A cover for a washing machine is an innovation of recent years, but not everyone has yet had time to appreciate it. And if some people think that this is a useless waste of money, then others cover the washing machine with a cover because they are sure that they provide an irreplaceable benefit. Therefore, before purchasing a cover for a washing machine or sewing it yourself, it is worth learning more about this accessory for household appliances, about all its advantages and disadvantages.
Description of finished cases
Modern washing machine covers are quite multifunctional devices, even though they look quite simple. In stores, consumers are offered a large selection of finished products made of polyethylene and covered with cotton fabric.
There are many varieties of finished products, which differ in:
- sizes;
- color;
- design;
- cost.
The main qualities include strength, lightness and water resistance. In the store you can easily pick up a cover for the machine, both with vertical and horizontal loading, either completely covering the device or only its upper part.
To increase the functionality of the devices, they have special pockets for various small items. Everyone must decide for themselves whether they need a cover for their washing machine, whether it is worth purchasing it or whether they can sew it themselves, but few will argue with the fact that with its help it will be possible to keep household appliances in excellent shape for a long time.
Purpose
Products that fit onto washing machines are designed to perform the following functions:
- decorative;
- protective.
Most often, modern household appliances are offered to customers in black, metallic and white, as well as in their combinations. With the help of accessories for the “washing machine” you will be able to diversify the usual appearance of the product and successfully fit it into the interior of the room.
For example, a marble-colored mantle will look good in a classic interior, while a floral design will look good in a Victorian-style room.
With the help of such textile products it will be possible to create a cozy atmosphere in the room and complete the previously created design. Moreover, it is worth knowing that there are absolutely no restrictions on the materials used to make washing mashine covers, as well as on their design.
With the help of a cover for a washing machine, you can achieve the following goals:
- protect the device from contamination, such as water stains or spilled detergents and cleaning agents;
- if household appliances are installed in the kitchen, then a protective device will help prevent oil, grease and brightly colored foods from getting on its surface;
- The cape protects the device from chips, dirt, scratches and other damage;
- prevents the penetration of water, debris, dust or household chemicals into the machine, because the surface of the device is often used as a shelf for a variety of detergents;
- it is possible to improve sound insulation;
- protection from children - the cape prevents small children from pressing buttons, as well as from coloring its walls with felt-tip pens;
- A waterproof cape is very helpful in cases where the panel is frequently exposed to water.
What to consider when using the case
In order for a washing machine cover to bring only benefit and not harm, you need to use it correctly.
To do this, the following conditions must be met:
- Any device that contains a heating element needs heat removal. That is why it is necessary to remove the cover from the machine during washing, or lift up all its folding parts, even though the product has access to the door and buttons on the control panel. It is especially important to remove the cover from the back of the unit. If the cover is not removed, air circulation becomes difficult, which negatively affects the operation of the washing machine.
- The use of waterproof covers should be carried out according to its own rules - they should be put on only after the unit is completely dry. Otherwise, accumulating moisture can lead to rust, which can damage the washer.
- Lack of air access, especially in a poorly dried washing mashine, can cause not only overheating of the washing mashine, but also the formation of mold and a bad odor. Therefore, before putting the cover on the washing machine, you need to thoroughly dry the unit, since there should be no remaining moisture in it.
Types of cases
Depending on the way the washing machine is loaded, the capes can be different. Automatic washing machines are:
- with vertical loading;
- with horizontal loading.
Both types of capes are quite widespread. Machines with horizontal loading are quite convenient in their use, and products with vertical loading are used in rooms with a small area.
Covers designed for machines with vertical loading of laundry most often have two parts: one completely covers the body of the unit, and the second covers the lid.
The cover for a machine that loads laundry horizontally is a one-piece cover with four side panels attached on top. There is always a hole on the front side of the cape that allows quick access to the tank. Usually this window is covered with a curtain, which is rolled up or unfastened during operation of the unit.
The disadvantage of ready-made cases is the small selection of colors and models. Those who are looking for this product in a store should know that there you can buy not only full-fledged covers made of durable, lightweight and impenetrable polyester, but also ordinary capes for the top of the washing mashine. After all, if the washing unit is installed in such a way that it is not at risk of contamination or moisture, then it is enough to purchase a simple cape.
When choosing covers, it is advisable to know the dimensions of your washing machine. However, recently they have begun to produce universal models that can be easily adjusted in both length and width. When choosing the color and pattern of the cape, you must be sure to focus on the interior of the room in which the washing machine is installed.
A good alternative to looking for a cover for a washing machine in a store or market is to buy it online. Without leaving your home, you can carefully familiarize yourself with all the offered models and colors of covers, look at their descriptions and only then make your choice. And free delivery of goods, which is offered in some online stores, will make the purchase not only convenient and enjoyable, but also profitable.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any thing, washing machine covers have their advantages and disadvantages, which are worth noting separately.
The advantages of using covers include:
- protection of the device from mechanical damage;
- protection from children;
- protection against water ingress;
- giving a decorative look to the room.
Disadvantages include:
- deterioration of air circulation, which impedes the outflow of heat;
- the likelihood of mold and rust.
How to choose a case
Washing machines are narrow and wide, with vertical and front loading. The type of cover must be selected in comparison with the model of the equipment, which will allow it to fit exactly in size - not to crack when put on and not to hang down on the sides.
As mentioned above, covers for top-loading machines consist of two parts - one covers the main part of the device, and the second closes the lid through which the laundry is placed inside the unit.
The upper part of the cover must be folded down, for which it is made on:
- castle;
- buttons;
- buttons.
Covers for machines with horizontal loading are no less common among the population. To use them, just remove the folding part, after which you can load laundry into the drum.
How to make a cape with your own hands
Since stores offer a small selection of cape colors, you can try sewing it yourself. To do this you will need to prepare:
- scissors;
- threads;
- a needle;
- ruler;
- meter;
- pins;
- fabric with water-repellent properties.
When choosing fabric for a cape, you need to take into account the interior of the room, the main thing is that it has water-repellent properties. Otherwise, everything depends on the imagination of the master, and then the washing machine can turn into a cheerful flowerbed, a spaceship and much more that the author of the product wishes to see.
When sewing a cape, the most important thing is to take all the measurements correctly and only after that you can build on them. Carefully taken measurements from the machine are transferred to the inner surface of the fabric from which the cover will be sewn.
When modeling a cover, you need to take into account that the back wall of the cape should be open during washing, so it is better to think in advance about how to attach it so as not to constantly remove the entire cover. The back wall can be secured using rubber bands or Velcro. You also need to provide access to the control panel and the download window.
