the programs do not raise questions, since their name speaks for itself, but some are worth familiarizing yourself with.

• Soak program appeared recently and implemented by different companies in different ways. Electrolux washing machines allow you to soak your laundry for a long time: if you do not switch to the washing program for 19 hours, they drain the water themselves and turn off. In other machines, laundry can be soaked for 15 to 30 minutes.
• "Hand wash wool" differs from the usual mode for woolen garments. In this mode, the drum does not spin, but sways. This prevents the garment from warping and pilling.
• "Economical wash" - a program that allows you to get clean laundry with less water and energy consumption, but it takes much more time for such a wash.
• The "Drainage" mode ensures that the water is drained without twisting the drum, which is important for delicate fabrics.
• Washing in the "Baby clothes" mode - this is soaking, washing, boiling and double rinsing for 3 hours. In this case, washing is carried out in a large amount of water so that the laundry remains soft and allergens do not accumulate in it.
• "Bio-washing" is optimal if powders with enzymes are used. The temperature regime of this program does not destroy biologically active components - lipase, protease, amylase.
• Hygiene program - washing that destroys allergens in the laundry. This is achieved by a special temperature regime.
• Silver nano - allows you to disinfect linen and clothes with silver ions. Removes not only dirt, but also unpleasant odors.

Additional functions

In addition to the soaking, washing and rinsing programs, automatic machines have some other useful functions. Some of them are essential. For example, Aqua stop is one of the safety systems, protection against leaks. Even if the washing is carried out in the absence of the owners, there is no need to be afraid of a flood in the apartment.

There are several more "safe" modes in washing machines.

• "Childproofing" - locks the control panel after starting work, so the baby will not be able to reprogram the wash, as well as open the door.
• Aqua alarm - a sound signal that turns on when a leak occurs.
• Imbalance control - distributes the laundry evenly in the drum. This increases the service life of the machine, reduces vibration and noise levels.

There are additional "convenient" and "economical" programs.

• "Start Timer" - delayed start - allows you to start washing at any convenient time.
• Aqua sensor - independently determines the need for repeated rinsing, thereby saving water and energy.
• "Automatic water dosage" - allows you to use the optimal amount of water, without overspending.
• Rinse delay - prevents the machine from draining water immediately after washing. The hostess activates the rinse mode on her own, when she can immediately take out and hang things.

Washing machine with dryer or steam generator

Separately, it must be said about two types of machines with special capabilities - drying and steam generation. Warm air dryers dry the laundry completely. Such an opportunity will come in handy if there is a baby in the house and the linen does not have time to dry naturally. The ability to dry quickly in a typewriter will also help those who forget to prepare their clothes in advance and dry them on the go. The disadvantages of such machines are that their cost is higher and the energy class is lower. When drying, they consume much more energy, but if this mode is not turned on, then the consumption will be standard.

Washing machines with steam treatment function have appeared recently. Initially, it was an alternative to Silver nano - disinfection of things with silver ions.

Today, models of steam generators perform several functions.

• Steam wash - wash with water with additional steam treatment. Detergents under the influence of steam dissolve better, clean things and wash out of them.
• Steam stain removal Is dry cleaning. In order to remove stains, you need to choose the right cleaning agents for them.
• Antibacterial treatment.
• Steaming helps to smooth things out... After 20 minutes in the typewriter, hang the clothes on the hangers and iron them a little if necessary.
• Refresh is a convenient mode for freshening up clothes without washing. Removes unpleasant odors and light dirt.

As a rule, manufacturers implement 2-3 steam treatment modes in one model, so you need to choose the appropriate option. Refresh mode is suitable for those who like to look perfect. Not all clothes can be washed daily, in which case steaming will help keep them in impeccable condition. This program will also be useful for those who have a lot of stuffed toys in their home. The steam will refresh and disinfect them.

"Steam wash" is indispensable for allergy sufferers - steam removes all allergens and washes away detergents well from fabrics. Steaming is a useful function if you need to iron things that have been crumpled for a long time. It will remove not only folds, but also the smell of caked laundry.

The steam wash requires much less powder. You cannot rely on previous experience with conventional machines, it is better to read the instructions carefully.

Specifications

The technical characteristics of the automatic machine are the most important of all its characteristics. This is not a cheap technique, you will not change it every month, so we choose a model by comparing the following parameters:

• energy class;
• maximum power consumption;
• washing class;
• engine's type;
• noise level;
• the material from which the tank is made;
• speed and spin class.

The energy class is necessarily indicated in the documentation and on the body of the equipment itself. It is designated by Latin letters. Although in theory this figure ranges from A (A +, A ++, A +++) to C, in practice, cars of class A and higher are now on sale. Class C models are presented in the segment of washing machines with a drying function. The difference in power consumption between A +++ and C class machines is quite significant and reaches 12 W per hour.

When washed at full load at 60 ° C, the model marked A +++ takes 15 W / h, and C - 27 W / h. In addition to the class, the marking also has a maximum consumption - from 2 to 4 kW. This is the energy consumption value in the most energy-intensive mode. For example, if you turn on the drying all the time, then the electricity consumption will be exactly the same.

Type of engine and tank for washing

Two types of motors can be installed in the automatic machine - collector or inverter. In new models, the second option is installed. The inverter motor runs quieter because it has no brushes. When washing, only the sounds of the wash itself will be heard without the hum of the motor. The service life of such an engine is longer than that of a collector engine, therefore it is given a longer warranty period.

The material from which the tank is made affects the performance and life of the washing machine. There are three options here - stainless steel, enamelled steel or composite materials. Stainless steel is a more durable material that can withstand 50 years or even 100 years of operation. However, the machine is unlikely to withstand this period. Composite drums are designed to work for 20-25 years, which corresponds to the total service life.

The enamelled tanks proved to be ineffective during operation. If the slightest crack or chip appears there, the tank quickly rusts and has to be replaced. This is the worst option. If you fold back the enamel and choose from stainless steel and plastic, then the following points must be taken into account:

• stainless steel is more "noisy";
• a composite drum will reduce the cost of the machine without reducing the quality of washing;
• plastic retains heat better.

Noise

The noise level must be indicated in the characteristics of the machine. It consists of two digits. The first one shows what kind of noise will be during washing, the second - during spinning. It is better to buy a model with indicators not higher than 55/70 dB. If it is important that the equipment is really quiet, then you need to choose a washing machine with an inverter motor and a composite tank.

The noise of the machine, in addition to its characteristics, is affected by the installation and quality of the floor. If the floor is uneven horizontally, vibration will appear during spinning. If it is impossible to eliminate unevenness in the floor, it is better to use anti-vibration pads or rubber feet to reduce noise.

Washing and spinning class

The washing class indicates how efficiently the washing machine copes with this task. Washing efficiency is marked with Latin letters from "A" to "G", where "A" is the highest indicator, that is, the laundry is washed carefully, and dirt is removed as much as possible. In practice, on sale you can find two options "A" and "B" and it is impossible to see the difference visually.

The spinning differs in two parameters - class and speed. The spin speed is indicated in revolutions per minute and can be from 400 to 1800 rpm. Manufacturers always indicate the maximum possible speed. Here, more does not always mean better, different fabrics need a different spin mode, and too high a speed can ruin clothes. The best option is a machine with 1000 rpm. More is needed in the case of frequent washing of terry clothes, blankets or outerwear. The spin class refers to the residual moisture content of the washed and wrung clothes. For class A this figure is 45%, C - 54%, D - 72%.

What should you choose?

Choosing a washing machine, everyone is guided by their own needs and preferences. Someone prefers "status" equipment - the latest models of the most famous brands, someone is interested in economical consumption of water and electricity, and someone wants the machine to be able to do everything - to perform more functions.

If we talk about the correspondence of price and quality, then in the middle price segment, you can find the perfect option for any need. Expensive models are, as a rule, a surcharge for elitism, design and technological innovations. With today's technology development, if new products are successful, they are quickly introduced by competitors. If you carefully understand the characteristics in different models, you can choose the best option without overpaying. We hope this information will become your reliable assistant!

Heading to the store for a new washing machine? Do you want to know how to choose the perfect option without costing a pretty penny? Then pay attention to the functions of this household appliance. Are they sure they are all really as useful as the manufacturers say about them? If yes, then you are grossly mistaken: more than 25% of all "super-useful" functions of washing machines, for which the buyer has to pay a tidy sum, are in fact absolutely unnecessary. Want to save money and still choose a quality model? Then refuse to overpay for an unnecessary upgrade.

5 useless washing machine functions

Silver wash

In the idea, due to this "useful" washing parameter, the water in the washing machine is saturated with silver ions, which have an antibacterial effect. The idea is, in principle, not bad, but for real "saturation" it will take well, certainly not 15 minutes and not 1 hour, which is required for washing. In this case, fleeting contact of water with silver plates is unlikely to lead to its ionization. The question is, why actually pay more?

Stainless steel tank

What is the warranty period for a washing machine? From the strength of 15 years. They will pass quickly, the parts will wear off and become unusable, but the stainless steel tank will remain as good as new. Everything is great, but is there any point in overpaying for it in this case?

Fancy control panels

"Perfect" drum surface

Sellers will never forget to increase the price for the presence of a dozen special holes and nets in the drum, which supposedly provide the "most delicate" washing of laundry. Is it so? I would like to believe. But why do manufacturers recommend washing nylon items in special washing bags, and not in an “ideal” drum? Dilemma.

High spin speed

“This washing machine has 2,000 rpm! Is it expensive? But this is a high spin speed! Why do you need 1200 rpm? What do you want the laundry to be wet after washing? " So say the sellers in the stores, and naive buyers unquestioningly take their word for it, laying out their hard-earned money for the expensive upgrade. But in vain! 1200-1400 rpm is enough for a good washing machine. As practice shows, the spin speed does not in any way affect the quality of drying laundry after a machine wash.

There is also useful functionality that is worth paying for.

However, one should not think that washing machines, apart from their natural function (machine washing of laundry), have no useful properties. As it is. One has only to look at the official website of AEG washing machines (http://aeg-ru.ru/stiralnie_mashini_aeg/) and see for yourself. In particular, AEG washing machines are characterized by such really useful functions and characteristics, such as:

• efficiency class A: really helps to save money on energy costs;
• accelerated wash: a great opportunity for those who like to keep up with everything and everywhere;
• steam supply: full replacement of ironing;
• delayed start: excellent functionality that will appeal to those who are used to washing at night;
• auto weighing: the function will not only save the washing machine from overloading, but will also help to save on utility bills, so
• how she herself will select the best option for water and electricity consumption;
• child protection: a smart function that will help protect both the washing machine from damage and your children from possible injuries.

Every year, washing machine manufacturers are trying to improve their products more and more, releasing models with new features that are useful or not very useful. For example, the lighting of the drum when loading laundry is more of an aesthetic function that can be easily dispensed with. At the same time, modern washing machines are equipped with features that facilitate the operation of equipment and improve washing efficiency at times. So, what functions of washing machines are distinguished by the best efficiency indicators and deserve special attention? This information from cifrosvit.com - http://cifrosvit.com/catalog/krupniy-bit/stiralnie-mashini/ is primarily relevant for those who in the near future are planning to replace their old "assistant" with a new multifunctional model. So,

3D technology has not spared home appliances either. In standard automatic machines, the drum is straight, but in models using the 3D wash mode, it is tilted at a certain angle (5 degrees). Thanks to this design, the effect of three-dimensional washing is created: when the drum rotates at an angle, each time the laundry falls on different sides, changing the trajectory, which ensures the best washing efficiency. In addition, the tilt of the drum makes it easier to load items and distributes the detergent more evenly over the surface of the laundry.

As you know, after completely draining the water from the drum, many folds and bruises form on things. Activation of the "No ironing" mode controls the draining of the liquid after the end of the wash, leaving a little water in the container, which maintains the optimal moisture content of the laundry, preventing creases from forming on the fabric. After that, you just have to get your clothes and hang them out to dry in a straightened form. Using this option saves you time that would be spent on manipulating the iron in the future, and for those who do not like ironing a priori, this is a real find.

When the function is turned on, the washing machine independently determines the number of rinsing cycles required. For example, if the user has set 3 rinsing cycles, and already after 2 rinsing cycles, a special sensor has determined that the water has reached the optimal level of transparency, indicating that the laundry has been completely cleaned from the remains of washing powder, then the program will automatically cancel the last scheduled cycle. In this way, the water and energy consumption that you would have spent on an extra rinse cycle is controlled.

One of the best achievements of the washing machine developers was the direct drive of the motor. Classic belt driven products are gradually becoming a reality, and this is facilitated by the extensive list of advantages of innovative direct drive washing machines:

Reliability. A machine with an engine mounted directly on the drum axis is characterized by fewer working parts that could quickly break down, so you can forget about frequent repairs of such products. Some well-known manufacturers of washing machines with "Direct Drive" (the original name of the direct drive) give a 10-year guarantee of unquestioning operation of the device;

• increased stability. The balancing of the direct drive has become better due to the absence of drive belts, which created excessive vibrations, so now they are practically imperceptible, which is reflected in the quiet operation of the machine;
• profitability. Equipment with a direct drive does not overuse resources, since it is able to automatically determine the degree of drum loading, the weight of the laundry, and, based on these indicators, select the required amount of water and work power;
• high quality washing and minimizing the risk of damage to clothes. The balanced drum of the direct drive washing machine distributes items more evenly, which eliminates the possibility of tangles of the laundry, which could cause partial damage to it.

To recognize a model with a direct drive, it is enough to make sure that there is a characteristic mark on the body of the product - a sticker with the inscription "Direct Drive".

This function can be called differently: "steam softening", "steaming" or "steam wash", and it is used in cases when you need to refresh clothes that have already been washed but stuck in the closet without starting a standard wash. Hot steam penetrating between the fibers of the material not only eliminates unpleasant odors, dust particles and all kinds of allergens, but also improves the appearance of clothes. Under the thermal effect of steam, things soften and smoothen, which greatly simplifies the ironing procedure, and maybe even eliminates it. Among other things, steam washing will provide gentle care for delicate fabrics such as cashmere, silk, wool, etc.

The foamy solution, which is obtained by passing the powder through a steam generator and mixing it with a liquid under the influence of air, more actively penetrates the fabric, and, unlike loose detergents, can completely remove dirt even in cool or slightly warm water. This mode of washing, albeit slightly, but saves energy, plus provides delicate cleaning of things that require gentle handling. By the way, if you overdo it with the powder, and too much foam forms in the drum of the washing machine, which ultimately affects the duration of washing and rinsing, then for such cases the function of getting rid of excess foam is provided. The device will automatically stop the work process, drain excessively foamy water from the drum and add clean water there. The foam level is controlled before each spin start, so rinsing becomes more efficient and faster when this option is enabled.

The owners of four-legged pets regularly face the fact that they have to clean their clothes from wool for a long time and tediously, and one roller for cleaning is not enough. Modern models of washing machines "have learned" to remove animal hair from the surface of things due to a special washing regime, in which an increased amount of water is used and subsequent long rinsing.

On the other hand, wool and lint do not dissolve in water, because of their enveloping properties, they remain in the drum and with each wash more and more clog the pump filter, as a result of which you have to clean the filter quite often.

The owner programs the device to start washing at the time when it is most convenient for him to complete it. Next, the washing machine turns on by itself and starts a timer that displays the time that was spent on washing and how much is left until its completion. This allows you to rationally distribute your time without wasting it on unnecessary manipulations.

Surely many are familiar with the situation with the flooding of the bathroom due to damage to the inlet hose of the washing machine right at the time of washing. For residents of high-rise buildings this is a sore question, because listening to the claims of neighbors from below about damaged expensive repairs is a dubious "pleasure." To permanently isolate yourself from this, you should buy models of washing machines with protection against leaks.

The inlet hose of such devices is several times stronger, can withstand high water pressure (70 bar) and has a protective sheath. At the bottom of the hose, where it joins the wire pipe, there is a solenoid valve, which, if necessary, opens only when the machine is connected to the network.

Also, models with the Aqua Stop system are equipped with a tray with a built-in float. Equipment with full protection against leaks boasts an emergency water pumping function, which is activated in cases where the main and safety valves did not work.

If any malfunction is detected in the operation of the automatic machine, the corresponding messages are displayed on the display. For example, if the water supply suddenly stops, the heater does not work, or the hatch door is not locked, then by means of indicators the troubleshooting system will instantly notify the user about this.