Top-loading washing machine: how to choose and use correctly

There are so many washing machines available these days, which can be cheap or expensive depending on the number of features they include. Thanks to this, any buyer can find something that suits him in terms of price and reliability. In this article we will talk about how to use a top-loading washing machine, as well as how to choose the right one and what to watch out for.

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros of a top loading machine:

Small in size, it will fit perfectly into a small bathroom. There are semi-automatic washing machines with such a load that are not connected to the water supply. They can even be placed on the balcony;
low cost. Washing machines with glass doors are much more expensive;
a securely fastened drum that will serve for a long time;
easy to manage and use;
the presence of reinforced and doubled bearings that serve for a long time and reliably;
It works almost silently, thanks to the drum design.

One of the main advantages of such a machine is that it does not require space to load things, like a front-loading washing machine.

Flaws:

it cannot be built into furniture because the lid must be open when not in use. But this is not critical.
Also, in most models the powder compartment cannot be pulled out, so it will be difficult to wash it.
low loading density.
It will be problematic to wash large items, such as blankets or jackets, because the hole where the laundry is placed is usually small.

The width of the washing machine for washing clothes is about 50 cm, the depth is 55 cm and the maximum height is 90 cm.

The maximum load of vertical machines is 6 kg, the minimum is 3.

Spin speed from 800 to 1300 rpm.

When buying a vertical washing machine, you should follow some rules. Usually in the instructions for use the maximum load is written for light fabrics such as cotton. This should be taken into account when washing delicate fabrics.

If a thing is expensive, then it is not necessarily the best. In our case, newer washing machines have a lot of functions that may not be useful in everyday life. And the simpler one will also serve and function to the best of its ability.

Before you make a purchase, you should think about how much laundry you have to wash and what kind of dirt this usually causes. The first is needed to determine the volume, and the second is to understand whether the soaking function and high temperature conditions, the drying function are needed.

In some cities they wash clothes at night, so you should pay attention to whether the washing machine is noisy or not. The higher the power, the louder the sound will be.

If the dirt is serious or has a specific smell, then you should choose equipment with a steam function. It will help you cope with such problems and make your laundry fresh and clean.

Care

You need to find a place for the vertical machine so that its lid can be opened after washing.Then it will be ventilated, otherwise the smell and dampness will stagnate, mold and mildew will form.

After each wash, wipe the inside of the device with a dry cloth.

Be sure to run the drum cleaning program twice a month.

Use the washing program at 60 degrees more often, which will prevent bad odors and mold growth from spreading. If you use lower temperatures, you should use bleach products once a week.

After each wash, clean the bottom filter from dirt.

If suddenly mold or mildew has already appeared, then you can buy special cleaning products. Or remove it with a cotton pad soaked in a solution of hydrogen peroxide and boric acid. Then run a vertical washing machine with powder and bleach at 60 degrees.

There are several types of devices such as mechanical, electronic and combined.

Well-equipped top-loading machines have a diagnostic feature that checks the condition from time to time and displays problems if any. Each model has washing modes for different types of fabric and a timer setting for ease of use at any time.

When choosing a device, you should pay attention to what material the drum is made of since it comes into contact with the laundry. It is better not to choose enameled metal; it is now less common. At the slightest damage, such metal begins to rust, damaging the device and clothing. The best option would be stainless steel, it is very durable and will last for decades. But it is the most expensive of the existing ones.Plastic is a budget option; it is also quite reliable and relatively inexpensive.

Types of control panels

Electronic. With electronic control panel. The user only needs to select a specific program, the rest is up to the machine.
Mechanical. All washing parameters are set by the owner. Here you need to adjust the washing mode, water temperature and spin manually using switches.
Electronic-mechanical. These are a combination of the above two methods. And these devices have an electronic panel and additional buttons for switching parameters.

Many people do not hesitate to choose an automatic device, which is completely autonomous and does not require much attention. All you have to do is launch the desired program and click start.

Semi-automatic machines need to be filled with water at the desired temperature yourself and changed to clean water before rinsing. But the semi-automatic device also has its advantages, such as the ability to place it in any corner of the apartment. Since it does not require connection to a water supply. They are also significantly lower in price.

Top-loading machines come strictly for washing, but may have a drying function. The classic device is more powerful and the quality of washing is much better. But at the same time you need to make a place for drying clothes, this is especially problematic if there is no balcony. The second option washes clothes worse, but immediately after washing the clothes are ready for use.

Variety of modes

Any washing machine, whether horizontal or vertical loading, differs in the set of modes it carries. Let's consider several standard programs:

Cotton. From the name it is clear what type of fabric to wash, also suitable for linen.To wash cotton and linen, the machine sets the maximum speed and the water temperature to 90 degrees; there are various improvements to this mode, such as “cotton 60” or “cotton with soaking”.
Synthetics. It washes all main types of synthetic fabrics and combinations of natural and synthesized fabrics. Washing takes place at 60 degrees and maximum speed.
Intensive This is usually the longest wash, can reach 120 minutes. The water is heated to 60 or 90 degrees, maximum spin. This program should not be used to wash fragile or easily damaged fabrics.
Manual. For gentle washing of delicate fabrics, creates an imitation of hand washing. There is no spin and the water is heated by 30 degrees. Good for washing tulle or light dresses.
Delicate. It differs from hand washing only in the presence of a weak spin cycle. Suitable for wool and silk.
Fast. The shortest cycle. Washing time no more than 35 minutes at a water temperature of 30 degrees, medium spin. It is better not to wash fragile fabrics. Cannot cope with complex stains.

A number of models are equipped with functions such as delayed start, eco-wash and adjustment of the washing mode to the drum load. The latter helps save light and water. There are also programs for extra rinsing, pre-wash and light ironing.

The highest spin speed in such a machine is 1400 rpm. This is not much, but it is enough for a good spin.

Protection

Almost all new models have leak protection. The protection system is installed in accordance with the company that produces the washing mashine. For a top-loading device, the protection is installed on the frame.Hoses with safety valves that operate automatically can be used.

There is a float in the pan, with the help of which the contacts are closed in the drain pump. There may be water control sensors and fill valve sensors.

Do not forget that only if you use a top-loading washing machine correctly, there will be no problems with it. Before operation, you need to study the instructions in detail, because different machines function differently.

In order for equipment to serve for many years and not require much effort in maintenance and repair, you need to learn how to install it correctly and handle it correctly.

The surface on which the top-loading unit will stand must be level, durable and dry. You need to make sure that the water supply is functioning well and the pressure in the pipes is normal. It is important to connect the hose firmly and securely.

Dirty laundry should be sorted by color and type of fabric. Remove all existing items from your pockets so that they do not disrupt the operation of the machine if they get inside the drum.

After washing, be sure to turn off the water supply tap to the vertical washing machine and unplug it from the outlet. The interval between washes should be 1-2 hours to avoid overload.

When installing, it is better to use the help of a specially trained person rather than rely on your own.

An incorrectly installed washing machine can quickly break down.

It must be remembered that the unit cannot be overloaded with laundry. It is better to put as much as required according to the instructions. Overload can lead to failure of internal mechanisms.

The quality and quantity of detergent also plays an important role. You need to use the powder exclusively for the automatic machine.It contains components that protect the internal structure of the equipment.

Once every two years, you should check your washing machine for any problems. Of course, you should also contact a specialist for this.

Energy efficiency class

There are classes from A to G in order of decreasing efficiency in energy consumption. There are also types with classes A+, A++, A+++.

They are distinguished by minimal energy consumption, so the price difference is significant. When choosing a class that suits you, you should think about energy tariffs and how often you use the washing machine.

General breakdowns:

Bearing wear. Over time, they will have to be changed, no matter how you use the equipment. Vertical models have twice as many of them, so the process is expensive.
The drum does not rotate. This can happen when foreign particles get in; you can smoke the drum of a vertical machine yourself, and the thing that is interfering with it will fall out. If this does not help, then you should call a repairman.
The washing time increases and does not correspond to the program. Most likely the electric heater is broken.
Leak. If the washing machine is new, then most likely it is defective and can be exchanged. Otherwise, it is most likely cracks in the water supply hose or in the drain hose. Then you just need to replace it.
The electric heater is often damaged, so the water may not heat up.
Corrosion of the top cover of the washing machine. In this case, it is worth replacing the lid through which water is supplied to the drum.

In any case, to avoid such problems, you need to treat your equipment with care and take care of replacing worn out parts in a timely manner.

List of modern brands of top-loading washing machines:

Electrolux is a Swedish company.Many models have electronic control, economical energy consumption and a clear interface.
Bosch – their price matches their quality. The equipment is reliable and functional.
Zanussi is a Polish company, their product is simple and easy to use.
Hotpoint Ariston is an Italian manufacturer. Very compact and multifunctional washing machines.
Indezit produces a product with a user-friendly interface and reliability in use.