Use Washing Machine Controls
Template:StubMost washing machines use the same basic controls, but you must know which ones to use for clean clothes. There are some settings that many people never use because they do not understand them. With a little extra knowledge, you can benefit more from your machine.
Contents
Steps
Sort Your Clothing
- Separate your clothing into three piles: whites, darks, and bright colors.
- Read the labels to make sure nothing is dry-clean only or hand wash. Separate any of these items into a separate pile.
- Read the label on the laundry detergent to put the correct amount in the machine.
- Fill the dispensers for fabric softener or bleach.
Put Clothing in Washing Machine and Begin the Wash Cycle
- Place clothing loosely in your washing machine. Make sure they are balanced in the machine instead of just on one side. Fill it to the top unless directed otherwise by your owner’s manual.
- Close the lid and set the temperature. Use hot water for white clothing, warm for bright colors, and cold for dark clothes.
- Set the setting for the type of wash. The gentle cycle is for delicate clothing. For most clothing, you will use the regular cycle.
- Turn on the washing machine and allow it to run until finished.
Tips
- Test fabrics on new clothing with water before placing them in the machine with other clothing if you are concerned about the color bleeding.
- Check the pockets of clothing for any items left inside.
- Pretreat stains with a stain remover before placing in washing machine.
Warnings
- Do not leave the washing machine lid opened unattended if you have small children. They can accidentally start a cycle and get hurt.
