Washing clothes can be tedious, especially if you have a newborn or many people in the house. However, that has become easier with washing machines, which are vital home appliances today. You can wash as many clothes as possible in a few minutes.
Getting a washing machine is not a hard task. But selecting the best one with useful features and quality can be challenging, especially if you are doing it for the first time. Most of these machines differ in their features, size, and functions.
You will get some with uncommon features like wash programs, quick wash, protective rat wash, and child lock, absent in other machines. To avoid making wrong choices, you can consult Plumb Tech Plumbing and Heating for professional plumbing advice.
This guide will help you learn tips for selecting a washing machine. Without further ado, let us look at the things to check for when shopping for a washing machine.
1. Machine Loading Type
Washing machines come with two types of loading. There is a front load washing machine and a top-loading washing machine.
· Top Loading Washing Machine
Clothes are put into the machine from the top. There is no need to put the clothes into a different tub to dry because this machine has one tub used for washing and drying. It is directly connected to a water inlet tap and allows in the water when the need arises.
If the water has reached the desired level, the machine automatically stops water from flowing. Its few wash programs are easy to operate. This machine is cheaper but gives a good wash quality.
· Front Loading Washing Machine
This is a more advanced technology of today’s washing machines. Clothes are put in the device from the front side. The front-loading washing machine features the latest properties like a timer. With it, you can set the time for the start and stop.
This washing machine also allows you to select hot water and soaking clothes. It has an advanced child lock and over 30 wash programs. The washing machine is modern and has a good wash quality and several wash programs. However, it is expensive.
2. The Type of Washing Machine
Machines are categorized depending on manual labor and the number of functions. There are two categories of washing machines; semi-automatic and fully automatic washing machines.
· Semi-automatic Washing Machine
These machines are known to be entry-level machines. They have two tubs; one for washing, the other for drying. It requires you to be there as the clothes are washing because you have to remove the clothes from the washing tub to the drying one manually. Semi-automatic washing machines are cheap.
· Fully-automatic Machines
Classification of fully automatic machines depends on how the side clothes are put in the machine. They are of two types; top load and front load, well described above.
For fully automatic machines, the process is entirely computerized. It has one tub for washing and drying. Once clothes are clean, the device pours the dirty water, rinses, and moves the clothes to the drying tub.
After putting the clothes in for cleaning, you only need to come back and take them out after the whole washing and drying process.
3. Number of Clothes Washing Machine Can Carry
The washing machine’s load size depends on the number of people in your family or the clothes you wash at a go. The weight of the clothes gets measured in kilograms.
It is advisable always to put a considerable amount of water in the drum, not full and not too little. This makes it easy for the clothes to move around freely for a better wash.
If you have many clothes and do laundry after a day or two, purchase a medium-sized washing machine. You will need the large capacity washing machine if your clothes are many but wash them once a week. You can also buy a small size and divide the clothes into small portions before washing.
4. Wash Settings
Different washing machines come with varying settings of wash that you can customize and save. These programs are there because clothes have different textures.
You can choose different programs like water levels and gentle washes on a touch screen, touchpad, or rotary control. The machines that do not have these options might tear your clothes.
5. The Material of the Tub
It can either be steel, plastic, or porcelain. Choose steel tabs because they last longer than plastic and porcelain. They can also withstand high spin speeds. Plastic wears out fast and is not durable.
6. Temperature Control
Some washing machines come with an in-built heater. With temperature control, you can instruct the device on how you want the water’s temperature.
Always prefer washing your clothes using hot water because it removes dirt easily. You can also consider buying washing machines with steam settings.
7. Spin Cycle
The spin cycle is used for drying clothes, and revolutions per minute determine it. The higher the circles, the faster your clothes will dry, depending on the cloth’s type and material. Frail clothes have a spin cycle of 350 rpm, while heavy clothes have a spin cycle of 1000 rpm.
8. Time Delay
You use time delay if you want to put your clothes in the washing machine and wash after a given time. It is best used by people who like to soak their clothes first. You can order the device to start cleaning your clothes an hour after loading them.
9. Fuzzy Logic
This feature automatically sets the best washing conditions for your clothes. The conditions determined will depend on the type of clothes.
Fuzzy logic shows you the amount of time it will take to wash your clothes, depending on the clothes’ weight. It also shows the amount of detergent and water needed to wash the clothes.
Final Words
Washing machines are not only about putting in your clothes, water, and detergent and pressing start. Although the fully automatic washing machine is expensive, you should invest in it because of the added features. It will also make your work easier.
