How to Use Washing Machines

Front loaders are more expensive but they use less water.

The Thor, patented in 1910 by engineer Alva J. Fisher, was the first electric washing machine. It consisted of a tub attached to a motor and fitted with a self-reversing gearbox. The self-reversing mechanism ensured that clothes didn't bunch up and form one solid mass of wet fabric. Since that time, washing machines have evolved into sleek computers that, despite all their optional settings, still do essentially the same thing, that is agitate, rinse and spin. However, they do it more efficiently. Read the owner's manual and follow a few additional tips for the most effective way to use your washer.

Things You'll Need

• Laundry soap or detergent

Instructions

1. Select the correct laundry detergent. Buy a product with the letters HE, for "high efficiency," on its packaging if you have a high-efficiency washer. Those machines use about one-third less water than standard ones. They don't take enough water in to rinse off the suds a regular detergent creates. Use laundry detergent, not soap, when hard water comes through the pipe.

2. Wash your laundry in cold water when possible to conserve energy and save on utilities. Use cold-water liquid detergent. If you only have powder, dissolve the detergent in warm water before adding it to cold water to prevent caking.

3. Fill your machine to full capacity without overloading it. Distribute the clothes around the agitator evenly. Tuck straps, which might get caught and damaged, inside clothing. Fasten Velcro sets to keep one side from adhering to and ruining sweaters and other soft fabrics when you pull it off. Don't pack clothes inside front-loaders. Keep the pile fluffed, leaving room for movement when the washing starts.

4. Follow the specific instructions for your washer model. Read the manual to find out whether to add the clothes or the detergent to the tub first, for example. Figure out when and how to pour fabric softener and bleach into the washing. Learn what the different cycles do to your clothes and select the one that meets that day's needs.

References

• Biography: Alva John Fisher Biography (1862-1947)
• Colorado State University Extension: Energy Efficient Home Washing Machines
• New Mexico State University; "Getting Clothes Clean"; Susan Wright; July 2001
• Electrolux: Efficient Use of Washing Machines