Washing machine functions and modes explained in simple terms!

Automatic washing machines have long been a fixture in our everyday lives. Many housewives simply can't imagine life without this convenient and useful appliance. A variety of functions and modes allow any user to create the most optimal cycle for any type of fabric.

But the increasing technical sophistication of a washing machine comes at a price. Potential buyers always face two questions: first, what is the purpose of each feature? And second, do I really need these additional modes and functions? Especially since acceptable washing results can now be achieved with the most basic machines using just four settings: cotton (linen) at 95 degrees, synthetics at 60 degrees, and wool and delicates at 40 degrees.

However, not all housewives are satisfied with basic features. To help make a choice, let's look at what features are included in today's washing machines.

Basic washing machine modes

• Quick wash ("Accelerated Mode", "Quick 30"). Provides a shortened cycle for lightly soiled items, saving time (the cycle takes 15-40 minutes), water, electricity, and detergent.
• Daily WashAllows you to quickly (up to 40 minutes) wash lightly soiled everyday items. You don't have to load the drum completely and don't have to worry about the color of the items (the water temperature in this mode is 30 degrees Celsius).
• "Economical wash"This mode features a lower temperature, reduced water usage, and lower energy consumption. To ensure resource savings don't compromise wash performance, the cycle time is extended.
• "Intensive wash". As the name suggests, this mode is activated when heavily soiled items need to be washed. The cycle is extended, and the water temperature ranges from 60 to 90°C.
• Pre-washRemoves stubborn and ingrained dirt. The laundry is soaked with detergent at 30°C for two hours. Then the main wash cycle begins.
• "Hand wash" ("Delicate wash"). This is a must-have mode for gently washing delicate items (labeled "Hand Wash Only"). Its distinctive feature is that the drum oscillates rather than spins. Spinning occurs at a reduced speed, ensuring delicate items are not damaged during washing and spinning.
• Soft WoolSuitable for light and soft woolen items. The reduced drum speed prevents woolen items from clumping and maintaining their original appearance.
• Biophase (Bio-care)It is used to effectively remove biological stains using a detergent containing enzymes. Since high temperatures destroy enzymes, washing is carried out at 40°C.
• "Stain removal". Removes stubborn dirt stains from various types of fabrics at low water temperatures (up to 40°C).
• "Heating up to 90 degrees"Allows you to wash dirty items efficiently using high water temperatures.
• Delicate dryingUsed exclusively in washer-dryers. It's ideal for drying delicate items without damaging them.
• "Accelerated drying"A mode unique to washer-dryers. It allows you to dry your washed items in half an hour, but is only suitable for fabrics that are resistant to high heat.
• Eco-programCombines the benefits of the Biophase and Intensive Wash modes, effectively cleaning heavily soiled items. This cycle is only suitable for use with detergents containing enzymes. It involves two stages: first, at low temperatures, the cleaning properties of the enzymes are utilized, and then, at high temperatures, the remaining detergent components are activated.

The most interesting features of the washing machine

The additional functionality of modern washing machines opens up a wealth of exciting new options for homemakers. However, to navigate the plethora of washing machine models, it's important to understand the advertised features.

• "Automatic water level control". The washing machine automatically determines the amount of water needed for each load. This optimizes water heating time and, consequently, reduces energy consumption.
• "No ironing." When activated, it blocks the complete drainage of water, resulting in washed items with minimal creases.
• "More water." Ideal for washing curtains, bedspreads, double bed linen and other large pieces of fabric, as well as for thoroughly removing washing powder.
• "Spin off". Used for washing delicate items. By eliminating the spin cycle, it prevents damage to the items. Excess water is removed manually by the housewife.
• Rinse holdWater is not drained after the final rinse, and washed laundry remains soaked in the drum. This function is used when it is not possible to remove the laundry immediately after the wash cycle. Water prevents the laundry from drying in the drum, thus preventing creases and folds. Before removing the laundry, a drain or spin cycle must be performed.
• Half LoadThis feature is very convenient if you don't have enough laundry to fill a full load. Activating this feature reduces the cycle time and reduces the strain on the washing machine's mechanisms.
• Extra rinseAllows you to more thoroughly rinse away detergent residue from laundry. This function is recommended for washing baby clothes. You can also use it for washing thicker items, such as blankets, jackets, etc.

   

3 reader comments

1. November 23, 2016 at 12:17 PM

   Ira:

   I learned quite a lot... thank you

   Answer
2. January 31, 2017 at 1:14 PM

   Gennady:

   What does "my mode" mean and how do I set it up?

   Answer
3. February 10, 2017 at 9:35 PM

   Svetlana:

   Thank you so much for the informative information. I found exactly what I was looking for in the article! I'd also be interested in learning about the cotton settings...

   Answer