The first thing you need to do when buying a new washing machine is to carefully read the instructions for the device and the data sheet. Pay special attention to the text marked “Important”. As a rule, you can find out from the instructions how to start it. In general terms, everything is approximately the same. It doesn’t matter at all what brand of machine it is – Ariston, LG, Bosh or any other. The following describes this in more detail.
What should you do first?
Before first use, remove packaging. By the way, it is best to save it in case of subsequent return of the device during the warranty period. Sometimes for certain device models there is a requirement to provide them along with the packaging.
Then the shipping bolts are removed (they secure the tank to ensure trouble-free transportation) and, in general, everything that is on the bottom side, for example, foam plastic, cardboard.
Removing the transport bolts
After this, install the device itself on the surface as stably as possible, after which the water supply and drain are connected. If the transport screws are not removed first, they will cause strong vibration during operation of the equipment, which will lead to damage to the component parts of the device.
When first started, there should be no laundry in the machine being tested.If you put laundry there, then there is a risk that it will end up with an unpleasant odor after washing, because the new unit may contain various technical odors and lubricants, such as machine oil.
Although this does not always happen, it is better to be on the safe side in advance. It is enough to use a powder or a special product. They will just remove all technical contaminants from the inside.
The device is plugged into a power outlet. First you need to run a short washing program. After finishing washing, you should wait a little. For safety reasons, the machine will not allow you to open the loading door immediately.
After waiting a minute or two, open the door again. If the sink is suddenly clogged, the door will not unlock and the water from the drain will not be able to go down the drain, but will remain in place. So before the first wash, you need to thoroughly clean the drain and sink.
Useful tips
If you want to reduce your electricity consumption, you need to follow these helpful tips.
- Do not machine wash items that are only suitable for hand washing. Information about this can be easily found on product labels;
- It is forbidden to overload the device more than intended (information about this must first be obtained from the instructions and followed).
- It is important to prevent metal parts from getting into the device - they can damage the drum and the clothes themselves.
During the first use, it is advisable to pour into the device a special product intended for the first machine washing of clothes. It is taken in small quantities, less than is usually required.
The product for the first launch is sold in specialized stores. For example, you can purchase Helfer Start. This composition is suitable for almost any model of newly purchased washing mashines.
Selecting the appropriate mode
When checking the operation of the device, you need to choose the right program. Modern machines are distinguished by a large number of possible modes, as well as the presence of a convenient program for quickly washing things.
When choosing the appropriate mode, you need to take into account temperature indicators. The wrong choice of temperature can ruin some or all of your items. It is important to note: all models have their own controls.
Thus, budget devices have a special small adjustment wheel designed to select the most suitable program. In expensive devices, setting the mode is possible using a convenient touch panel.
After preliminary preparation of the unit, you need to put the prepared clothes in the tank and pour the required amount of powder into the dispenser tray. Then you need to click the “Start” button located on the control panel. The device will start working.
What to pay attention to during the very first wash?
Test activation of the device is an opportunity to check it, among other things, for correct operation, for absence of leaks, as well as for correct connection to the sewerage system and water supply.
If the first test wash went well, you can now use the equipment constantly, following the instructions (from it you can find out information about the maximum load of the tank with clothes and the recommended amount of powder used).
If the equipment rattles after starting, the first thing you will need to do is contact the nearest service center. He can repair the machine free of charge under the warranty card. When calling the service, you should describe the problem in as much detail as possible. The technician will pick up and repair the equipment, and then return it back.
It also happens that the machine begins to make noise due to the fact that it is standing on an uneven or unstable surface. This should be checked. In addition, extraneous sounds may appear if the transport bolts were not removed initially due to carelessness.
When using, you need to wipe the equipment body frequently with a chlorine-free product. Moisture and remaining dirt should be removed under the rubber seal. The drain filter also needs to be cleaned more often to remove clogging.
This is due to the increased foaming that occurs when washing detergents are used by hand. It is recommended to first find out the hardness of the water in the tap, so that it is easier to select the appropriate type of powder and select the right amount.
It is recommended to regularly descale the heating element using vinegar; citric acid will also work.
It is important to try to put fewer items in the wash, otherwise the unit may be overloaded and its individual parts may wear out. And before loading things into the drum, be sure to check the pockets of your clothes - there should be nothing unnecessary there.
When starting work, check whether the machine is connected. The device must be plugged into the electrical network, and it must also be connected to the sewerage system and water supply. It is also necessary to check that the tap that shuts off the water in the hose is open. The loading tank of the unit must be closed. If loading is horizontal, just close the door.
Don't worry if you can't open the hatch after completing the first wash. It is better to wait for some time until the blocking is no longer in effect. After this, all you have to do is pick up your things and dry them thoroughly. Usually the blocking lasts no longer than 3 minutes (usually less).
The lock is needed to ENSURE the user's safety.So, if it is not there, a person can completely accidentally open the door during the washing process - then all the water will immediately pour out on him. And if it turns out to be hot, the person will immediately be scalded with boiling water.
The presence of a lock allows you to protect both adults and small children if they accidentally find themselves near a working device.
If you immediately start using the device, taking into account all existing rules, strictly in accordance with the instructions, you will be able to avoid breakdowns and extend its service life. So it is imperative to study the instructions and always follow its rules.
Washing Tips
Finally, here are some tips on how to properly wash your clothes. It is necessary to wash white, black, and colored clothes separately. Then light things will not be painted in other colors.
You should take no more than 100 g of powder for each wash. It must be intended by the manufacturer specifically for automatic machines.
Before washing, do not forget to remove all small items from the pockets of your clothes. Between washes, it is better to leave the hatch of the device slightly open. As a result, moisture from the drum will evaporate freely. Otherwise, a bad odor and even mold may appear inside the device.
You should not overload the device or overfill the tank with laundry, so that the parts do not fail faster than expected. A special sensor, which is now often equipped with modern device models, will indicate if the tank is overloaded. The equipment is quite capable of breaking even if the tank is slightly underloaded. So it is important to pay primary attention to this when using technology.
If you follow all these rules, the washing machine will last quite a long time and will significantly save valuable time, which is usually spent by housewives on hand washing. The machine will allow you to wash clothes made from cotton and linen fabrics, various linens, including delicates, and outerwear.
Caring for the machine
In order for your equipment to last as long as possible, you must remember to regularly care for it. In particular, it is necessary to clean the valve more often.
To prevent scale from appearing on the heating element, it is recommended to use special filters designed to soften water, or products that can prevent the appearance of scale.
