We all can agree on one thing, which is the fact that very few enjoy doing chores. This is especially applicable when it comes to washing dirty clothes by hand. It takes a lot of time to complete the task, and also it leaves a significant effect on your skin.
But thankfully, ever since the washing machine was first invented back in the 1850s, it completely revolutionised the mundane activity of cleaning fabrics. At first, only affluent people could access such a machine, but with time, it got attainable for others.
Now, washing machines have become an indispensable part of our lives, and we can not really think of living without them in our technologically advanced society. But it is still a machine, hence, there is a proper way to use it to get the best results.
Sadly, many might not know how to wash clothes in a washing machine as the mechanisms can be a bit complicated. Well, worry not, in this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide that will help you to use your product to its fullest capacity.
How to use a washing machine to wash clothes?
Step 1: Understand the material of your clothes
Not every material is washing machine friendly. This is why before starting the process, you must see if your clothes are compatible with a machine wash.
- For instance, with cotton, you must wash the cloth in cold water first, clean it in a low wash setting and then remove it from the machine while still damp so that it can air dry on its own.
- For polyester, you will have to first wash it in cold or warm water. Then use any kind of fabric softener to prevent static and go for air drying.
- For linen, it is best you wash it in warm water on a gentle washing cycle and dry it later.
- Again for wool, try to hand wash the clothes. If you can not, put it in a mesh bag, then machine wash it in cold water and air dry later.
- Spandex is difficult to wash. You should turn the garment inside out and place it in a mesh bag. Then wash it in a gentle setting and leave it for air drying.
Step 2: Read the labels
Your clothes will have a label at the back, which will clearly mention whether the cloth is suitable for washing machines or not. If it is not, then it is best to only hand wash it.
Step 3: Pre-washing the garment
Now this step might or might not be needed depending on the stain on the cloth. If it is a very bad and stubborn patch, it might not go with the machine wash.
So it is best to use two or three drops of liquid detergent and remove some stains before putting it in a washing machine.
See also: What are the Different Types of Washing Machines?
Step 3: Separate your garments
Now, this is the most obvious step; you will have to separate your clothes based on their fabrics. Collect cotton, woollen, satin, polyester, etc, apparel and prepare to wash them in separate batches.
You must take this step because not every fabric is the same, and you cannot use one method for the other. If you do, then you can damage your clothes very quickly.
After separating the garments by their fabric type, now you have to separate them by their colours. This is also essential as colour can transfer from one cloth to another.
Step 4: Choose the proper washing cycle
This point is very crucial because every fabric has its own specific wash cycle. Delicate materials like silk, georgette or satins need a gentle wash, on the other hand, polyester can handle a regular wash setting.
To understand what cycle you should use for your garments, you might also refer to your fabric care label. This way, you can expect a good wash along with the healthy condition of your clothes.
Step 5: Set the water temperature
Water plays a massive role while doing your laundry. You can use hot water to sanitise your clothes and kill potential germs, but the drawback of it is that it also shrinks some fabrics.
It can also fade the colour or worsen a stain. So, it is best to use hot water for study materials and clothing like towels, bedding sheets, etc.
For not-so-dirty clothes and garments with dark colours, you can go with warm water. But choose cold water for delicate items or garments which are not very dirty.
Step 6: Add good detergent
Then comes another vital part, adding your choice of detergent and fabric softener. You will find a special compartment to put detergent in, as mentioned in your washing machine guide, or you can just add it directly inside the tub.
The amount that you will have to put for one wash will vary for every product, so read the directions behind the detergent box. Keep in mind, using too much detergent or fabric softener can cause problems and also damage your laundry.
Step 6: Load the machine
In this step, you will just have to put all the clothes that you must wash inside the washer. Try not to overcrowd the tub, as it can damage the washing machine in the long run.
Step 7: Start the washing machine
All you have to do now is to hit the start button, and the machine will handle the rest. But make sure that the door of the washing machine is properly shut, if it is not, then it can make a huge mess or cause an accident.
Step 8: Dry your clothes
The next step is to just dry the clothes after washing. You must go ahead with the drying process right away after washing, as that will help prevent mould.
Though it takes a lot of time to air dry your laundry, experts still recommend it over machine drying. But, if there is a situation where you will have to go out, and you need the clothes as soon as possible, then choose the machine drying option for efficient results.
Wrapping It Up
On that note, we conclude this article on how to use a washing machine to wash clothes. So go ahead, follow these steps and start using your washing machine right away with the steps mentioned.