Get cleaner, softer, and stain-free clothes with a washing machine. Choose from different capacities, loading types and functions so that a time-consuming task can be completed in a jiffy.
How does a washing machine work:
A washing machine generally has two steel drums. the inner perforated drum, with an agitator fixed to it, holds water and washes the clothes. The agitator helps in stirring and rinsing the clothes. the electrically operated pump helps in draining out excess water after the wash is over. The perforations on the side wall of the inner drum are meant to drain out water, while the drum spins to dry the clothes.
Sequence of wash cycle: soaking, washing with detergent, rinsing and then drying.
This flow can, however, be customized to suite different types of fabrics like wool, linen, cotton, silk etc.
Step 1: Fill the drum with water, mix detergent and then soak the clothes.
Step 2: The movement of the clothes by the agitator helps remove the stains and dirt out of the fabric.
Step 3: Rinse the clothes in clean water to remove the detergent out of the fabric.
Step 4: Spin the drum to dry the clothes and drain out water.
This guide will show you:
- Various ways of loading a washing machine
- Suitable capacity for different households
- Features a washing machine should ideally have
- Main functions of a washing machine
- Different wash cycles for various garments
Washing Machine Function Type
Now, let's have a look at the various types of washing machines available:
Semi-Automatic
- Entry-level washing machines feature two separate tubs for washing and drying
- Capacity ranges from about 5kg to 9kg
- Two functions performed simultaneously
- Semi-automatics do not require continuous water supply
- Price Range: Rs. 8,0000 - 28,0000
Fully-Automatic
- Categorized into two types- Agitator and Impeller
- Agitator models are ideal for washing heavy fabrics
- Impeller models are suitable for washing delicate garments
- Capacity ranges between 5kg to 15kg
- Requires continuous water supply
- Usually has a built-in heater for hot water wash
- Price Range:
Rs. 12,0000 - 20,0000 (Top-Load)
Rs. 20,000 - 80,0000 (Front-Load)
Portable
- Small in size
- Capacity is limited to 3kg
- Doesn't have a Hot Water Wash feature
- Doesn't require continuous water supply
- Price Range: Rs. 1,200 - 5,000
Washing Machine Loading Type
Top-Loading
- Tub is vertically equipped for the convenience of a user
- Have shorter wash cycles, so clothes can be added mid-cycle
- Pulsators used for washing
- Manual control panel
- Capacity: 6-10kg
Front-Loading
- Advanced washers in terms of technology and washing capacity
- Can handle both heavy and delicate fabrics
- Cannot add garments between a wash cycle
- Thermostat for temperature control
- LED display for control panel
- Capacity: 6-14kg
Hybrid
- Functions like a front-loading machine but clothes are loaded from the top
- Features can be manually adjusted
- Cannot add garments between a wash cycle
- Capacity: 6-14kg
- Thermostat for temperature control
- LED display for control panel
Comparison of features for different loading type
|
Top Load |
Front Load |
Hybrid |
| Price (in Rupees) |
8,000 to 28,000 |
20,000 to 80,000 |
15,000 to 80,000 |
| Water consumption (in Litres) |
20 to 40/wash cycle |
50/wash cycle |
40 to 50/wash cycle |
| Wash mode |
3 to 5 modes |
over 100 modes |
10 to 20 modes
|
| Noise level |
Medium |
Very Low |
Low |
| Fabric movement |
Rotate |
Rotate, spin, tumble |
Rotate, spin, tumble |
Capacity
Given below is a chart for capacities of washing machine as per users
Take into consideration the size of the family and wash frequency to decide the ideal capacity of a washing machine.
| |
5-6 Kg |
6-7 Kg |
7-8 Kg |
8 Kg & Above |
| Washing Capacity |
- 3-4 Shirts
- 3-4 Trousers
- 1 Double Bed Sheet
- 2-3 Towels
- 8-10 Unmentionables
|
- 5-7 Shirts
- 6-7 Trousers
- 2-3 Double Bed Sheets
- 4-5 Towels
- 12-18 Unmentionables
|
- 5-7 Shirts
- 6-7 Trousers
- 3-4 Double Bed Sheets
- 4-5 Towels
- 15-20 Unmentionables
|
- 10-12 Shirts
- 10-12 Trousers
- 8-10 Double Bed Sheets
- 10-12 Towels
- 25-50 Unmentionables
|
| Price Range According Type |
Semi-automatic:
Rs. 8,000 to 25,000
Fully-automatic:
Rs. 11,000 to 45,000 |
Semi-automatic:
Rs. 9,000 to 25,000
Fully-automatic:
Rs. 13,000 to 45,000 |
Semi-automatic:
Rs. 12,000 to 25,000
Fully-automatic:
Rs. 15,000 to 50,000 |
Semi-automatic:
Rs. 18,000 to 50,000
Fully-automatic:
Rs. 25,000 to 50,000 |
Key Features
Here are some features that you can look for while getting home your new washing machine.
Quick/Smart Wash
- Excellent for smaller loads
- Takes just 15-18 minutes to wash a load of 1.5 kg of laundry
- For larger loads, machines have 40-45 minutes wash cycles
Fuzzy Logic
- Machine automatically chooses the best wash cycle depending on the load
- Auto-detects the weight and determines the wash cycle time, detergent, and water needed for washing
Automatic Drainage
- Machine dispenses water automatically after wash cycle ends
- Prevents clothes from over-soaking
Wash Programs
- A washing machine has three wash functions - normal, heavy, and gentle
- Some machines are loaded with preset washing programs and water level options
Delay Start Function
- Delay washing process up to 23 hours
- Wash cycle starts automatically on its own even
- Clothes can be soaked for a specified period
Child Lock
Locks down the option panel, so that kids won't be able to obstruct the washing process.
Machine Protection
- Known as "Protective Rat Mesh"
- Protects external or physical parts of the machine from rodents
Control type
- Digital control panel offers full access to machine
- Manual knobs are easy to handle
Hot Water Wash
- Suitable for very cold areas
- Ideal for washing clothes that require hot water
Functions of a Washing Machine
Following functions are available in a washing machine:
Washing
For a Semi-automatic machine:
- Fill the machine with water to a marked level
- Add clothes and detergent to the washing machine
- Choose between hot (if the machine can handle hot water) or cold water.
- Select time of washing between 5 to 15 minutes
For a Fully-automatic Machine:
- Fill the machine with clothes
- Add detergent to the detergent basket
- Choose between hot, cold, or warm water
- Select time of washing between 5 to 15 minutes or select from the preset programs
Rinsing
For a Semi-automatic machine:
- Drain the water after a detergent wash
- Fill the machine with water to a marked level
- Select time of rinsing between 5 to 15 minutes
For a Fully-automatic Machine:
- Not required as it is a part of Wash Cycle
Spinning
For a Semi-automatic machine:
- Drain the water after rinsing clothes in clean water
- Move the rinsed clothes to the spinning tub
- Select time between 5 to 15 minutess
For a Fully-automatic Machine:
- After completion of Wash cycle, select spinning/drying option
- Select time between 5 to 15 minutes or select from the preset programs
Dryer
- Additional feature
- Heats clothes during drying process
- Quick drying of clothes
Attributes and Usage
| Wash Cycle |
Attributes |
Ideal For |
| Heavy duty |
- Features extra soaking time
- Longer cycle
- More vigorous agitation
|
Cloth diapers, jeans, towels, and throw rugs. Greased clothes worn by children, farmers, mechanics, or athletes |
| Regular |
- Regular spin cycle
- Vigorous wash
|
Cottons, synthetics, cotton blends, and everyday clothes |
| Delicates |
Gentle wash and spin cycle |
Lingerie, inner-garments, swimsuits, washable silk, and wool |
| Light wash |
Short wash cycle |
Clothes that need freshening and cleansing, but are not too dirty |
| Hand wash |
- Gentle wash and regular spin cycles
- More soaking time
- Less tumbling
|
Vintage garments, embellished and embroidered clothes, hand-knit or crocheted stuffs |
| Hygiene |
- Very hot water
- Steam used to remove bacteria and other allergy-causing germs
|
Diapers, work clothes, and clothes worn by those who suffer from any sort of ailments |
| Rinse and Spin |
Short wash cycle |
Items that are already hand washed and not dirty |
