How the washing machine works

Everyone takes the washing machine as a device that is used to wash, hygienize and remove stubborn stains on clothing. You are aware that you cannot exist without this "helper". All you need is a detergent, a fabric softener, a set-up of a particular program, and you are waiting to finish the cycle to remove clean and scented clothes.

At first glance, this information is enough for you to work with the machine. But do you really know what's going on inside? What is the mechanism, what parts is it made of, how is the whole process carried out, what are the different programs for, how do you solve some of the major problems yourself and others?

What are the elements inside the washing machine?

The washing machine is not one of the lightest appliances and you probably wonder what is inside. The weight comes from all the components that are necessary for the normal course of a cycle. The good news is that most of them are interchangeable in the event of damage. It can also be done at home if you are familiar with the different parts and how to replace them.

Concrete block

Serves to balance the electric motor. It is driven by a very heavy gear that is connected to an inner tub of steel. It is therefore necessary to have similar elements. Have you ever thought that there might be something similar in your home appliance?

Indoor and outdoor bathtub

One is internal and the other is external. The interior plays the role of a clothes holder. There is a stirrer in the middle and a perforation on the side which helps to remove water when the bath is rotated.

The outer tub is attached to the washer body. Extreme care must be taken with the installation of the inner tub. It plays an important role because it vibrates and shakes in operating mode. It must be properly secured to prevent it from moving and striking any of the components of the washing machine. The inner tub is mounted on a gearbox that is connected to a metal frame.

Cable and roller suspension system

The system performs the function of weight maintenance. Balance is necessary to avoid shaking the entire machine when moving heavy items. The rollers serve if the frame moves up, the other side is in the opposite direction.

Vibration repellent system

The mechanism can be defined as something like a disc brake. There is a stop at each corner of the machine. A spring attached to the washer is included in the system, as well as two washers pressed against a metal plate. This plate is connected to the black frame. Over time, during vibrations, the pads polish the plate.

Plumbing

The tasks that the plumbing does are not easy. It supplies the washing machine with water at a certain temperature, it returns the water from the bottom of the tub up during the cycle, and pumps the water by spinning. The antisiphon device is very useful in preventing water pollution. Thanks to it, the water is directed to it, goes down and goes to the pipe from where it comes out. The water supply system also contains an inlet for water supply and a nozzle with a connected pipe, which serve as an overflow opening when removing water from the bottom of the washing machine.

Pump

It drains and recycles the water and drives it through the motor. It rotates in two different ways as needed. In one case, the purpose is to wash and rotate the water, and in the other it serves to drain the water. The drainage is done through a hose. A pump is attached to the pump, which is necessary for the machine to function. It and the motor are attached to the frame which allows it to move freely with the inner tub and the pump is positioned towards the outer tub.

Steps of the washing machine cycle

It would be very helpful for you if you know the consistency of how your washing machine works. In this way, you would be able to deal with any minor malfunctions. Sometimes it is much more difficult to find a problem than to solve it. So see how one cycle goes.

• Step 1: The process starts with setting the appropriate program (temperature, speed, degrees and time). Before it starts, the door is locked and remains in this position until the program ends
• Step 2: Once the door is locked and there is no indication that the process is ahead, it starts. The filling of the water in the drum begins by opening the valves
• Step 3: Water helps to compress the air in the pressure chamber, which passes through the flexible connection and then to the switch.
• Step 4: The heating element must then be actuated. This occurs when the temperature of the water is increased to the degree intended in the program. With a set hot water cycle, it is possible to open only a hot valve, which shortens the period for switching on the heating element
• Step 5: The engine is started at approximately 55 rpm. This is the speed that is considered the most effective for washing clothes
• Step 6: In the next stage, the motor is switched off and the pump enters the role. It pushes the dirty water through the filter and the drain hose. The filter is a very important element because it collects certain mosses, hairs and more that can damage the machine
• Step 7: The pump is closed and the cold valve opens. Then rinsing begins. Again, the filling of the water occurs, the drum rotates and the water is pumped
• Step 8: The centrifuge should then be activated. This happens at the end of the last rinse. A strong rotation of the drum begins. The combination of high speed and timely removal of water through the pump indicates that the cycle is over
• Step 9: The final phase is to turn off the motor
• Step 10: The door will be unlocked and will be able to open at the end of the program. Washing machine models may vary slightly in signals, but all give indications in the form of specific sound and lights

What are washing machine programs and why are so many needed?

The difference in programs gives you thousands of opportunities. Their variety spares your clothes to look good longer. There are cycles for each tissue. You can wash, depending on the load you put - long or short programs. Your correct judgment can save you time and running costs. Since the washing machine is not smart enough to set everything up on its own, you are the primary coordinator. Then her task is to determine the amount and temperature of the water, the frequency and speed of rotation of the drum, the number of rinses, the centrifuge and more.

In general, there are three or four major programs that operate washing machines. Everyone else is a variation of them, and sometimes you are fooled into getting too many additional features.

The main ones are:

• washing that is intended for white laundry - it uses a lot of water, high temperature, high spin speed and a long cycle time
• washing intended for colored cotton fabrics - uses a similar amount of water, a lower temperature, and a similar degree of spin
• wash intended for synthetic materials - use the same volume of water, lower temperature, lower rotation rate and lower centrifuge
• washing intended for woolen materials - a lot of water is used, but the drum rotates more slowly

The presence of multiple programs is due to the delicacy of the various tissues. As long as the four major washes listed above are good enough, their enhancements will bring you additional benefits. Manufacturing engineers try to offer the best to consumers, so hurry up to take advantage. The more options, the better for the look of your clothes.

Observe also what is indicated on the respective garment for laundry. Keep in mind that wool and silk are very delicate fabrics and can be easily ruined. Wool, for example, has drawbacks in that it absorbs huge amounts of water and loses its elasticity at high temperature.