Washing machine “Malyutka”: principle of operation, pros and cons, rating of the best models

The washing machine market offers products with modern equipment. This technique is created using the most modern technologies available today. But along with such machines, there are also washing machines of the so-called activator type. This is a rotating disk with projections. Such washing mashines are a legacy of the socialist, Soviet era. One of these that still exists today is the Malyutka washing machine.

What is a Malyutka washing machine?

SM “Malyutka” is a machine belonging to the small-sized class. This is an extremely simple device, the main and only function of which is washing, and after changing the water, rinsing. The device's timer starts it into operation, which lasts 5-7 minutes.There are some modifications that provide spinning of laundry and heating of the working environment. The operating principle of the device is activator.

Modern “Malyutki” are equipped with a filter unit that captures lint and fluff. Many devices have two operating modes: “Normal” and “Delicate”. Structurally, the machines are designed in the form of a tank with an activator disk inside. If spinning is provided, then there are two compartments in the tank: one for washing and the other for spinning. A drain hose and a power cord are installed outside the tank. The machine is filled with water from a hose or bucket.

Design and principle of operation of the “Malyutka” washing machine

The classic SM “Malyutka” includes a laundry tank, inside of which an activator disk with blades is installed. When the disk rotates, water is mixed with detergents and loaded laundry. Thus, the washing process takes place in “Malyutka”. The activator disk is driven by an electric motor controlled by a simple timer in the form of an ordinary time relay.

A capacitor is included in the motor power circuit to protect the motor from voltage surges. Modern washing machines have an electric heating element installed to increase the temperature of the water in the tank. Otherwise, the operating principle remains unchanged. In the machine you can soak clothes, rinse them or wash them by hand, depending on the owner’s wishes. There are models with reverse and spin.

The machine has a very simple operating principle. Based on the manufacturer's recommendations, a certain amount of dirty laundry is loaded into the tank. Water and detergents are poured into the device manually, and in the same way the water is brought to the required temperature. Next, the process is started by a timer.After finishing washing, items are removed from the machine manually, and the water is drained in the same way. If necessary, you can add clean water and rinse the laundry.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantage of this technique is its dimensions. The machine fits into a washing mashine trunk without any problems. Light weight, from 8 to 15 kg, allows you to easily move the device to the desired location. The device can be stored on a loggia or in a storage room.

Another important advantage is its cost-effectiveness. A short operating time, from 5 to 20 minutes, consumes little electricity, and spinning for 5 minutes also does not consume much electricity. Well, the simplicity of the design can also be considered a plus for the machine. It is just a tank with a simple electrical part installed, which significantly reduces the cost of maintenance and repair.

So, pros SM “Baby”:

• small size;
• lack of complexity in design and management;
• light weight;
• short work cycle;
• efficiency;
• practicality.

TO shortcomings the device should be classified as:

• lack of spin in many models;
• small load - only 2-5 kg ​​of laundry;
• noisiness.

Criteria for choosing a washing machine “Malyutka”

The choice of “Malyutka” may be determined primarily by its price and simplicity, both in operation and maintenance. This is the best choice for an unbiased user living in a private house, away from the city. The machine attracts the buyer with its simple design and operation. Far from service centers, such a device can be easily repaired at home with a minimal set of tools.

Operation of the machine does not require water supply, it does not contain complex electronics, the device is mobile and small-sized.This technique can be easily handled by older users who find it difficult to understand high-tech washing machines. “Malyutka” is suitable for young mothers who need to wash baby clothes or some of their own light clothes.

The machine is economical in terms of energy use. Its operating mode does not exceed 20 minutes, which, given the low motor power, will not greatly affect the user’s budget. In addition to washing, the device can soak and rinse clothes, and you can rinse things either manually or by machine.

To summarize the selection criteria, we can highlight the main ones, namely:

• the machine is good for a family with one child;
• for a lonely person;
• for a summer residence;
• as the main washing machine, in this case it is better to purchase a device with reverse.

Top 5 best models of Malyutka washing machines

Miniature devices have been produced by domestic manufacturers for a long time. In addition to the basic model, there are several similar ones that are not inferior, and in some ways superior to the basic “Malyutka”. There are few differences - a larger load weight and secondary plan options.

AGATE

Semi-automatic machine with laundry loading from above, also activator. The main difference is disc reverse. The device is a prototype of the basic model. The machine is famous for its high-quality washing and efficiency. Weight - 7 kg, electric motor power - 370 W. The machine is equipped with a timer from 1 to 15 minutes.

FAIRY SM-2

The miniature washing machine “FAIRY” is very easy to use, intuitively controlled, and the machine has a reliable electric motor. According to consumers, this is a reliable machine for long-term use. You can load 2 kg of laundry into it, which is quite enough for country conditions.The weight of the device is 14 kg, dimensions are 47x45x44 cm.

To increase the washing effect, it is better to soak the laundry for a while in the machine tank. With the activator type of washing, the laundry is processed more gently, unlike drum washing. The device vibrates during operation, so it must be installed on a durable and non-slip surface. The drain hose has also been observed to crack in the machine, but this happens after some time.

FAIRY 2P

This is an improved version of the previous machine. Feature – Heating elements for heating the working environment. The temperature is kept at the same level throughout the entire washing phase. The functionality of secondary functions has also been expanded, namely:

• half load possible;
• temperature adjustment is allowed;
• Foam and water level control for safety.

The tank of the machine is composite, the body is reinforced, despite the fact that it is made of plastic. Product warranty – 2 years.

SM Princess 1

The translucent body of the machine is one of its differences. This is a machine with small dimensions - 44x36x34 cm. It is equipped with a fifteen-minute timer and holds 1 kg of laundry. Filling with water occurs through a hose. The machine is equipped with rubber stops, a portable handle, engine power is 140 W, and weighs 5 kg. Machine with reverse. Warranty: 1 year.

Rolsen WVL-300S

The most spacious machine, holds 3 kg of laundry. The dimensions of the device are 51x37x37 cm. There is a centrifuge for spinning, the rotation speed is 300 rpm, the centrifuge is installed during spinning instead of the washing disk. Disadvantages: noise and long washing process.

How to use the Malyutka washing machine correctly

The use of the entire SM “Malyutka” model range is identical, with the exception of some features caused by the additional functions of individual modifications. The process does not present any difficulties. You just have to follow the rules of connection and placement. It must be remembered that safety is paramount.

Choosing a location for installation

Before use, you should decide where the device will be located. Manufacturers recommend taking into account a number of installation nuances:

1. “Malyutka” should be used only in a warm room, optimally a bathroom or similar room in the house. Having brought the machine into the house from the cold, it must be allowed to warm up for 4 hours.
2. Ensure easy access to water supply and electricity. There must be at least 5 cm from the walls to the device. This is the minimum distance to reduce both noise and vibration of the machine.
3. For user convenience, the machine should be placed above the bathtub on a wooden grate. It is advisable to place a soft rubber mat under the bottom of the machine.
4. The base on which the machine will be placed must be level, without distortions and not slippery.

It is especially worth noting that the power outlet must be grounded.

Preparing the site

As already mentioned, in the working area of ​​the “Malyutka” there should be no foreign objects that interfere with its work. The place must be clean. During the washing process, you should not interfere with an already ongoing process; any intervention is allowed only after the end of the work process. The drain hose should be determined in advance where the water will drain. To avoid splashes on the electrical part of the machine, you should protect it from this in advance.

The process of washing clothes in the Malyutka machine

Before washing, laundry should be sorted. White and colored items should not be mixed with each other. Light, dark and colored fabrics are washed separately. The washing procedure is as follows:

1. The drain hose should be directed upward and secured firmly in this position.
2. Load dirty laundry into the tank, without exceeding the permissible useful weight.
3. Pour or pour detergent into the tank. It is advisable to use products with low foaming, this will improve the quality of washing.
4. Fill the machine tank with water to the level indicated on the inside.
5. Connect the machine to the network, set the required washing time and start it.
6. Once completed, the machine will shut down; if necessary, the process can be restarted.

Safety precautions when using the “Malyutka” machine

Following safety rules when operating any electrical appliance allows you to avoid many problems and extend their service life. This equally applies to washing machines. Requirements for caring for a miniature washing device include:

1. Do not leave the machine plugged in unattended.
2. Touch the power plug while it is on with your hands, especially with wet ones.
3. Under no circumstances should you heat water in your washing mashine with an electric boiler.
4. Install the machine on the ground, and also use it on a metal floor.
5. The connected device must not be turned over while it is plugged into the electrical network or filled with water.
6. Operate a machine with electrical defects.

When working with the machine, avoid using flammable liquids near it and use solvents when operating the machine.

How to repair a Malyutka washing machine with your own hands

Non-automatic washing machines with an activator operating drive wash linen and clothes using the method of active circulation of water with the addition of detergent. The activator disk can be located in an inclined or vertical plane at the bottom of the machine tank.

ATTENTION!

This household device is not structurally complex; any electrical installer can fix any breakdowns.

Typical malfunctions of machines of this type:

• the machine hums instead of washing, and then turns off;
• the activator disk rotates slowly or slips during operation;
• loaded laundry becomes very wrinkled, holes form in it, and all this is accompanied by increased machine noise;
• leaks were noticed in the machine body;
• leaks in the drain hose;
• the machine does not turn on;
• the device hums, the activator does not rotate;
• washing stops soon after it starts, the machine body heats up;
• When you turn on the washing mashine, you smell the smell of burnt electrical wiring.

The classic “Baby” consists of a plastic tank with an activator with blades installed in it. It is driven by an electric motor, which is started by a timer. It also sets the operating time of the engine. The timer includes a time relay. The motor is protected from mains voltage surges by a capacitor.

More modern SM “Malyutka” are supplemented with TENs for heating water and sometimes centrifuges for spinning. Their operating principle is similar.

Disassembly

For preventive purposes and for repairs, the device must be disassembled. During disassembly, the specialist will have two main parts of the machine: the tank and the assembly in which the engine and electrical components are installed.

The sequence of actions is as follows:

1. Remove the plug from the housing, or rather, from the back of it.
2. To remove the activator, to do this you need to stop the engine with a suitable screwdriver.
3. You can remove the activator using a key, which you can easily do yourself.
4. The engine cover must be removed; to do this, you will have to unscrew six bolts.
5. Remove the switch and remove the fasteners from the housing. The device has been disassembled and is subsequently ready for repair or maintenance.

Activator and related problems

Its functions may be impaired due to the following problems:

1. Tank overload. In this case, the permissible limit for loading laundry has been exceeded. It can be eliminated by reducing the load on the machine, and after some time the washing process is resumed.
2. The activator shaft is clogged due to the accumulation of dirt. To eliminate the problem, the tank is emptied, the activator is removed and the assembly is cleaned of dirt.
3. Activator axis displacement. The fabric suffers from this defect and holes appear in it. The device vibrates and increases noise. It is “treated” by removing the load, disassembling the machine and removing the defect, most often by replacing it.

Fixing a leak

Leaks in machines of this type can occur for the following reasons:

1. Along the wall of the laundry bin. This happens due to the weakening of the sealing ring. To fix it, you will have to remove the activator, take out the ring and replace it with a similar one. You can buy it in a store or make it yourself.
2. Water flow along the activator axis. This is due to the flange assembly. Unscrew the bolts securing the casing, remove the part and replace the spring ring or rubber seal.
3. Hose leaking. The hose in such machines is rubber, and over time it cracks, which leads to leaks during operation. Eliminated by replacing the part.
4. Leak in the tank body.The machine's tank is plastic and, as a result, not durable. If handled carelessly, a crack may appear, which threatens to damage the machine and laundry. If the crack is small, it can be sealed with sealant or a patch applied. If the crack is large, then the entire machine body must be replaced, or you will have to part with the equipment forever. Using such equipment is dangerous.

Electric motor repair

The algorithm of actions is as follows:

1. Dismantling the activator.
2. Opening the case.
3. Removing the casing covering the electric motor.
4. Dismantling the flange units.
5. Removing the washer on the motor shaft.
6. Removing the decorative elements of the casing.
7. Unscrewing the fasteners.
8. Disconnecting the rubber seal with disassembling the case.

Then the electrical components are checked. For this, a multimeter with an ohmmeter mode is needed. With its help, a faulty wiring and semiconductors are determined:

1. During a visual inspection of the parts, if they are oxidized, they are cleaned and checked again.
2. If faulty wiring is detected, the break is eliminated using a special block. Twisting is undesirable in this case.

During inspection, all wiring is carefully examined, and everything that raises doubts is subject to replacement or repair. When repairing semiconductor components, carried out independently, it is advisable to check the electrical circuit of the device.

In case of detection of a serious breakdown, for example, complete burnout of the motor windings, it is recommended to refuse repair or buy a new machine. The costs in both cases will be approximately equal. Machines of this type have an asynchronous single-phase motor with two windings.

Replacing the seal

The operation of the electric motor depends on the quality of its functioning.If the part leaks water, you should expect a short circuit in the motor windings. The oil seal is located at the adjacent boundary of the tank and engine. To visualize the seal, you will have to remove the activator. If it is seriously damaged, the entire activator will need to be replaced. In this case, the thread destroys the bushing on which the shaft is mounted.

Prevention "Baby"

The service life of the device can be extended if preventive maintenance is carried out regularly. This includes lubricating the moving parts of the electric motor. Thick lubricants such as CIATIM-201, FIOL and similar are suitable for this purpose. It is better to lubricate the sliding bearings with mineral oil.

Conclusion

Washing devices of the “Baby” type are a good helper in places with no running water. Of course, modern machines wash any clothes better, but such devices are incomparably more expensive than the Malyutka SM. This machine finds its user in the person of a summer resident, a lonely person, in villages, among elderly people. There are larger and smaller washing mashines, with and without additional functions, but in any case, as long as there is a demand for them, the supply will be satisfied.