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Various programs and functions in washing machines allow you to effectively wash any type of laundry. By choosing a mode, you “explain” to the machine what result you want to get.
Most of the washing modes that are installed in modern washing machines do not find application. Therefore, before buying, you need to figure out what each program means and whether it makes sense to overpay money for it.
Description of the main washing modes in the machine
Different brands of cars have functions with a different set of characteristics. But all manufacturers provide for three main types of modes:
- The first type includes programs that allow you to adjust the process depending on the type of laundry.
- The second group is economical programs that reduce the washing time. Using them, you will save on water and electricity consumption.
- The third group is functions for health care. These include: laundry for allergy sufferers, disinfection and others.
The table below contains a description of all programs, how they differ and what they are needed for.
Basic (standard) modes
| Name | Application |
| Cotton (Linen) | It is used for washing heavily soiled items made of cotton and linen fabrics, bed linen. There are 4 temperature modes for different things: 30, 40, 60, 90-95 degrees. For example, white clothes can be washed at high temperatures, while colored fabrics may shed when washed above 40 degrees. The longest mode includes 4 rinses, since linen made from natural fabrics absorbs moisture more strongly and rinses worse. Rinsing is carried out in cold water. Spinning is carried out at high speeds. |
| Synthetics | Allows you to wash synthetic and mixed items. The water temperature is 60 degrees. The mode is quite long, spinning at high speeds. |
| Hand wash (Delicate mode) | Manual and delicate programs are slightly different. If the clothes label says “Hand wash”, then the drum in this mode will gently and slowly turn at a temperature of 30-40 degrees. With delicate washing, there is a weak spin, while in hand washing it is absent. |
| Economy modes | · ECO-program – linen is washed at low temperatures. Allows you to save up to 40% of electricity. For Asco machines, this can be “Economy / Efficiency”, in Samsung – ECO +. · Time Saver (AEG) makes it possible to cut the cycle time in half. · The mini-program lasts for 20-30 minutes. Allows you to freshen up new or lightly soiled items. In different models, the name may differ: Miele – “New Things”, Gorenje, Ariston, Indesit, Whirlpool – “Daily Wash”, Asko – “Express Wash”, Samsung – QUICKWASH. · Quick wash. Thanks to the reduced rinse cycle, it can save 10-20% on electricity and water. |
| Intensive mode | Used for heavily soiled items, temperature 60-90 degrees, cycle time increased. Not suitable for delicate fabrics. |
| Prewash | Precedes the main wash. The powder is poured into the cuvette in two compartments at once. The first cycle takes place at 40-50 degrees. Then the normal daily wash begins. |
| Zamachivanie | The laundry is in the washing machine at 30 degrees. The duration depends on the brand of the car. The longest soaking is in Gorenje and Electrolux brands. |
Additional modes
| Name | Application |
| Wool | Provides gentle care for woolen and cashmere garments. When the amount of water is low, the drum wobbles slightly. The program prevents the formation of pellets, does not allow things to sit down. In different brands of CMA, the program may be called:
Important! Do not load more than 2-3 woolen items into the drum. They strongly absorb water, which can lead to overload and an unpleasant result. |
| Silk | Washing silk, viscose, lace is very delicate. In Miele machines, the drum rotates for 4 seconds, after which it waits for 11 seconds. Rinsing takes place in several stages with plenty of water, without spinning. At the end of the cycle, spinning does not exceed 600 revolutions. |
| Sportswear | The pre-wash starts immediately at low temperatures. It is recommended to use biopowders that thoroughly wash difficult stains. In different models, the mode is called “Sport”, “Washing sports shoes and clothes.” But the “Outerwear” mode allows you to clean things made of microfiber, microfiber, membrane. |
| Kids’ things | High temperature, as well as an additional rinse, help to wash things well and get rid of the powder. |
| No spin | By activating the mode, you will preserve the structures of delicate fabrics, because at the end of the cycle, the SM will not turn on the spin. |
| Cold wash | It is used for fabrics that can be deformed, shed, deteriorate when heated. |
| Night mode | The machine does the job quietly, without spinning. At the end of the program, the SM turns off without a signal. |
| Delay wash mode | Load the laundry and add the powder. Set the beginning of the cycle to any convenient time. When you come home from work, you will take out your laundry. |
| Water level control | Choose this program when you want to save on resource consumption. Depending on the amount of laundry in the drum, the system automatically determines how much water to use. |
| Valet | After rinsing, the machine spins the laundry at a lower speed, more delicately. This allows things to wrinkle less. You will get slightly damp clothes out of the drum, which will facilitate the ironing process. |
| Extra rinse | Also has the name “Hygiene”, “Hypoallergenic”, “Super Rinse”. In some models, the mode provides for washing at 60 degrees for 30 minutes. Due to this, all allergens are killed. Before you install the program, look at the clothing label. Other machines use an extra rinse with a large volume of water, so all the powders are thoroughly washed out. |
| half load | If you load things less than the norm, turn on this mode. So the machine uses less water than usual. |
Intelligent features
| Outdoor (Impregnation) | Helps freshen up waterproof clothing. |
| FUZZY LOGIC | Varieties of the program: LOGIC CONTROL, INTELLO-WASHER, PROLOGIKAL, EISY LOGIC, DIALOGIC. This means that the washing machine is equipped with a control board that analyzes the type and weight of laundry, water hardness. Then selects similar washing methods next time. Allows you to save energy, water, time, choosing the optimal mode. |
| AQUASTOP | Protects the car from water leaks. |
| Balancing control | Control of uniform arrangement of linen in the drum. If an imbalance occurs, the system turns on the reverse turns to restore the balance. |
| Foam control | In order to get rid of the detergent as efficiently as possible, the spin cycle is switched on between rinses. A special sensor controls the amount of foam, after which the pump pumps it out. |
Mode icons on washing machines
The markings on the washing machine allow the user to quickly understand which mode to select. It is worth using it once or twice, as you visually remember the icon and its meaning.
In washing machines of different brands, the following designations are most often found:
- Drawing of a basin with an arrow down – drain mode.
- Basin with hands – Hand wash.
- Basin with wavy lines – Quick and Intensive wash.
- Iron pattern – Easy ironing function.
- Smile lock or child’s face – child lock.
- The key is to lock the hatch door.
- Snail – Spin.
- Dial – Delayed start.
The decoding of the remaining characters is shown in the photo below.
Icons found on Ardo panels:
On washers Indesit, Ariston:
By machines Burning, Beko:
Selecting a washing mode
Which mode to choose depends on your preferences, the degree of soiling of the laundry and the type of fabric. Modern SMA offer optimal modes for each type of clothing. How to enable this or that program is indicated in the instructions. There are also common values on the panel for each brand.
Time selection
The duration of the programs depends on the type of fabric. For example, cotton products are washed the longest – about 2 hours. The fastest time mode is “Quick Wash”, lasting from 15 to 30 minutes.
Is it possible to change the mode during washing
If you have loaded your laundry and started washing, but realize that you have selected the wrong programme, press the Pause/Stop button. Hold for 5 seconds – the previous program should be reset.
Another option is to turn the selector to neutral or reset the AGR.
Before disconnecting the machine from the mains, read how to do it correctly so as not to damage the electronic module.