How to use a washing machine

Step 1: Sort your laundry

Before you can use your washing machine, you'll need to sort your laundry. Remove your load from the washing basket and separate it depending on colour and fabric. Washing the same colours together reduces the chance of colours running and bleeding together. Make separate piles of white, dark and coloured clothing to wash separately. This makes for a more effective wash — and you don't have to worry about ruining your whites!

Step 2: Load your washing machine

Once your laundry is separated, it's time to load your machine. This step is relatively straightforward — simply choose which colour you need to wash and load it into your washing machine.

How full should a washing machine be?

It's important to consider how much you're loading into your washing machine. While it can be tempting, try not to overload the appliance as this can reduce washing efficiency and result in wrinkled clothing.

There is a trick you can use to determine whether you've overfilled your washing machine - if there's space to fit your hand between your load of washing and the wall of the drum, you're good to go! If you can't fit your hand in, it's best to take some items out. This roughly equates to filling ¾ of your washing machine.

Another useful tip is to ensure you balance the wash load in the drum. An unbalanced load can result in your washing machine making load-banging noises. Place heavier items, like towels and sheets, at the bottom of the drum, and lighter items like socks on the top to prevent this.

Step 3: Add Detergent

Once you've loaded your washing machine, it's time to add your detergent. There are various types of detergents you can choose from, depending on your preferences, from antibacterial to hypoallergenic and stain removal.

Be sure to check the instructions on your detergent to determine whether it needs to be added to the drawer of the washing machine or the drum itself. Ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions to determine how much detergent you need.

Where to put detergent in a washing machine

This depends on the type of detergent you choose. Powder detergents are typically added directly to the drum, as well as liquid detergents, which are poured into a pod and placed in the drum with your washing. However, some detergents should be placed in the washing machine drawer, so be sure to check the brand you're using for clarification.

Where to put powder in a washing machine

This depends on the type of washing machine you have. If you have a top-loading machine, you'll need to add the powder directly to the drum as these machines don't have a drawer. If your washing machine has a detergent drawer, you may be able to put your powder in here, but make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions on both your washing machine and powder detergent.

Step 4: Add fabric softener

While fabric softeners are optional, they come with a range of benefits, some of which include softer clothes and reducing static cling, which can be useful for synthetic fabrics. Adding fabric softener can also make ironing your clothes easier by reducing wrinkles. It can also enhance the smell of your clothes — you can choose a fragrance you prefer. Using a fabric softener can also extend the life of your favourite items.

Be mindful of how much softener you're adding, as this can cause residue build-up. You'll usually be able to find dosage advice on how much to use on the bottle of fabric softener.

Step 5: Choose water temperature and cycle

After loading your machine, you'll need to choose a temperature and cycle to suit your clothes. Generally, modern washing machines have settings like eco-wash, quick-wash, and sportswear. When it comes to deciding which cycle to use, this typically depends on your appliance and the clothes you're washing.

To choose a water temperature and cycle, refer to the labels on your clothes to help you. Typically, when it comes to temperature, cold is suitable for delicate fabrics and bright colours to prevent fading, warm water is a good choice for synthetic fabrics and moderately soiled items, and hot water works well for heavily soiled clothes, whites, and items that need sanitising. However, always double-check the care label on the items you're washing beforehand, as hot washes can lead to shrinking!

What does rinse mean on a washing machine?

Rinse is a cycle which drains the soapy detergent out of the washing machine and replaces it with clean water. This removes the remaining detergent and any leftover dirt and residue from the laundry. The machine then agitates the washing in the machine to ensure all dirt is removed. Once this process is complete, the machine drains the remaining water and spins the laundry, removing excess water before the end of the washing process.

What does synthetic mean on a washing machine?

The synthetic setting on your washing machine should be used when washing fabrics, including polyester, nylon, spandex, and acrylic. This cycle uses gentle agitation, lower spin speeds to reduce stretching, lower temperatures to reduce the risk of heat-related damage, as well as an extended rinse and a reduced washing time.

Where to put fabric softener in a washing machine

Most washing machines have a drawer where you can pour your fabric softener. Some even have a designated section to ensure it's kept separate from your detergent. While this is common in most modern washing machines, you must follow your manufacturer's instructions for the best results.

Step 6: Start the washing machine

Once you've chosen your cycle and temperature and added your preferred fabric softener, you can start your washing machine. Sit back and relax while the washing machine does all the hard work for you. Most washing machines will display how much time is left on your chosen cycle.

Once your washing is finished, empty the machine and hang your clothes up to dry.

Step 7: Cleaning your washing machine

While this isn't something you'll need to do after every wash, you must keep up with cleaning your washing machine every few months to ensure it works efficiently. Cleaning your washing machine is simple, and you can do this on a budget. Make sure you clean the drum, drawer and dispenser, as well as the seal for fresh laundry each time.

If you think it's time to upgrade your washing machine, Marks Electrical can help. With a range of brands like Bosch, LG and Samsung, you can find an appliance to suit your needs. We offer great deals on freestanding and integrated washing machines, as well as tumble dryers and washer dryers to make laundry quick and easy.