A Guide on How to Use a Top Load Washing Machine

A top load washing machine is a considerable and vital household machine that makes your laundry tasks easier. But to maximize it, using it right is really important.

In this guide we will show you how to make your machine work for you, for less energy and cost while keeping it kicking for longer.

Step 1: Prepare Your Laundry

It’s all preparation for the best results possible. Before loading the machine, follow these steps:

Sort Your Clothes

• Color: What you will want to do is separate your clothes into whites, darks, and lights so that they don’t bleed into one another. Dark and light garments worn together can turn your clothes to dull or discolored.
• Fabric Type: Stack towels, heavy duty fabrics, and delicates in a separate bin. It will ensure the chosen wash cycle fulfils the fabric’s needs.
• Soil Level: The heavily soiled clothes should be separated from the lightly soiled ones to prevent dirt transfer and so achieve better cleaning results.

Check Pockets and Fasteners

• Make sure to remove any empty pockets that would remove items such as coins, tissues, or pens, as they can damage the machine or your clothes.
• Fasten buttons so that they don’t snag and tangle into the wash cycle, and zip zippers.

Pre-Treat Stains

Use a stain remover or detergent on stubborn stains, or on the areas affected by the stain. Wash it a few minutes later to get better stain removal.

Step 2: Load the Washing Machine

Loading the top load washing machine properly will help you clean better and also prevent wear and tear.

Distribute Clothes Evenly

• In order to allow for proper movement round the agitator or impeller during the cycle, place clothes evenly round the agitator or impeller.
• Don’t overburden the machine, as it will put too much stress on the motor and could lower the cleaning performance.

Handle Bulky Items Carefully

For blankets, bedsheets, jackets—large items—slowly load them one at a time. Put them in the drums loosely so they’ll move freely and they’re totally cleaned.

Avoid Tangling and Wrapping

Do not wrap the agitator around long items such as sheets. Instead try to spread them loosely so they don’t get tangled (this can interfere with the cycle and damage fabrics).

Step 3: Add Detergent and Other Cleaning Agents

Effective washing requires your use of the right cleaning agent at a proper time.

Choose the Right Detergent

Choose a detergent made for top load washing machines. Never overuse detergent, excess suds can leave residue and cause poor cleaning. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions in terms of what you add.

Pour Detergent Correctly

Your machine has a detergent dispenser, use that. If not, just throw the detergent into the drum before you put clothes in it. It ensures even distribution and doesn’t let detergent clump up.

Optional Additives

• Fabric Softener: If you wish, add a fabric softener to its respective dispenser or to the rinse cycle to make soft clothes.
• Bleach: For coloured fabric (Non chlorine bleach) and whites (Chlorine Bleach). If available, always dilute bleach before adding it to the appropriate dispenser.

Step 4: Select the Wash Settings

Customizing wash settings to your load type, ensures optimal cleaning.

Pick the Right Cycle

Modern top-load washing machines come with various cycle options:

• Normal Cycle: Best for everyday clothes.
• Delicate Cycle: Great for delicate fabrics like silk lace.
• Heavy-Duty Cycle: Great for nasty fabrics such as jeans or heavily soiled things.

Set the Water Temperature

• Hot Water: Good for whites, or very heavily soiled, and kills germs.
• Warm Water: Good for most of the clothes that can take the color.
• Cold Water: Used best for delicates and things that can shrink or fade.

Adjust the Water Level

To save water and wash more efficiently, select your load’s water level.

Step 5: Start the Machine

Once everything is set, starting the machine is straightforward:

Double-Check Your Settings

The cycle, temperature and water level you pick, must align with what your laundry wants.

Close the Lid and Begin

Yank the lid shut to activate the machine. To start the cycle, either press the start button or pull the it control knob.

Step 6: Post-Wash Care

Just as important as washing is caring for your laundry after you have washed it.

Remove Clothes Promptly

Take your clothes off immediately once the cycle ends. It prevents wrinkles, mildew and bad odours.

Dry Clothes Properly

• When drying with a machine, select a correct drying cycle for the fabric type.
• Shake garments out and hang, not to crease for air drying.

Leave the Lid Open

Once the machine is unloaded, keep the lid open so the drum may dry. It cuts back on the chance of mold and mildew forming.

Step 7: Maintain Your Washing Machine

With proper maintenance your machine will run for years.

Clean the Drum Regularly

Once a month run an empty cycle with a washing machine cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. It removes the detergent residue, odors and bacteria.

Lint Filter Check and Clean

Your machine must have a lint filter, and you need to clean it regularly to enjoy maximum performance.

Inspect the Hoses

Inspect hoses between water inlet and outlet. To avoid water damage replace them every 3-5 years.

Conclusion

To use your top load washing machine effectively you have to pay attention to detail and maintain your top load washing machine.

If you follow along with this step by step, you are going to have cleaner clothes that last longer on fabrics, and your machine won’t wear out quite as soon.