Guide to washing machines

Guide to washing machines

From basic guides on how to use and load your fully automatic or semi-automatic washing machine to detailed descriptions about how washing machines work, you’ll find everything here to boost your confidence with your washing machine. Check out our guide on how to figure out which washing machine suits you the best, and learn some tips and tricks on how to keep it working for a long time.

How to use a washing machine

How to use a fully-automatic washing machine

There are two types of fully-automatic washing machines: top load or front load machines. The top load washing machines are easy to use. These machines have a door on the top where you load your clothes into the drum.

Just follow the simple steps below on how to use a top load washing machine.

How to use a top load washing machine

If you can't tumble dry an item, then you'll see symbols that tell you how to air dry. Some garments need to be laid flat.

1. Add laundry detergent.

Once you’ve chosen the right laundry detergent for your load, like Ariel Matic Top Load Washing Powder, place the detergent into the empty drum or laundry dispenser drawer if your machine has one.

Add laundry detergent

2. Add your clothes.

Make sure you leave enough space at the top of the drum that you can fit a hand in.

Add your clothes

3. Select the cycle

according to your fabric care label. Follow the washing instructions on your clothing labels and pick the right cycle for your load.

Select the cycle

4. Unload the laundry

immediately so your clean clothes keep their freshness.

Unload the laundry

A front loading washing machine is a little more complicated. You’ll find there are more buttons and dials, but apart from the choices, they are easy to use.

Follow our steps on how to use a front load washing machine.

How to use a front load washing machine

1. Dose correctly.

Follow the instructions on the packaging of your laundry detergent, like Ariel Matic Liquid. The dose will depend on how much washing you’re doing, how dirty it is, and how hard the water is in your area. Pour the detergent into the drawer of the washing machine.

Dose correctly

2. Load the laundry.

Open the door and place the laundry in the machine. Make sure you don’t overfill the machine – you can test this by putting one hand in. If your palm doesn’t fit, take some of the garments out.

Load the laundry

3. Choose the temperature.

Pick the right temperature based on the instructions on the garment’s fabric care label.

Choose the temperature

4. Select the right spin cycle.

Based on the guidance on your garment’s fabric care label, choose the cycle on the machine. Delicate fabrics, like silk, need to go on a slower cycle, whereas more durable items, such as cotton, can go on a faster cycle.

Select the right spin cycle

5. Close the door and press go.

Once you’ve set the cycle, press the start button and let your washing machine do the work.

Close the door and press go

6. Unload clothes

from the washing machine as soon as possible to keep your laundry fresh.

Unload clothes

How to use a semi-automatic washing machine

A semi-automatic washing machine is a single or twin tub machine that will wash, rinse, and spin dry your clothes for you. Using a semi-automatic machine is easy.

How to use a semi-automatic washing machine

How to use a semi-automatic washing machine: A step-by-step guide

  1. Add the clothes to the tub. Make sure that you don’t overfill the machine.

  2. Add water Ariel Complete Washing Powder. Check the instructions on the box for the correct dosing.

  3. Select the length of the wash.

  4. Drain the water when the cycle is complete.

  5. Add more water for the rinse cycle.

  6. Drain the water.

  7. Spin dry clothes. If you have a twin tub model transfer the clothes to the spinner tub, and if you have a single tub model use the spinner mode.

  8. Remove the clothes and hang them to dry.

Always read the fabric care labels on your garments and do not spin dry delicate clothes like wool or silk.

Most semi-automatic washing machines will be twin tub models. If you have a large load of washing, you can wash one load, and put the other load onto spin at the same time.

What about hand washing?

Even if you own a washing machine, there are some garments you will want to wash by hand. Hand washing can still give you excellent laundry results. It’s important to use a laundry detergent designed for hand washing, like Ariel Perfect Washing Powder, to get the best results. Read more about how to hand wash your clothes.

Handwashing colourful garments

So whether you have a fully-automatic or a semi-automatic machine, or you need to hand wash an item, Ariel has got your covered to give you outstanding stain removal results in 1 wash.