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Frequently asked questions about washing machines

Frequently asked questions about washing machines

Posted by Ship It Appliances Ltd on 25th May 2023

Minute read

Washing machines are one of the best time-saving appliances you will find in your house. Since they were invented, they have made household life more convenient which has meant they have become a must-have in any home.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we’ve seen about washing machines and washer-dryers:

What do washing machine labels on your clothes mean?

Confused by clothes labels? Never put your clothes at risk of being ruined again with our guide to what they all mean.

Wash temperature

The leftmost symbol on a laundry label suggests the temperature at which the item should be washed. This information is conveyed in one of two ways: you’ll either have the temperature spelt out for you in a miniature laundry basket, or you’ll have it conveyed via a series of dots. One dot means 30°C, with an additional dot being added for every ten degrees above that. So, 50°C would be three dots, and 70°C would be five.

If there is one line underneath the basket, then you’ll be able to launder the garment only in a machine with a special permanent press setting. This usually appears on coloured clothes.

If the basket has two lines underneath it, use the delicates setting.

If there’s a hand in the basket, then you’ll need to wash the item by hand, while if the basket is crossed out, you won’t be able to launder the item at all and will have to get it dry cleaned instead.

Bleach

Bleaching information is conveyed via a triangular symbol.

If the triangle is white, then you’re okay to bleach the item.

If it’s got lines through it, use a non-chlorine bleach.

If it’s black or crossed out (or both), don’t bleach the item at all.

Dry

A circle inside a square conveys drying information. If the circle is black, dry the item using a cold setting. If it’s white, you can use any setting.

One, two or three dots mean low, medium and high heat respectively, while permanent press and gentle are conveyed with horizontal lines at the bottom in the same way that they are in washing symbols.

A cross through the drying symbol means that the item is unsuitable for machine drying.

If you see a cross through what looks like a sweet wrapper, then don’t try to wring the item out – you’ll damage it.

Iron

Again, the ironing temperature will be conveyed via the number of dots in the middle of the iron symbol.

One dot means low, or around 110°C; two dots means medium, or around 150°C; three dots means high, or around 200°C.

If the iron has a cross beneath it, then you shouldn’t steam the item, but you may iron damp items at the indicated setting.

If the iron is crossed out, don’t try to iron the garment.

Dry-clean

Dry cleaning information comes in a circle. This is one symbol you won’t need to worry about unless you’re dry-cleaning clothes yourself.

The only exception to this rule comes when the circle comes with a cross through it: which means that the item is unsuitable for dry-cleaning.

My Washing Machine Isn’t Draining What Should I Do?

One of the most common complaints with washing machines is a machine that won’t drain properly at the end of each cycle, meaning when you remove your laundry, it’s still soaking wet. This will make it extremely difficult to dry everything – and it’ll hugely increase the running costs of your tumble dryer.

There are two potential causes of this problem:

  • There’s a blockage.
  • The pump is broken.

Fortunately, each of these problems can be remedied quite simply with the aid of a few common tools. Let’s go through how we might diagnose the issue and solve it.

Tools you need to drain a washing machine

Before getting started, you’ll want to assemble the necessary tools. This will save you time and effort later. The tools are:

  • A bucket
  • A screwdriver
  • Sponge
  • Clamps
  • Needle-nose pliers

An adjustable spanner or nut driver (the latter might be preferable in cramped interiors)

Something to prop up the machine. Old cans, bricks and lengths of wood are all suitable.

Inspect your washing machine

To begin with, you’ll want to drain out the water. Unplug the machine and remove the water. Do this by first locating the drainage hose (or pump) at the back of the washer. If you’re lucky, you might find that the hose has a kink in it that’s preventing it from draining. Simply straighten this out and your job is done!

Drain your washing machine

If there’s no sign of a problem, you can begin draining the machine. Keep the end of the hose higher than the washer and unscrew it. Then when you’re ready to start draining, drop the hose into the bucket. You might need several fills of the bucket before the machine is empty. If there’s something in the pipe, remove it.

Prop up your washing machine

Now’s the time to stack your propping-up apparatus beneath the front of the washer. This will allow you to access the screws around the bottom of the machine. Unscrew them and remove the panel; you should then be able to see the pump.

Inspect your washing machine’s pump

If you’re lucky, your pump will come with a translucent case that will allow you to see what’s causing the blockage. You’ll then be able to extract it using your needle-nose pliers. Failing that, there may be a blockage in the hose connecting the pump to the tub. Reach under the bottom of the machine, unscrew the hose, and take a look. If there are any leaks, mop them up quickly with a sponge.

Replace your washing machine’s pump

If you can’t find a blockage, it’s time to take a close look at the pump itself. If the pump is leaking or making a horrible noise, it’s time to replace it. Take note of the model number, which should be written on the side of the device, and order an identical replacement. Fitting a new pump should be as simple as screwing it in, connecting the hoses, and re-installing the belt.

Can You Stack A Washer And Dryer

If you’re thinking of adding a washing machine and dryer to your home, you could buy a washer-dryer that combines both functions into one product. Or you might wonder whether there’s a way to reduce the floor space when you own both a washing machine and a dryer – wouldn’t it be better to stack them on top of one another?

Fortunately, it is possible to stack a washing machine and dryer on top of one another – but only under certain conditions.

Size

Let’s start with the most obvious limitation – the topmost device will need to be the same size as, or smaller than, the bottom one. Ideally, you’ll want devices from the same manufacturer with identical footprints. This isn’t just desirable from a functional perspective – it’ll look better, too!

Weight

Similarly, you’ll want to be sure that the bottom device can bear the weight of the top device.

Head to our Laundry Section to shop for outstanding machines that will make doing the laundry a breath of fresh air. With competitive prices and free shipping to 99.9% of the UK, save money when you buy online today!

Level

If you’re going to be stacking one very large and heavy item on top of another, then be sure that the floor is as level as can be. Check this using a spirit level, and make any adjustments where required. A severe enough incline might, over time, lead to the top machine creeping forward and falling off.

Stacking Kits

To reduce the stress placed on the bottom device, and to ensure that the two are kept locked in place, washing machine manufacturers design and release special ‘stacking kits’ built especially for the purpose. You might even purchase a matching kit as you buy your washer and dryer.

Stacking kits are plastic borders that sit around the edges of the two devices in the space they meet. They’ll prevent a dryer from moving around on top of the washer, and effectively transform the two devices into a single cohesive unit.

If you can’t track down a stacking kit to match your devices, you might choose a universal kit designed to fit just about any washer-dryer combination. It’s worth exercising caution here, however; some of these stacking kits are incredibly flimsy. Moreover, you might find that yours blocks the powder draw on your washer, as it hasn’t been built with your machine in mind. The best option is almost always to stump up the extra cash and go for the purpose-built kit.

What else can I do when stacking washing machines and dryers?

An alternative is to ensure that the building itself plays the role of a stacking kit, restricting the movement of your devices. Walls on either side of the machines will work – but adding in walls will cost considerably more than a stacking kit. You might also build a shelf between the washer and dryer, designed to bear the top load.

The vast majority of washer-dryer stacks go through life without encountering the slightest mishap – even if they aren’t equipped with a stacking kit. It’s worth erring on the side of caution, however, especially given that many manufacturer warranties are void if machines are stacked without the required kit!

Where Can I Buy A New Washing Machine?

At Ship It Appliances we supply a range of washing machines and washer-dryers from leading household brands at unbeatable prices. If you are looking for a new washing machine for your home, but aren’t sure which one is best for you, check out our washing machine buying guide for more useful information.

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