- Buying a washing machine?
- What are the different types of washing machine?
- What is the difference between top load and front load washing machine?
- For a family of six what capacity would be ideal?
- What is the average weight of clothes?
Washing machines have become an essential part of modern laundry. There are many options available in the market with each manufacturer trying to offer a machine that’s quicker, quieter, gentler, more reliable or simply more ‘intelligent’ than the rest.
But of course, every person has his/her own need, budget and lifestyle. So you need to choose the right washing machine that matches your needs.
But before you try to understand the working and types of washing machines available in the market, you should know some of the basic washing machine terminology.
Term |
Definition |
| Automatic Dispensers | Features that allow laundry products to enter the machine at the proper time. These include dispensers for bleach, fabric softner and detergent. Each of these products can be added manually, but dispensers are a nice convenience. |
| Automatic Temperature Control | Mixes the hot and cold water as it enters the washer, ensuring that the proper temperature water enters the tub. |
Capacity in Kg |
This refers to the size of the washer’s tub. For best cleaning results, it is important that the amount of laundry placed in the tub has sufficient room to move about. Capacity in washing machine ranges from 4 Kg to 8 Kg. |
Controls |
Choose from rotary controls; touch pads, and the newer touch screens. Rotary controls are the least expensive and have a long history of good performance. Other styles will add to the price of the machine, but can be useful once you understand their operation. |
Cool Down |
An intermittent tumbling cycle that will tumble dry clothes with or without heat in order to prevent wrinkling if clothes are not immediately removed at the end of the cycle. |
Damp Dry |
A feature that shuts off the dryer before the clothes are completely dry – useful for those who prefer to hang damp items, to limit shrinkage and wrinkling. |
Drying Rack |
A rack that attaches within the drum – great for drying sneakers and minimizing the noise of heavy items tumbling in the machine. |
Express Dry |
A feature designed to dry small loads quickly, using high heat. |
Extra Rinse / Warm Rinse
|
Allows the operator to change the standard rinse selection. An additional rinse can be helpful for those with detergent sensitivities. A warm rinse will leave clothes warm, speeding the drying process. |
Speed Combinations |
Machines can offer a variety of wash and spin combinations. Wash speed, such as normal or gentle, are then paired with similar spin speeds. Three combinations are generally sufficient to save the various needs of a typical family, although many washers offer more. |
Stackability |
Some front loaders offer this feature, allowing the user to place a dryer on top – a great option for a small space. |
Time Delay |
A feature allowing you to load the machine and start it later. This is useful to take advantage of lower utility rates or to avoid the unwanted noise of the machine at certain times in the day. |
Tub Material |
Typically tubs are constructed of plastic, porcelain enamel, or stainless steel. Plastic is durable and least expensive; porcelain enamel is very common but may chip and rust; while stainless steel is very durable , but pricey. |
Water Level Control |
Front loaders match the water level to the load size automatically and are most efficient in water usage. Top-loaders typically require that u guess the proper water level. To control water usage on a top-loader, you’ll want the option of four or five water levels. Some low priced models have only one water level. It is wise to avoid these units. They will cost you lots of money in water usage. |
Fuzzy Logic Control |
It is possible to perform the whole cycle just by pressing one-touch button because the Fuzzy system automatically controls the best washing conditions according to the load of laundry. The high-tech Fuzzy Logic control system automatically covers every process from washing to spinning |
Washing Machine Theory
You must have probably washed hundreds of loads in your washing machine. But did you ever stop and think about what goes on under the lid once you shut it? Here, you will understand how one of the most important appliances in the house works for you.
There are four functions in a washing machine because of which it washes the clothes effectively as a unit.
Plumbing - The plumbing system of a washing machine has several key jobs. It fills the machine with the correct temperature of water. It circulates wash water from the top to the bottom. And it drains the water once the wash is complete.
Pump - The pump is an integral part of the plumbing system. The motor that drives the pump can reverse direction. It spins one way when the washer is running a wash cycle and circulates the water. And it spins the other way when the washer is doing a spin cycle and draining the water.
Drive Mechanism - The drive mechanism is a big reason why clothes come out clean. What it does is agitate clothes by moving them back and forth inside the washtub. Then it spins the entire washtub and forces the water out.
Cycles - Washing machines have different cycle settings. The cycle you choose to use for a particular wash will depend on what types of fabrics you are washing.
The plumbing, pump, drive mechanism and cycle settings all work together to help ensure clean laundry. This may sound complicated, but is really quite simple. The water, as it's being pumped into the washer, starts mixing with the detergent and liquefying it. Then the drum begins swishing the clothes about. This exposes every article of clothing to the soapy water. The detergent penetrates the dirt and separates it from the fabric.
Then the agitating motion works to reduce the dirt to really fine particles which is then kept from dirtying the clothes again before it's finally rinsed away.
Even though washing laundry is easier than ever, there are still a few things you must know before you get a wash started. First, how much does your washing machine actually hold? Washing machines have different capacity sizes (small, medium, large or extra large), so it's good to check how much yours can hold.
Second, what cycle do you want to use: normal, extra-long soak, gentle? Different articles of laundry have different washing requirements based on fabric and/or color. This is why it's important to separate laundry into appropriate piles. One red sock can turn your whites into pinks, and the cashmere sweater might not survive a normal rinse cycle.
There are basically three types of washing machines in the market; Semi-automatic, top loading (with agitator and with impeller) and front loading washing machines. Each uses a different form of technology in order to wash clothes. Each also has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Semi Automatic
A semi-automatic washing machine contains two tubs, one for washing and the other for drying. Unlike a fully automatic washing machine, here after the washing cycle is complete you have to put the washed clothes in the drying tub for the drying cycle. This is more of an entry level washing machine.
Pros
- Does not need a continuous water connection.
- Consumes less water as compared to a fully automatic washing machine.
- Washing cycle requires less time.
- It can be moved easily from one place to another.
Cons
- Manual intervention is required from washing to drying process.
- You might get tiny shocks while moving clothes from washing to drying if the wiring in the house is not properly earthed.
- All the controls are manual.
- Requires more space.
Top loading
This is the most common type of washing machine. Clothes are placed into the top of the washer, and a lid closed over the top. There are two types, an agitator and an impeller. First, here are general points about top loaders:
Pros
- Generally cheaper than front loaders.
- No fuss to throw more clothes in the wash midway through cycle.
- Faster wash cycle.
- Lighter weight.
- Biggest range available – especially large capacity washing machines.
- It can be moved easily from one place to another.
Cons
- Water hungry
- Rougher on clothes
- Need extra space to open lid – not suitable for every laundry
- Not all Top loading washing machines come with a built in heater.
Top loader – Agitator
This is by far the most common type of top loader. Clothes are moved around by the agitator - a winged pole in the middle of the drum.
Pros
- - Washing is good, like hand wash.
Cons
- Rougher on clothes than impeller
Top loader – Impeller
Much less common than an agitator machine, an impeller looks like a propeller or fan and sits at the bottom of the washing machine drum. It whips up the water to move the clothes around.
Pros
- No agitator may mean larger capacity
- Is good for delicate clothes.
Cons
- Tends to entangle clothes with its action
- More likely to shut down due to drum being out of balance
- Uses more water than agitator
Front loader
This washing machine looks like a clothes dryer, with a clear door at the front for placing clothes inside. It moves clothes around by rotating the drum, tumbling them in the same way a dryer does.
Pros
- Comes with a built in heater.
- Lower ongoing costs than a top loader.
- Generally more water efficient.
- Generally a more thorough wash because of a tumble wash.
- Not as rough on clothes.
- Generally has more cycle settings – many washers have a heating element for an extra hot wash.
Cons
- Higher initial cost.
- Generally can’t add clothes to wash midway through cycle.
- Slower wash cycle – although some models have a quick setting.
- It can be moved easily from one place to another because of its weight.
- Smaller range and capacities available
- Needs a fixed place
Comparison of washing machines
Feature |
Semi- Automatic |
Top Loading Agitator |
Top Loading Impeller |
Front Loading |
Capacity |
4 Kg to 8 Kg |
5.5Kg to 6 Kg |
5.5 Kg to 10 Kg |
5 Kg to 8 Kg |
Wash quality |
Ok |
Good |
Good |
Best |
Delicate Clothes |
Ok |
Rougher |
Good |
Best |
Wash cycle |
Fastest |
Fast |
Fast |
Slow |
Hot Wash |
No |
Few |
Few |
All |
Space Required |
More |
Less |
Less |
Less |
Easily Moveable |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Water Connection |
Not Required |
Required |
Required |
Required with pressure |
Price - Rs. |
4,500-8,000 |
12,000-17,000 |
8,000-35,000 |
12,000-42,000 |
NO. OF TIMES YOU WASH CLOTHES IN A WEEK |
FAMILY SIZE |
CAPACITY GUIDE |
3 TIMES A WEEK |
2 4 6 |
3 KGS BETWEEN 4 and 6 Kgs Above 6 Kgs |
2 TIMES A WEEK |
2 4 6 |
BETWEEN 4 and 6 Kgs Above 6 Kgs Above 6 Kgs |
CLOTH TYPE |
WEIGHT |
Medium Adult Jeans |
750 grams |
XL T-Shirt |
250 grams |
Medium Sweat Shirt |
400 grams |
Single Duvet Cover |
600 grams |
King Size Duvet Cover |
1000 grams |
Single Sheet |
550 grams |
Large Towel |
750 grams |
