Seven useful functions of modern washing machines
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Some innovations from washing machine manufacturers are primarily of a marketing nature. The functions that will be discussed below often have their pitfalls. But we tried to talk not only about their advantages and scenarios when they will be useful, but also about the nuances and possible disadvantages.
1. Remote control
Washing machines were one of the first household devices to receive support for smart home technologies. And today, even individual models at the junction of the entry-level and mid-price segments can be connected to the Internet for remote control.
For this purpose, the washing machine has a Wi-Fi module, and manufacturers have developed proprietary mobile applications. With their help, it is suggested to turn the device on and off, select programs, and receive notifications about the completion of the cycle. The more advanced the washing machine, the more smart capabilities are usually offered, including creating your own programs, voice control, collecting statistics on energy consumption, water and powder consumption.
Who will benefit from remote control in practice?
Access to management, settings and control of the washing machine from any place where there is an Internet connection will be useful for technical geeks, very busy or slightly forgetful users. You can start the wash when things are loaded into the drum, but you simply don’t have time to stand in front of it (it’s easy to start the cycle in transport, during lunch at the office, that is, when you have a free minute). Also, control from a smartphone is a good replacement for a delayed start or cycle end timer.
Plus, the application interface is usually more visual than the button panel on the washing machine itself: accordingly, interacting with the device from a smartphone is more comfortable and easier.
Are there any nuances?
In older washing machines, mobile control is implemented via Bluetooth or even NFC. Both options (especially the last one) seriously limit the distance of remote access to the washing machine.
Another potential pitfall is stability and localization of applications. In some cases, to synchronize with a smartphone, you cannot do without “dancing with a tambourine,” and incorrect translation or its absence, various glitches negate the main advantages.
2. Steam wash
Steam washing today can hardly be called a novelty. The function can be found in the range of washing machines from 2018 to 2019, but then it was typical for advanced devices. Today, steam washing is a frequent guest even in middle-class models, and it is available in a variety of brands:
- LG – True Steam;
- Miele and Electrolux - Steam Care;
- Whirlpool - Steam Hygiene;
- Candy is just a steam function or Easy Iron;
- Gorenje - Steam Tech;
- Samsung - Hygiene Steam or Steam Wash;
- Beko - SteamCure.
Marketers speak very flatteringly about the possibilities of steam processing. It increases the efficiency of stain removal and disinfects laundry, eliminating all bacteria and allergens. And the consumption of water and light only decreases with it. In practice, all these advantages can be counted on if the washing machine has a separate steam generator and high steam supply pressure is provided. But manufacturers do not talk about such specifics. So a washing machine with such a function will not be a complete replacement for a steam cleaner.
In fact, if steam treatment is a self-sufficient cycle, it serves primarily to freshen things rather than remove contaminants.
Much more often, the steam function acts as an additional washing step. Hot steam enters the drum along with water and powder (when removing contaminants) or during rinsing. And such scenarios also have their advantages:
- Residues of detergent are eliminated;
- unpleasant odors are removed;
- disinfection and anti-allergenic treatment is carried out;
- wrinkles of things are reduced: after steam treatment, fewer wrinkles remain.
Who can benefit from steam washing?
This feature is recommended for families with children and allergy sufferers. It can also interest bachelors who are not comfortable with an iron: many everyday items of clothing do not require ironing after steam treatment.
Are there any nuances?
The benefits of steam washing are real, but they are often exaggerated for marketing purposes. Besides, no one talks about the disadvantages, but they exist. To produce steam, you need to heat water, which increases energy consumption. Another constant side effect of steam generation is more intense scale formation than with standard operation of the heating element. Therefore, without additional water filtration, the heater may fail earlier.
3. Intelligent wash
Compared to the previous function, smart washing today can be considered a real innovation. It is aimed at minimizing the number of preliminary settings or doing without them altogether. Different manufacturers implement this function in their own way. Here are some examples:
- LG washing machines offer Al DD technology. This is a system for determining the type of fabric and selecting the optimal washing cycle. It works regardless of what mode the customer sets. Sensors determine not only the weight of the laundry, but also its softness, which allows you to determine the type of fabric and start the optimal drum rotation cycle (find a balance between effective removal of contaminants and a gentle effect on the product). It is stated that the Al DD database contains 20 thousand fabric combinations.
- Samsung washing machines use the intelligent AI Control function. It saves all the modes you previously set and offers quick access to them, taking into account your usage schedule. Additional automation possibilities open up in the presence of a tandem with a branded drying machine : based on the specified cycle, the optimal drying mode is automatically selected for the washing machine. Plus, the application provides additional recommendations for choosing modes.
- The fully automatic Automatic 30 °C program debuted in Bosch washing machines in 2020. In it, the device itself will set the washing parameters, taking into account the type of fabric and level of contamination. And the low water temperature is suitable for even the most delicate fabrics.
- Candy also has its own vision for intelligent washing. In 2021, the company offered the Snap&Wash function (works in tandem with remote control). It is suggested to take a photo of the laundry before washing, and the mobile application will suggest the optimal mode, which you will have to set manually on the device.
Who will benefit from smart washing?
Maximum automation of the washing process will be appreciated by most men who are not very knowledgeable about types of fabric and do not want to waste time studying the tags on things. This function will also be potentially useful for those who want to extend the life of their clothes, because according to the manufacturers, smart washing should ensure careful handling.
Are there any nuances?
The function is still found mainly in advanced and premium washing machines from famous manufacturers. They are not cheap, such as Bosch WAV 28K90. And a budget alternative to the intelligent mode can easily be a daily or everyday wash program.
4. Automatic detergent dosing
In recent years, the automatic dosing function has also been gaining popularity. Previously, mainly expensive washing machines could boast of it, but now it appears in middle-class models.
Different manufacturers use their own name for this function, for example, Auto Dispense for Samsung, i-Dos for Siemens and Bosch, AutoDose for Electrolux, DoseAid for Gorenje, TwinDos for Miele. They all have their own characteristics, but the principle of operation is usually the same.
The dosage system determines the required amount of liquid detergent (with powders, as a rule, the function does not work) and conditioner (softener), taking into account the load, type of fabric and other individual parameters. There is a special container from which the required amount of detergent is taken. This container is large enough and can store supplies for 15 – 20 washes.
Who will benefit from autodosing?
The function may be of interest to anyone who wants to save detergent and not use measuring containers to fill it in before each wash. Additional advantages of autodosing systems include reduced water consumption and the ability to shorten the overall cycle (additional rinses to wash out residual liquid powder are usually not required).
Are there any nuances?
There are two main controversial points about this function: a noticeable difference in price compared to washing machines without auto-dosing and working only with liquid powders. Also, for some manufacturers, the system is “sharpened” with branded detergents, such as in TwinDos from Miele. And they are more expensive than universal ones.
5. Jet rinse
The essence of this function lies in the special method of supplying water during the rinsing stage. There are special nozzles at the top of the drum. From them water is supplied under pressure. During jet rinsing, the liquid is distributed more evenly, and its total consumption is reduced. The use of this function also has a positive effect on energy consumption, as the overall washing time is reduced.
A similar option is found in Samsung (called Speed Spray), LG (Jet Spray), Bosch (4D Wash System), Beko(AquaTech), Miele (PowerWash) and other manufacturers. In some cases, the supply of water is combined with rapid or other type of rotation of the drum to better penetrate the water into the fabric.
Who will benefit from jet rinsing?
This feature will appeal to families with children and/or allergy sufferers, as well as anyone interested in reducing water consumption and washing time. With it, additional rinsing cycles are not required to remove detergent residue. Jet rinsing is also useful when dealing with heavy stains that require the use of large amounts of powder.
Are there any nuances?
The function is not the most common and is found in intermediate and advanced washing machines. The wide range of washing machines also includes alternatives to jet rinsing. The simplest analogue is additional traditional rinse cycles or an intensive rinse function. You can further improve the quality of washing out detergent residues by washing with steam or using special programs, such as hygiene or children's clothing.
6. Removing stains
Modern washing machines increasingly provide a targeted effect on various stubborn stains. Some manufacturers offer a special washing program, for example StainExpert from Beko or “stain removal” from LG. Others have an additional function that is compatible with different basic cycles. Let's say Bosch has AntiStain, and Miele has Stain Removal.
The list of stains automatically removed usually starts with the four most common (grass, red wine, fat and blood) and can reach 16 or 24. Other stains also appear here, including ketchup, chocolate, fruits and citrus fruits, cosmetics, old sweat and etc.
The general meaning of the corresponding functions comes down to the following: the automation itself sets the temperature, duration and intensity of the wash, taking into account the stain you specify and/or its complexity. And when removing it, the tissue should not be damaged.
Who will benefit from the stain removal function?
This option can be useful in different cases. Grass or sap stains are common among families with children of different ages. Fighting fat, traces of ketchup or red wine is also a quite typical scenario from everyday life.
The washing machine manufacturers themselves declare that to remove difficult stains you do not have to soak things, wash them by hand and/or use special stain removers.
Are there any nuances?
The automatic stain removal function is supported in advanced and premium washing machines. As a rule, the higher the price tag, the more types of difficult to remove stains the device is ready to remove. And the stain removal cycle itself is quite long in time (usually from 2 hours).
7. Advanced service functions
Basic service options include even budget washing machines. For example, the ability to diagnose faults is implemented in entry-level models from Atlant. But here we are talking about recognizing typical faults and displaying an error code on the control panel screen. Then the customer needs to study the instructions independently or report the code to the repairman.
An advanced level of self-diagnosis is typically offered in tandem with remote control via Wi-Fi. Additional information about errors and malfunctions is available in the mobile applications of most popular washing machine manufacturers. In this way, it is possible to identify about 8 dozen typical breakdowns.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the Smart Diagnosis function from LG, which can work not only in tandem with a mobile application. Washing machines with this option emit a special sound signal when you press the desired combination of buttons on the control panel. Representatives of the official support service are ready to listen even over the phone and tell you the reason for the malfunction of the device and the necessary further actions.
Another useful service function is the self-cleaning program. With its help, it is easy to remove lint and other contaminants that accumulate on the walls of the drum.
Who will benefit from advanced service functions?
Residents of remote settlements who find it difficult to provide repairs and maintenance of large household appliances should definitely take a closer look at models with them.
Are there any nuances?
Advanced self-diagnosis is found in models with “smart” control. But even budget washing machines often provide self-cleaning. If suddenly there is no such cycle, then to clean the drum you can run any high-temperature cycle without loading. True, it will take longer and be more wasteful in terms of energy consumption.
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