How to use a Malutka washing machine
The "Malyutka" washing machine is a lifesaver not only for summer residents but also for students. These machines are compact, easy to transport, and inexpensive, making them a popular choice even for single people who can't afford a full-size automatic machine.
Despite the simplicity of this machine, today's youth don't know how to use it. At home, washing in a washing machine seemed simple, but when they had to move out of their parents' home, the issue of washing in a dorm or rented apartment, especially in an unfamiliar machine, became a real challenge. We'll explain in detail how to start a wash cycle on the "Malyutka."
Preparing for washing
The "Malutka" washing machine is a device in which the rotation of the laundry is carried out by means of an activator, which is why such machines are called activatorMost "Malutka" models have only a laundry tub, an activator, and a mechanical timer to start the wash cycle. Only a few washing machines are equipped with an optional centrifuge. Even rarer are dual-tub "Malutka" models, where one tub is used for washing and the other for spinning.
Whatever your "Malutka" washing machine is, it needs to be prepared for washing. First, you need to position the machine so that you can easily fill and drain the water, load dry laundry, and remove wet laundry. Typically, the machine is placed on a wooden rack over the bathtub. This makes it easier to drain the water after washing; simply open the drain plug at the bottom of the machine, and the water will flow into the bathtub. However, you can also place the machine on the floor, for example, if you're in a summer house. In this case, connect the drain hose to the drain hole and close it to prevent water from spilling out.
As for water, many people get hot water from the tap. This can be done in the following ways:
- collect in a bucket and pour into the machine;
- put a hose with a shower into the machine;
- Attach a hose to the water tap and fill the machine with water.
Important! Experts do not recommend using hot tap water. It's better to fill a bucket with cold water and heat it to the desired temperature. Hot water typically contains many impurities and may have a reddish tint. Avoid washing whites and delicates in hot water.
After filling the water, add the required amount of powder. Please note that you can use any powder, even for hand washing. The main thing is to dissolve it well.
Finally, prepare the items and linens that need to be washed. Remember the following rules:
- Wash colored laundry separately from black and white.
- When washing in the Malutka machine, you need to wash in small batches so as not to overload the equipment.
- Clothes with zippers and buttons should be fastened and turned inside out.
- Remove everything from your clothing pockets.
Turn on the machine
So, the machine and the laundry are ready, now it's time to turn it on. It's quite simple. Close the lid and plug the washing machine into a nearby outlet. Then, find the timer on the machine and set it to 1-6 minutes, depending on how dirty the laundry is. If the laundry is very dirty, you can pre-soak it in the washing machine drum for about 20-30 minutes and then start the wash. Very dirty laundry can be spun twice.
Please note! If you need to run the machine several times in a row, do so at intervals of at least 5-10 minutes. This will allow the motor to cool down; otherwise, it could burn out.
After one wash cycle, you can wash other items in the same water. For example, if you wash whites first, you can wash colored or black items a second time. After 2-3 wash cycles, drain the water and add clean water. Then begin the rinsing process, which is similar to washing. Spinning is most often done by hand.
In machines with a centrifuge, proceed as follows: drain the water, install the centrifuge in the tank, place the laundry in it and turn the spin switch. In double-tank machines, you need to transfer the laundry from one tank to the other and also start the spin cycle.
What to do after washing?
After finishing the wash and rinse cycle, spinning the laundry, and hanging it on a line, you need to take care of your Malutka washing machine. First, drain all the water, if it hasn't already. Second, unplug the machine.
After this, the inside of the machine tank is wiped dry with a cloth and left open for a while. This is necessary to ensure that the machine dries thoroughly and that mold and rust do not form. The outside of the machine should also be wiped down, using a cloth dampened with mild soap and water if necessary. Once the machine is dry, store it.
This is how you should use the Malutka washing machine. While it's simple, it's also labor-intensive, requiring time and manual labor. But it's better to have such a machine than to wash clothes by hand in a basin.
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Thank you!
It will do.
Can you use laundry capsules?
I don't think capsules are a good idea. They take time to dissolve, and you only have 6 minutes maximum, unless you plan to cycle each load at least three times for 6 minutes. Plus, capsules aren't energy-efficient. One capsule is enough for a normal load in a washing machine, and the Malutka doesn't accommodate that kind of capacity. In any case, if you can afford to wash with capsules, there's no need for the Malutka; it's easier to just buy a machine.
I wish someone would write how much water to pour into this type of equipment...
I have a small one for two buckets, but you yourself make sure you put the laundry in and it doesn’t go over the top.
Can you wash sneakers in it?
Of course you can, the machine washes “gently”.
My Soviet-era Malutka (the first picture in your article) hasn't been used for 20-30 years because it doesn't have a reverse setting, the activator spins in one direction, and clothes instantly curl up into a ball. Is there a fix, and how? Thank you.
Can you wash jackets in it, including winter ones???
Good. I use it every day. Excellent thing!