How to use a washing machine may seem basic to some, but if you feel like you're not getting the most out of your machine, or you’re simply looking for some tips and tricks, this is the perfect guide for you. Following these seven steps will ensure that your clothes come out of the washing machine flawlessly clean every time.
Step 1: Check the label on your clothing for washing instructions
Before you even begin to use your washing machine, you need to separate your clothes properly. Some items may be more delicate than others, so if you’re having doubts about whether or not a piece of clothing is machine washable, sometimes the simplest solution is the best- check the label! This should tell you the material and may even have a suggested setting.
Step 2: Separate colours, darks and whites
Be sure to separate your colourful clothes from your monochromatic pieces. Some people living alone may prefer to mix washes, as they won’t have enough colourful clothes to make a full load, in which case colour catchers are really useful and affordable.
Step 3: Choose the correct setting
Understanding which setting to use for your clothes is vital, depending on the fabric some settings can damage your clothes. If your clothes keep shrinking or tearing and you’re not sure why, use the tips below as a guideline for choosing the correct setting.
Normal: You can use this for your cottons and coloured, mixed fabrics.
Whites: Obviously, you should use this setting for white clothing.
Delicates: This setting should be used for lace or any other fabrics that could get damaged by a rough wash. This gentle cycle uses colder water and a slower speed to protect your fragile clothes.
Quick Rinse: This is used for small loads of clothing that don’t have any deep stains. This setting also uses less water so can help you cut back on your energy bill.
Pre-wash: Unlike quick rinse, this setting can be used for very dirty loads that require extensive cleaning.
Step 4: Don’t overload the machine
Clothes will get cleaner in smaller loads. It may feel like a waste, especially if you want to conserve energy and water, but an overstuffed washing machine will not wash clothes to its full ability.
Step 5: Detergent, fabric softener or powder?
If you’re not sure how to use a washing machine, a lot of your confusion may stem from the difference between detergent, fabric softener and powder. Most UK washing machines will have three compartments in the top drawer, one is for detergent if you’re doing a ‘pre-wash’, the next is for the main wash’s detergent and the other is for the fabric softener. The compartment for the main wash’s detergent should be the biggest.
Step 6: Know your dosage
If your clothes aren’t being properly washed by your machine, the issue may lie in the amount of detergent you’re using. You only need two tablespoons of detergent to cover a large load. Fabric softener, should you choose to use it, is even easier to measure as you just need a capful.
Step 7: Drying
Be sure not to leave your clothes in the washing machine too long after the cycle has finished as this will leave your clothes with that damp mildewy smell.
How to use your washing machine FAQs
How do I get stains out of clothes with my washing machine?
Firstly, you must pretreat your stain before putting it in the washing machine. Try making a paste using powdered washing powder and water and applying this to the stained area. Similarly, liquid washing powder or bar soap should work just as well. After letting it sit, throw the fabric in the washing machine and inspect it after the cycle. Most stains will come out with cold water, but for particularly strong stains try using warm washes- assuming the fabric can withstand it according to its care label.
For aged stains, soak the clothes for at least 30 minutes with a mix between water and a stain removing containing enzymes. Enzymes are the catalysts that increase the reactions between the stain remover and the stain, they're also great for helping keep whites white. For particularly tough stains- like oil or grease- try using a solution of 50 percent vinegar and 50 percent water directly on the stain before treating it with washing powder and water, only then should you put it in the wash.
Most importantly, never put your stained clothes in the dryer unless the stain is gone, this can embed the stain into the fabric even more and permanently damage your clothes.
How to make a washing machine smell nice?
If your washing machine is emanating an odd smell, this doesn’t mean it’s broken. Not only can this stink up your kitchen, but it can make your clothes smell sour too. There are plenty of tricks for helping the machine smell better. Washing machine cleaner packets are sold at every grocery shop. If you’d prefer to fix the problem by using ingredients found in your home, you can try mixing ¼ cup of baking soda with ¼ cup of water and add it to your machine's detergent container. Then pour four cups of plain white (not apple cider) vinegar into the drum and run the machine on a high temperature.
How do I clean my washing machine?
Remove the detergent drawer and you may be able to see a build up behind these drawers. Scrub these with soap and water, no need to use any harsh chemicals. If you do want to use bleach, which is helpful for any mould build-up commonly found in washing machines, be sure to use rubber gloves and read the label to determine the ratio of bleach to water. Be sure to also clean the gasket, this is the rubbery layer around the door. This keeps your machine from leaking but, as a result, is often wet and subject to mildew.
How to prevent a washing machine starting to smell?
Be sure to keep your washing machine doors open between washes to air out the drum and prevent a build-up of mildew. Regularly cleaning the machine is also a good prevention tactic as you can spot build-up or problems as they occur.
Sarah O’Byrne has been an editorial assistant at heat, Closer and Yours since May 2023. She has a BA in English with Film and an MA in Literature and Culture - both from University College Dublin.
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