Noah Cushing patented a washing machine in 1824. Rather than running on electricity, it was powered mechanically, by hand. It was essentially a large container that you put your laundry and hot water in, operating it by cranking a huge wheel. Today’s washing machines follows the same operating principle, powered by an electric motor instead, which came about in the early 20^th century.

The washing machine is one of the most commonly used electric appliances, accounting for a large share of the total amount of power and water households consume. Washing machines have a relatively long life, but technical problems can occur during their operation. If they cannot be repaired, you should consider buying a new washing machine. We recommend choosing a device with the highest possible energy efficiency rating, making it possible for you to wash the same amount of laundry with less energy. These appliances will also be equipped with a range of useful features.

Facing the purchase of a washing machine, one sometimes finds it difficult to make the right choice; something that is right for their means and preferences, and something that works for as long as possible.

Elektrum’s energy efficiency experts offer a few tips on how to choose a washing machine and use it as efficiently as possible.

What should you keep in mind when choosing a washing machine?

When choosing a new electric appliance, it is a good idea to first look at how your household uses the current one, to determine the right capacity and functions.

1. consider where the washing machine can be installed: in the kitchen, bathroom, or a separate utility room. It is also recommended to measure the area intended for it.
2. it is important to make sure there is enough space to fully open the washing machine’s door and to move around with a laundry basket, so we recommend including clearance of half a metre in your measurements.
3. remember to leave room for water pipes, especially if your new appliance will be in a non-standard location with limited space.

Types of washing machines

Manufacturers basically offer two types of washing machines: semi-automatic and automatic.

• Semi-automatic washing machines are relatively rare these days and, true to their name, are not fully automated. They typically have two separate containers: one for washing and one for rinsing, so you have to move the laundry from the washing container to the rinsing container. These also do not have a full tumble dryer function. This is not the most convenient solution, but it is suitable if you have limited options. These washing machines are also easy to move around, suited for use in student residences or summer houses, for example.

• Automatic washing machines are the most popular option, and are found in almost every home. The washing takes place in one container, and you don’t have to perform any additional actions other than selecting the desired cycle. These washing machines require a fixed location and a connection. Although the cost of these devices is higher, an automatic washing machine is both a more convenient and more efficient solution for your home, offering many more functions.

Laundry loading method

There are two laundry loading options, and each of them has its pros and cons, so we recommend basing your choice on your specific options and preferences, as well as your habits.

Energy label

Before buying a washing machine, we recommend thoroughly studying its colour-coded energy efficiency label, which will help you make a more environmentally and wallet-friendly choice. The higher the energy efficiency class, the more efficient and high quality the operation of the appliance.

Capacity matters

To avoid the trouble of choosing the wrong washing machine, you should first think about how much laundry you need washed and how often. We recommend using this table to choose the most suitable machine.

• 8-12 kg might sound like a lot, but in fact, a washing machine of this capacity can only wash 8–12 towels at a time.
• If there are 1–2 people in the household, a washing machine with a capacity of up to 5 kg may suffice; however, for larger families it is worth investing in a washing machine with a larger capacity.

Useful functions

The functions of washing machines vary greatly from model to model. Some of the most useful ones:

• Easy ironing: this function reduces wrinkling during washing and rinsing, making clothes easier to iron afterwards.
• Dispenser: a function that prevents adding too much washing agent and only uses the necessary amount during washing.
• Delayed start: this function enables scheduling of the washing, helping to prevent your clothes from developing a stale smell if they are not immediately removed from the washing machine.
• Extra hygiene cycles: the laundry is treated with steam at extra high temperatures to neutralise bacteria and allergens, which is especially beneficial to people with allergies.
• Eco cycle: energy-saving or eco mode, which ensures the best washing results with the lowest consumption of energy, as well as quick-wash cycles with a significantly shorter duration and, accordingly, less power consumption.

When choosing a new washing machine, we recommend taking into account other factors such as the tumble dryer and its speed. The more rpm, the drier your laundry will end up. For those who live in a flat and do not have a separate dryer, it is important that the washed clothes are completely dry, so we recommend looking for a washing machine that spins the clothes at no less than 1200–1400 rpm. Please note that the tumble dryer’s speed is set separately for different wash cycles.

It is possible to buy a washing machine with a built-in drier or drying functions. This solution is especially good if there is no space for a separate dryer or if the humidity in the room is high. However, you should note that the amount of laundry that a machine can wash and dry can be different. In addition, the total washing time will be much longer: 3 hours or more.

How to use a washing machine efficiently?

• When choosing the temperature setting, it is essential to remember that heating the water accounts for most of the power consumption of the washing machine. So washing at 30 °C instead of 40 °C can reduce your electricity consumption by up to 25%, while reducing the temperature from 60 °C to 30 °C can save up to 45%. However, you should also follow the temperature recommendations given by the manufacturer of the garment.
• It is recommended to wash bed linen and towels at 60 °C to kill all living organisms in them, such as dust mites.
• We recommend running the washing machine at full capacity, but not overloading it, so as not to increase its power consumption and not affect the quality of the wash or rinse.
• Humidity offers a beneficial environment for various bacteria that cause unpleasant smells. To avoid mould and unwanted odours, leave the door of the washing machine as well as its dispenser compartments open after washing.
• Also, after each wash, wipe down the rubber seal on the door of the washing machine, because it accumulates moisture and can lead to mould and unpleasant smells.

How to maintain a washing machine?

• About twice a year, add citric acid (the exact amount depends on the capacity of the washing machine, e.g., 100–120 g of citric acid for a 5 kg machine) to the empty washing agent compartment or laundry drum of the washing machine and then start the longest wash cycle at 60 °C. At the end of the cycle, start the shortest wash cycle again to remove any residue, and then wipe the washing machine’s drum and seals with a dry cloth.
• Also, wipe the outside of the washing machine with a damp cloth.
• To prevent water leaks and blockages, check the rubber water supply hoses for cracks or signs of wear when you do the cleaning.
• When using a front loader, wash the rubber seal regularly and check its function. 

Innovations and tests

We are living in a digital age. Technology is constantly evolving and improving, creating new opportunities and making everyday life easier for consumers. Even back in the 20^th century, few could have imagined what future technologies would offer us. Innovations are coming to home appliances, too, with new functions to help us with our everyday tasks.

Today’s washing machines offer a range of additional features, such as a wash cycle where you do not even have to iron the clothes afterwards. In recent years, manufacturers have gone further still and now offer even more of these functions, such as the bubble technology, which helps remove a variety of otherwise difficult-to-clean stains at lower temperatures, saving energy and reducing wear on the fabric.

A real effort is made to automate interactions with washing machines, and automatic dosing has been available for some time. This means that you need to add the washing agent much less often, and the washing machine chooses the right amount independently. You also don’t always have to do the maintenance yourself: some washing machine models do it for you.

And that’s not all! You can feel the presence of artificial intelligence everywhere these days, and the laundry room is no exception. For example, when you load your clothes in the washing machine, you no longer have to think about choosing the right functions, as the machine automatically detects the fabric of the clothes and sets the wash cycle accordingly.

You don’t always have to be there to control the washing either: with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity and apps provided by the manufacturers, you can do it remotely, switching the machine on and off, monitoring energy consumption, and receiving notifications for when maintenance is needed or technical problems arise.

How does it work in practice and is it worth investing more to use these new features? The specialists of Elektrum’s Energy Efficiency Centre, in conjunction with distributors of electrical appliances, regularly conduct the performance testing of various devices in different modes, checking their efficiency and compliance with the manufacturer’s specifications.

What are the main assessment criteria? Average consumption (power and/or water), noise level compared to energy label data, operating modes offered, power consumption on standby, energy efficiency features.

Anyone interested can go to Elektrum.lv Energy efficiency page and find the test results for Samsung’s A-class washing machine model WW11B744DGE.