Using a Washing Machine
Advice and tips on all aspects of using a washing machine
User manuals or instruction books
Download washing machine instruction manuals and most other white goods appliance instruction books - Washing machine user instruction manuals / books
Problems associated with using a Washing Machine
- Am I overloading my washing machine?
- How do I avoid out of balanced loads in my washing machine?
- Washing isn't coming out clean or has marks on it (marks on clothes)
- What are the causes of grease, slime and black mould inside washing machine?
- Is it safe to leave the washing machine on while I'm out or in bed?
- Should I turn off the water taps when the washing machine is not in use?
- How do I remove stains from my washing / laundry?
- Reduce the energy costs of running your white goods appliances (article on my White goods Blog)
Miscellaneous:
Washing machine usage subjects that don't fit into other categories
- How to connect a washing machine to plumbing without damaging the environment
- Who owns who? (Who really makes your washing machine)
- How to wire a plug properly
- What do the energy labels for washing machines mean?
- Extension cables and washing machines
- Can I install a washing machine in a bathroom?
How to reduce the energy costs involved in using a washing machine
Tempted to buy a new energy efficient washing machine or another white goods appliance to save money on energy costs? Don't overlook this basic and simple method of reducing costs across the board first - Reducing energy costs of washing machines & other appliances
Detergents and liquids in the washing machine
This section covers detergents and other products used in washing machines.
Should you buy cheap, or expensive washing machine detergent? Is "green" washing machine detergent any good? And how does the detergent actually work?
- Which is the best washing machine detergent to use - washing powder, liquid or tablets?
- Should I use Calgon or other anti limescale tablets in my washing machine?
- Should I put the detergent in the soap dispenser or straight in the drum?
- You don't just use one detergent do you? (article on my White goods Blog)
- Biological detergents do not cause skin irritation (article on my White goods Blog)
- Biological washing machine detergents can damage woollens & silks (cause holes) (article on my White goods Blog)
- Hard water & limescale in washing machines
- Washing at 30 degrees (article on my White goods Blog)
- Baby badly burned by washing machine detergent (article on my Blog )
Mistakes on Washerhelp?
Please report any links that go to the wrong place or don't work at all, any spelling mistakes, or usability issues - anything at all.
All reports will be very welcome - please contact me
Tips & Warnings
WARNING: Do not leave coins, screws, nails etc. in pockets. Of course everyone already knows this but many people don't realise that just one incident can now totally write off your washing machine.
This is because virtually all washing machines (except the highest quality washing machines such as Miele - Miele build quality review and the ISE10) now have plastic outer tubs, whereas before they used to be made of metal.
A coin or other metal object can easily get punched right through the plastic outer drum (tub) on spin. If this happens, depending on the make of washing machine, you may find it costing around £200 to have a new outer drum (tub) fitted.
If this happens to you, you could be covered by your house contents insurance if you have accidental damage cover, or by your extended warranty if it also includes accidental damage. Strictly speaking, even if the washing machine is only weeks old, it would not be covered under warranty by the manufacturer as it's negligence - not a fault on the washing machine. Mind you, some might argue that it's negligent of the manufacturer to design a washing machine that can be so easily written off by one accidental coin in the corner of a pocket that gets missed!
Washing machine product safety recalls
Washing machine safety recalls are still occurring these days. There are sometimes very serious safety issues such as risk of fire and death. I publish any safety issues or product recalls about washing machines, washer dryers and all other white goods on my white goods Blog - Appliance safety warnings & recalls
Here is the Trading standards recalls site which has an excellent list of safety related product recalls which covers any appliance in the home and anything you can buy in shops. It's well worth book-marking and checking regularly.
Always send off your guarantee registration card to ensure you are notified of any safety recalls affecting your washing machine (or any other appliance).
If a company discovers a serious fault that needs a modification, the first thing they do is contact all customers known to have purchased the affected product through their guarantee card database. After that, they can only put advertisements in the press and hope people see it. Many don't.