Immediately after purchasing a new washing machine, the question arises - how to operate it correctly. Each model has its own subtleties in the designation of washing modes and various functions. For some units, all levers and buttons are labeled in Russian, for others - in English, and for others, on the panel you can find icons in combination with inscriptions or even just pictures.
Quite often, washing modes and other additional functions are indicated on the control panel of the washing machine using icons
How to understand the icons on the washing machine? The obvious answer to this question is that you need to read the instructions. What if the document is lost or you received the machine without instructions? In our article we will talk about the symbols on washing machines: common to many brands and used by individual manufacturing companies.
Dry cleaning icon
Circle - the dry cleaning icon means removing dirt and stains on items that cannot be washed with regular washing using solvents.
There are two types of chemical treatment of fabric:
- Dry cleaning uses a specific solvent suitable for the specific material. Includes the stage of removing dirt, followed by rinsing, spinning and drying until the detergent evaporates.
- When wet cleaning, items are treated with water according to a special technology, and detergent additives are used that minimize the negative consequences of cleaning delicate fabrics. This procedure completely eliminates the use of aggressive detergents.
Minor stains usually do not require professional cleaning. According to the icons on the clothes, dry cleaning can be done at home; see how to do this in the video below.
Display Features
Here you need to pay attention to how the information is displayed and whether there is a backlight.
Important! The presence of a backlight will greatly simplify the use of the device, since even with the light turned off, everything will be perfectly visible.
The display can be either backlit or without it.
It is better to give preference to regular buttons, since the touch display may be faulty and its repair is much more difficult. It is recommended to choose those models that indicate the washing time and temperature, as this will greatly simplify the process.
What other modes are there?
The Duvet program deserves a thumbs up. As the name suggests, it is suitable for bulky bedding. But it can also be used for other large things with fillers. In this mode you can wash a winter jacket, a sofa cover or a large sleeping blanket. You will have to wait exactly 90 minutes for things to be washed at a temperature of 40 degrees.
During its operation, not only noise, but also vibration is reduced to a minimum. However, this mode is not suitable for things with medium and heavy soiling. They need to be postponed until a more convenient moment.
The “Sportswear” option deserves attention. It will help you refresh your form after training in various sports. The program will also help with simple physical exercises. It provides excellent washing of membrane fabric. This option is also recommended for refreshing clothes after strenuous physical work in the fresh air.
Many people are interested in which mode to use for shoes. It’s worth considering here that even the best-quality sneakers can’t stand rough handling. Their washing temperature should be up to 40 degrees (ideally 30). The washing time should not exceed ½ hour, and therefore the “Fast 30” program is most often chosen. You will only need to additionally install the “no spin” option.
The “No Crease” mode is designed to simplify subsequent ironing of things. It is often used for shirts and T-shirts. Some items made of synthetics and mixed materials do not need to be ironed additionally; just hang them carefully on a hanger. But such a program will not cope with the processing of cotton and bed linen. As for the “Bubble Wash” mode, it involves removing dirt due to air bubbles, and at the same time increases the efficiency of using the powder.
Bubble treatment:
- improves the quality of washing;
- prevents damage to things;
- cannot be carried out in hard water;
- increases the price of the car.
“Bulky items” is a program for items that absorb a lot of water. The processing time will be no less than 1 hour and no more than 1 hour 55 minutes. The longest work time is typical for the Baby Clothes program; This type of washing is the most gentle and is of high quality. The laundry will be thoroughly rinsed. The water consumption will be very high; The total cycle duration will be approximately 140 minutes.
Basic symbolism
The location and meaning of certain buttons vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Let's look at the signs and symbols on the washing machine of various models.
It happens that different manufacturers have different control symbols for the washing machine.
Bosch
It should be taken into account that on different models of the same Bosch company the panels may be fundamentally different. All symbols are usually divided into groups depending on the degree and type of spin. Let's look at the main ones from the manufacturer Bosch:
- Start is in the center of the panel.
- Contour underwear is cotton clothing.
- A container with a wave on top - wash with plenty of water.
- Empty container - quick wash. Usually 30 minutes.
- Iron - ironing. Don't expect perfectly ironed clothes. The key is the number of revolutions and intensity.
- “T-shirt” is synthetic.
- Nightgown - delicate wash.
- Basin with a ball of washing - wool or hand wash.
- “Pants” – jeans.
The icons may differ on different Bosch washing machine models.
The drawing may look different, you need to find the most suitable one.
Indesit
The manufacturer Indesit cares about convenience and tries to make using the device as easy as possible. Therefore, opposite each button there is a precise description of the function - the name of the program and its number. This greatly simplifies operation.
Indesit took care of the most simple notations that do not require decoding.
Basic symbols:
- Cotton pattern - natural fabrics.
- Triangle - synthetic.
- Curtains - curtains.
- The plant is a mode of increased economy.
- Flower - delicate wash.
- Trousers - washing jeans.
- A ball of thread - washing wool.
- Iron - ironing.
- Dial - quick wash.
The power button is on the side.
There is also a power button on the side. It can be round or square.
Samsung
This model may have no raised symbols at all, but only a touch screen. The following images can be selected as standard:
- T-shirt with the bottom corner painted over - intensive wash.
- Dial – delay start.
- T-shirt with soap bubbles - wash with a lot of foam.
- Container with a wave - soaking.
Samsung has several standard designations.
A big advantage is the presence of the “lock with a smiling face” symbol – child protection. That is, you can protect the device from unexpected impacts from a child, who can not only damage the machine, but also get injured.
LG
The manufacturer LG does not have icons, but under this or that program there is an exact description of the function. The drum can be used to regulate the degree and intensity of washing, drainage mode and more. It is possible to select the temperature, delay the start and protect the machine from children.
LG doesn't have icons as such.
Ariston
This brand has fundamental differences from others. They are expressed in:
- A container with water and a vertical stripe - soaking.
- Container with a wave - rinsing.
- Moon and stars – night mode without draining and minimal noise level.
- Container with only a vertical stripe - treatment before washing.
- Bed sheets.
- “M” is a personal program that can be added to simplify the process.
- Cotton is a natural thing.
- The flask is synthetic.
- Flower - gentle wash.
- Plant – economical mode.
- Iron - ironing.
- Handwash.
- A skein of yarn is wool.
- Pants - jeans.
- Curtains or drapes.
- Basin and arrow pointing down – drain.
Ariston has quite a few different designations.
In addition, you can find a button with two parallel lines, which allows you to pause the process and continue after a while.
Zanussi
In addition to the usual on and off buttons, you can find the following symbols:
- Cotton – items made from natural fabric.
- Chemical flask - synthetic.
- Flower - delicate care.
- Container and hand – manual mode.
- Snowflake - cold water.
- A skein of yarn - washing wool.
- A container with an arrow pointing downwards is a drain.
- Spring – no spin.
- Lock – protection against child intervention.
- A container with a horizontal stripe means stopping the process.
- Container with a wave - rinsing.
Decoding Zanussi symbols is quite simple.
Typically, all these symbols are located around the reel or on the touchpad.
Candy
This manufacturer has tried to simplify use as much as possible, so the icons are very simple and common. But there are exceptions:
- Droplets of water - rinse again.
- Dirty T-shirt - intensive wash.
- Clock – delayed start.
- An empty basin with a stream of water - rinsing.
- “P” in the basin – pre-wash.
- Basin with number 32 - quick wash.
- Feather – delicate mode.
- Cloud - durable fabrics.
Some Kandy icons can be difficult to understand.
These icons are not found on other models, so you need to learn their functions to avoid difficulties. The operating principle is similar to the Beko machine.
Requirements for washing powder
A properly selected detergent must meet the following requirements:
- The powder should be easily soluble in water.
- It is necessary to exclude the situation when, after the end of the procedure, unwashed grains of powder remain among the fibers of the fabric.
- The presence of aggressive components in the detergent is unacceptable: enzymes, chlorine or the like.
- As a result, the color of the laundry should not change.
- If the selected washing powder gives clothes an unpleasant odor, then it will not be suitable for items made of delicate fabrics.
- After completing the procedure, the washed laundry should not become rough or hard to the touch. It is necessary that it remains soft and tender.
What are fault codes
Sometimes some problems may arise; in order to eliminate them, you need to study the fault codes. They always light up when a fault occurs. Depending on the symbol, you can quickly determine the cause and find a solution.
It should be taken into account that not all models are equipped with this function, but it will be a significant advantage. Let's look at the codes using the example of the manufacturer SAMSUNG:
- UE - problems with the drum. You need to stop work and take out the laundry.
- EE - breakdown of the water heater or thermometer.
- OE (OF) - too much water.
- LE - water flow.
- HE - discrepancy between the set temperature.
- CE - malfunction of the temperature sensor.
- AE - malfunctions in the processor.
- UC - network outage.
All these codes are described in detail in the instructions that come with the device.
Preparing bed linen for washing
If you have prepared several sets of bed linen, then the following conditions must be met:
- It is necessary to wash colored bed linen separately from white - this rule is observed for any washing of things, if you do not follow it, then your linen will become stained after washing, if this has already happened, then read on our website what to do in such a situation.
- Linens made from different types of fabrics should be washed separately - for example, if you have two sets of bed linen, one made of calico, the second made of silk, then they must be washed separately, because even their washing programs will be different.
- Washing a newborn's clothes should be done separately with a special washing powder, so separate children's clothes from adults.
- Pay attention to the weight of the laundry - do not forget that the washing machine is limited by the maximum possible load, and if you stuff too many things into it, it will simply refuse to wash. A regular bedding set with two pillowcases usually weighs no more than 2 kg.
- Turn the laundry inside out – before washing, it is advisable, especially colored ones, to turn the laundry inside out.
- Before putting your laundry in the drum, look at the washing instructions - for each product that requires washing, the manufacturer places labels with washing instructions. You can read on our website what the laundry icons mean.
- The laundry should fit freely into the drum - bed linen is quite a voluminous thing and if your washing machine has a large drum, then you can put two sets into it. In any case, do not try to stuff as much laundry into the drum as possible, it should fit freely, and the quality of the wash depends on this.
If you follow these rules, you will not be able to ruin your bed linen. Next you need to select the required washing mode and start it.
Additional functions
In addition to all of the above, some models also have additional functions. Thus, many machines are equipped with antibacterial treatment. In this case, the water temperature rises very strongly - up to 90 degrees.
If the powder is not washed enough, you can use the additional rinse function. To make things less wrinkled, you can turn on ironing, which is shown as an iron.
Some machines have an additional rinse function. The washing machine can be protected from children’s games; to do this, you need to press the lock, which will lock the device and the child will not be able to get hurt.
Drying products
The washing process without spin means that items will contain excess moisture after being unloaded from the machine drum. You can remove it by first drying it in a terry towel.
Woolen products are first dried on a horizontal surface, placing a dense, dry, lint-free cloth underneath. The item is straightened out, restoring its shape, avoiding creases. In the process of absorbing moisture, the lining is changed to dry.
Silk, viscose, chiffon blouses are dried without direct sunlight, in the open air. The product is transferred to a vertical position only after complete drying, choosing wide hangers for storage.
Do you wash by hand?
Oh yes! No
Classification
Manufacturers of washing machines produce a wide range of models with different characteristics. There are seven generally accepted spin classes. It is coded in Latin letters: from “A” to “G”. The value of this parameter is determined in the laboratory as a result of tests.
To determine the efficiency index, laundry is weighed before and after washing . Subtract the smaller value from the larger value and divide by the weight of the laundry before washing. The result obtained is converted into percentages. The spin class is one of the criteria for energy efficiency: with intensive rotation of the drum, more intensive electricity consumption occurs.
The efficiency index calculated is decisive for assigning a class. The lower the indicator, the more efficient the washing machine:
- Class A. Indicator A is the highest. This efficiency index is achieved by intensive spinning at the highest speeds, when the drum rotation reaches 1,600 rpm. The remaining moisture in the laundry is up to 45%.
- Class B. The next most efficient class is B. With it, the residual moisture ranges from 44 to 52%. Processing is achieved by rotating the drum at an intensity of 1,400 rpm.
- Class C. This class is determined by a rotation of 1,200 rpm. At the same time, the laundry comes out of the drum more damp - up to 63%. This indicator indicates sufficient functionality of the washing machine.
- Class D. The residual moisture content of the laundry after this treatment ranges from 63 to 71%. Spinning takes place at an intensity of 1,000 rpm. Class “D” cars are chosen by buyers who are looking for the optimal balance of price and quality.
- Class E. The residual humidity in class E washing machines ranges from 72 to 81%. Spin – 800 rpm. The laundry remains damp after finishing work.
- Class F. Dryness of clothes in class “F” is up to 20%. Spin – low, 600 rpm.
- Class G. This class is inherent in washing machines with low drum rotation speeds. Residual moisture on linen is 90%. As a result, things after such treatment require a long drying time.
In addition to the standard spin cycle, combination washing machines may have a drying function.
What items should be washed in this mode?
An informal list of delicate fabrics and items is formed based on experience working with them. It is supplemented and adjusted. Usually these are complex products with many bright inserts and accessories, underwear, curtains, curtains, fabric sneakers, soft toys. This includes thermal underwear, fabrics with pleated effect, rhinestones, and other decorations.
The following materials are considered delicate:
- Silk.
- Chiffon.
- Batiste.
- Wool.
- Guipure.
- Atlas.
- Viscose.
- Lace.
- Polyester.
- Cashmere.
- Elastane.
- Knitwear.
- Microfiber and new generation fabrics.
You can recognize the material by its appearance or try washing a piece of similar fabric. If it turns out that a thing stretches, tears, or sheds, you need to take special care of it.
If the type of material is not determined, starch paste will remove heavy contamination. It must be applied to the stain, allowed to dry, and cleaned off with a sponge. Then the item must be washed in a neutral substance: soap, baby shampoo.
Purpose
In some cases, it may be necessary to rinse the laundry more thoroughly than suggested by the program. In such situations, an “extra rinse” comes to the rescue.
In most washing machines, this option can be activated by pressing only one button on the control panel.
It can be called “extra rinse”, “super rinse” or indicated by a characteristic symbol - a container with a wave or dashes , simply wavy lines imitating the surface of the water.
This mode makes it possible to rinse the laundry more thoroughly – more than once. In this case, the rinsing stage takes place fully - with the addition of water, rotation of the drum and draining.
Symbol
Many people are interested in what the spin icon looks like. It is represented by a twisted spiral that looks like a snail. The difference may be the number of turns, but this does not matter. If such a picture is crossed out, this means that the function is not available in the installed program.
This function is placed separately in the machine so that it is only possible to spin things, occasionally combining this process with rinsing.
The number of revolutions depends on the specific model of the machine, ranging from 400 to 1,800 rotations per minute. The degree of drying of things depends on the speed of the drum rotation.
