Step 1: Sort Your Laundry
Sort into four groups before loading:
- Whites: White cotton — wash at 40–60°C
- Lights: Pastels and light colours — wash at 30–40°C
- Darks: Black, navy, dark colours — wash at 30°C to prevent fading
- Delicates: Silk, wool, embroidered items — Delicate cycle only
Always check pockets — coins and metal objects damage the drum and pump.
Step 2: Load the Machine
Front-loaders: Open the door, load clothes loosely, fill to ¾ capacity, close firmly until it clicks.
Top-loaders: Open the lid, distribute clothes evenly around the agitator, fill to ¾ capacity maximum.
Never overload — clothes need space to tumble for effective washing.
Step 3: Add the Right Detergent
| Machine Type | Detergent to Use |
|---|---|
| Front-load | HE liquid or powder (e.g., Ariel Matic Front Load) |
| Top-load (fully automatic) | HE top-load detergent (e.g., Ariel Matic Top Load) |
| Semi-automatic | Regular powder (Surf Excel, Tide) |
Front-loader: Add detergent to the drawer — compartment II is for the main wash. Top-loader: Add to the drum or the detergent compartment if present. Pods: Place directly in the drum.
Use the minimum recommended amount — excess creates suds that require extra rinsing.
Step 4: Choose the Right Cycle
| Cycle | Best For | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton / Normal | Everyday clothes, cotton, linen | 40°C |
| Quick Wash (15–30 min) | Lightly soiled, worn once | 30°C |
| Delicate / Hand Wash | Silk, lace, wool, embroidered | 30°C, low spin |
| Heavy Duty | Heavily soiled, workwear, jeans | 60°C, high spin |
| Bedding / Bulky | Sheets, duvets, blankets | 60°C |
| Rinse + Spin | Items needing rinsing only | Cold, high spin |
Step 5: Start and After
- Ensure the water supply tap is open.
- Select cycle, temperature, and spin speed.
- Press Start — the machine handles fill, wash, rinse, and spin automatically.
After the cycle: Remove clothes promptly to prevent mildew smell. Leave the front-loader door ajar to dry the drum. Wipe the door gasket dry.
Monthly Maintenance
- Clean the detergent drawer (remove and rinse under warm water)
- Run a Drum Clean cycle (most machines have this built in)
- Clean the pump filter every 3 months (front-loaders — small door at the bottom)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using regular detergent in a front-loader (causes excessive suds)
- Overloading — fill to ¾ capacity, not more
- Leaving wet clothes in the drum overnight
- Never cleaning the pump filter (leads to drain failures)
- Washing delicates on Cotton/Normal cycle