Nowadays, a washing machine even in any middle class family is a necessity along with other electrical household items. It is a big help for a household with many members because it saves huge amount of time over hand washing. We can load our clothes, start the cycle depending on our garments and wait for completion of soaking, washing, rinsing & spinning and get dried clothes. We can also use heavy cycles for larger/cotton loads or heavily soiled items. We don’t have to sit and monitor the washing process of automatic washing machine. 

Types of Washing Machine: Automatic and Semi-Automatic

There are two main washing machine types: automatic and semi-automatic. Currently, front-load washing machines are contributing 30 percent to the business. The top-load is around 35 percent and the semi-automatic washing machine is 30–35 percent. Automatic machines do everything themselves. After you choose the wash programme, the machine will fill itself and go through the soak, wash, rinse and spin cycle then drain the water by removing all the excess moisture – all in the same drum. The other type of washing machine is a semi-automatic model, which needs to be filled with water before the wash begins (and then drained and filled again for the rinse cycle). You will also have to transfer your clothes from the wash drum to the spin drum. In this way, you have more control over the washing process, but it also is more labour intensive. These machines also tend to have fewer special features and cycles than automatic washing machines, but also tend to be more affordable. 

Despite the top-loading machines being more prices competitive, higher energy-efficiency in front-loading washing machines brings down the consumption of water and electricity significantly, as compared to top-loading ones. 

Capacity: Home-use washing machines in India have a range of 5 kg to 12 kg. For a family of two or those living alone, a 5 kg machine is more than sufficient, however, a bigger family will need a bigger capacity machine. Even a family of four, especially with small children will require a high-capacity washing machine as children go through several pairs of clothing in a single day. 

Selection: During purchase of washing machine, one has to be very careful about selection of the latest model because in many cases it has been observed that when the machine gets out of order, the spare parts of the model are not available because a new model had already replaced the earlier model. Another important criteria for selecting the right washing machine is its energy efficiency and less consumption of water. Fully automatic washing machine uses around 100 to 150 litres of water for full rated load. In semi-automatic, it depends from individual to individual because rinse drum is different.

Some of the brands claim 6th sense technology that adjusts water level, wash timings and detergent doses based on fabric type and load, others claim hot wash technology with an inbuilt heater which not only removes tough stains but also eliminates dangerous bacteria from the clothes and protects from skin diseases. Other features are digital display, rat mesh, child lock, fuzzy logic, easy to use control panel, magic lint filter, automatic tub cleaning, express wash, delay start and auto restart.

Brands: LG, Samsung, IFB, Whirlpool, Haier, and Godrej remain the leading brands, with LG and Samsung cornering a combined share of 50 percent. Other popular brands include Bosch, Croma, Panasonic, and Lloyd.

Top loading/ Front loading: Front-load washing machines and top-load washing machines have the same job   to wash your laundry   but there are quite a few differences between the two styles. Your choice might be personal preference. If you have continuous water supply(Hot & Normal), prefer going for the Front Loading models as they have better washing performance, energy & water efficient but 10-20 % costlier, still worth considering. Avoid going for the machines loaded with complex features, selections as it complicate the washing. 4-6 selections are adequate for satisfactory washing. For better cleaning of heavily soiled clothes, use soak mode during pre-wash. Top loading machines are less costly than front loading machines and easy to move.

If you want to conserve water and electricity, front loaders use way less (more than half) water than traditional top loaders, which have to fill up entirely for the wash and rinse cycles. Opt for an Energy Star model, which reduces electricity and water use by about 20% and 35%, respectively, over non-rated models. The best front-loaders clean better and are gentler than the top-loading washing machines while using less water. Front-loaders take longer than top-loaders, but spin faster, extracting more water and trimming dryer time.

Energy Labelling: Washing machines now carry the Energy Label based on the key performance parameters i.e. Washing Efficiency,   Water consumption and Energy Consumption, etc. However energy labelling programme of Bureau of Energy Efficiency is voluntary at present to become mandatory in the coming time. Manufacturers declare the motor rating in watts, however actual energy consumption will also depend on wash load. Water consumption is not declared which is very important for washing machines which have taken care in the Energy labelling program of BEE.

Advantages of Top-loading Washing Machine

• A top loading machine is cheaper to buy – a mid-range top loader will cost less than a mid-range front loader.
• The drum door is located on the top of the machine, so you don’t need to worry about the extra space that is needed to open a front loading machine.
• The design of top loading machines is simple and easy for first-time users to understand. There are fewer mechanical parts to get damaged or malfunction. However, at the same time, top loading machines are becoming a lot more sophisticated and the latest models come with a full range of wash programs and built-in extras. 
• The machines are quieter because drum doesn’t usually spin fast in a top loader.

 Disadvantages of Top-loading Washing Machine

• A top-loading machine uses more water than a front-loading machine and is less efficient in washing & spin extraction. The top-loading drum must be completely filled with water during the wash cycles. This will lead to a larger household water bill.
• Top-loading washing machines tend to have fewer features and functions – if these are important to you, then take that into consideration.

Mistakes You Make 

Read instructions manual thoroughly while operating for better results. Making these mistakes can waste time and energy, compromise cleaning, and damage your garments. 

1. Overloading your machine

Today’s washing machines are bigger than ever and it’s tempting to cram in “just one more” thing — but don’t. Even large-capacity machines have their limits. When they’re too full, water and detergent won’t reach everything, dirt gets trapped, and clothing doesn’t get clean. Plus, overloading causes unnecessary wear on your washer, and excess fabric wrinkling.

2. How much detergent to use

To get the best clean, it’s important to follow your detergent’s directions and measure it. Forgo measuring and you decrease cleaning performance, whether you add too little or too much. It is okay to use a bit more for very dirty loads, or if you’re washing in hard water.

3. Sticking to the same cycles and settings

One cycle just doesn’t fit all. You probably use the “Regular” or “Delicate” cycles most often, but other settings and options are worth exploring too. They offer extra rinses for bulky items, hotter water for better stain removal and whitening, and even slower agitation for less wrinkling.

4. Forgetting to flush out the dispensers

The fabric softener, detergent, or both dispensers in your machine need to be cleaned. Rinse them frequently, take them out, and after the cycle is over, keep the detergent drawer open to let any remaining water evaporation occur (otherwise, it could cause odours).

Energy saving tips:

1. Washing machines can account for as much as 20% of the electricity you use.
2. Use cold water, as almost 90% of the energy consumed by washing machines goes to heating the water. Set the washing machine temperature to cold or warm and the rinse temperature to cold as often as possible.
3. Each cycle uses up to 60 to 120 litres of water. Use washing machine on full load and plan washing periodicity to save on water too.
4. Adding too much detergent actually hampers effective washing action and may require more energy in the form of extra rinses.
5. Wash only full loads of clothing-but do not overload machine. Sort laundry and schedule washes so that a complete job can be done with a few cycles of the machine carrying its full capacity, rather than a greater number of cycles with light loads.
6. Soak or pre-wash the cloths for effective cleaning.
7. Pre-rinse the clothes before main wash in plain water, as 60% of dirt can be dissolved. Hence the detergent will be more effective on removing the balance dirt.

Features to Consider while Buying

1) Material of the drum/tub 

The tub can be made of plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel tubs are the best as they are the most durable and can withstand high spin speeds.  

2) Wash settings 

Most machines have pre-set wash programmes, such as ‘gentle wash’ for delicate clothes, and water level options. You can customise and save favourite settings. These can be adjusted through rotary controls, a touchpad or a touch screen. The first type is the cheapest. 

3) Temperature control 

If the washer has an in-built heater, this feature will help adjust the temperature of the water. This can prove useful in winter. Besides, hot water cleans clothes better. Some of the machines have steam setting, which helps fight dirt and stains well. 

4) Time delay & pre-soak 

Time delay allows you to load the washing machine

Important Features

• Auto Restart: This feature restarts the machine from the point when the cycle was interrupted. 

• Automatic Drainage: This feature is quite common in automatic machines and not so common in semi-automatic machines.

• Child Lock: To avoid miss-happenings or hassles with the working of washing machine in the presence of children at home, this feature is of great help.

• Hot Water Wash: High-end washing machines come with the hot wash option. 

• Wash Load Sensor: We may find that our machine hops and shakes at times due to an imbalance of the load inside. 
• Plastic Tub or Steel Tub: The top end models have stainless steel tubs. Plastic tubs are also an option that will last the life of the machine.
  Energy and Water Saving: It’s always good to look for machines, which can help us save water and energy. 

Therefore, relying on the aforementioned advice, one can undoubtedly find the washing machine that is best suited to their needs. These suggestions will not only help him/her clear up any lingering questions regarding the item, but will also make it a top pick.

We conducted market research on a few of the most popular automated top-loading washing machine models from well-known companies that are ideal for average families (6.0–8.0 kg capacity), in order to assist consumers in making well-informed decisions before purchasing a washing machine.

Tips for Improving Wash Quality

Given below are few tips that will help you get better results from your washing machine, as well as keep the clothes & washing machine in good condition for a long time.

• Do not overload the washer. 
• Select appropriate water level as per the load. 
• Sort your clothes before wash. 
• Wash whites separately from colours. 
• Wash less soiled cloths separately from heavily soiled. 
• Separate lint givers from lint takers. 
• Make sure that all pockets are empty of coins, pins, etc. 
• Turn garments made of lint taker fabric inside out before washing. 
• Do not allow wet clothes to remain in the washer for a long period.
• Clean the lint filter regularly. 
• Wipe your washer clean after every wash. 
• Keep the washer’s lid open for some time after the wash to avoid smell & fungus. 

Here is a compilation of the things you should know before making the final purchase decision.

Automatic or semi-automatic?

Automatic machines do everything themselves: after you choose the wash programme, the machine will fill water itself, go through the wash cycle, rinse, drain the water, and then do the spin cycle to remove all the excess moisture all in the same drum.

The semi-automatic model needs to be manually filled with water before the wash begins (and then drained and filled with water again for the rinse cycle). You will also have to transfer your clothes from the wash drum to the spin compartment. In this way, you have more control over the washing process, but it is also more labour-intensive. These machines tend to have fewer special features and cycles than automatic washing machines, which is why they are also more affordable.

Front-loading washing machines work by gently turning your washing over and over in a tumbling action, picking it up and repeatedly dropping it into the wash water. While it sounds harsh, they are actually quite gentle on clothes. It also makes them better at handling unbalanced loads. Because they use less water, the wash cycle often takes longer than a top loader, though many front loaders have ‘fast wash’ cycles.

Top loading or front loading?

If you have continuous water supply (hot and normal), you may prefer going for one of the front-loading models as the wash quality is better and they are relatively more energy- and water-efficient. Although about 10 to 20 per cent costlier, they are worth considering. Avoid going for machines loaded with complex features and selections as these may only end up complicating the washing. Four to six selections are adequate for satisfactory washing. For better cleaning of heavily soiled clothes, prefer to use soak mode during prewash.

If you want to conserve water and electricity, you should know that front loaders use less water than traditional top loaders, which have to fill up entirely for the wash and rinse cycles. The best front loaders clean better and are gentler than the top-loading washing machines while using less water. Front loaders take longer than top loaders but spin faster, extracting more water and trimming dryer time.

Pros of a front-loading washing machine

• Gentler on clothes
• Generally use less water
• Generally more energy-efficient when washing in warm water
• Use less detergent
• More programmes and higher tempera- ture options
• Cheaper to run
• Higher spin speeds, which means fast- er drying
• Best for small spaces Cons
• Longer wash cycles
• Difficult to retrieve keys, phones or other items left in pockets mid-cycle
• Generally more expensive to buy
• You often can’t add to the wash load after the cycle has started
• Heavy to move
• Some need special brackets if placed on a wooden floor
• Tend to have louder spin cycles
• Some may rinse poorly due to their low water usage

Rated capacity

Home-use washing machines in India have a range of 5 kg to 10 kg. For a family of two or those living alone, a 5 kg machine is more than sufficient. A bigger family will need a higher-capacity machine. Even a family of four, especially with small children, will require a high-capacity washing machine.

Energy labelling

Washing machines may carry energy-efficiency star ratings based on key performance parameters covering washing efficiency, water consumption, energy consumption, etc. Participation in the energy-rating labelling programme is voluntary at present. Manufacturers declare motor rating in watts, although actual energy consumption will depend on wash load.

Features you may consider

• Material of the drum/tub: The tub can be made of plastic, porcelain-enamel or stainless steel. The first two are cheaper. Plastic tubs are more durable than enamel ones, which can chip and rust. Stainless-steel tubs are the best as they are the most durable and can withstand high spin speeds.

• Wash settings: Most machines have preset wash programmes, such as ‘gentle wash’ for delicate clothes, and water-level options. You can customise and save favourite settings. These can be adjusted through rotary controls, a touchpad, or a touchscreen. The first type is the cheapest.

• Temperature control: If the washer has an inbuilt heater, this feature will help adjust the temperature of the water. This can prove useful in winter. Besides, hot water cleans clothes better. Some of the machines have steam setting, which helps fight dirt and stains well.

• Time delay and pre-soak: Time delay allows you to load the washing machine and start it later. This is useful if you want to avoid the noise at certain times.

Comparison at a Glance: Of Fully Automatic Front-Loading Washing Machines (6 kg–8 kg capacity) 

Note: Price may vary from retailer to retailer. Before buying compare the models and price at amazon.in or flipkart.com

Consumer VOICE has surveyed 25 regular-selling brands of top-loading washing machines of 6.2 kg–7.0 kg capacity. As per our market study, there are around 500 models of washing machines of various brands in the market, making the choosing and buying process somewhat complicated. So, here is a compilation of all the things you should know before making this essential purchase.

Top loading or Front Loading – Which is the better?

The debate is mostly whether it will be a top loading washing machine or a front loading one. 

A top loading washing machine will use significantly more water and energy for washing the same load as compared to a front loader. Many top loading machines make more noise than front loaders during washing. This is because top loaders create a lot of friction between the clothes due to twisting and turning while washing. The front loaders consume around 50% less power and close to 40% less water as compared to the best top load washers.

The best front load washing machine in India is gentler on your clothes. With less damage per wash, most front load washers promise greater longevity for your clothes. 

While front load washers are more natural in their operation, the top load machines have demanding hardware needs. With more parts, top load washers are more susceptible to breakage. 

 However, there are other factors that are also important before taking the decision to buy a washing machine and the most important one is that of price. Top loaders are cheaper compared to front loading washing machines Consumer VOICE survey of the top loading washing machines will help you take the best decision. 

HERE’S A CHECKLIST FOR YOU BEFORE YOU GO FOR THIS IMPORTANT BUY.

AUTOMATIC OR SEMI-AUTOMATIC?

Automatic machines do everything themselves: after you choose the wash programme, the machine will fill water itself, go through the wash cycle, rinse, drain the water, and then do the spin cycle to remove all the excess moisture – all in the same drum.

Semi-automatic: The semi-automatic model needs to be manually filled with water before the wash begins (and then drained and filled with water again for the rinse cycle). You will also have to transfer your clothes from the wash drum to the spin compartment. In this way, you have more control over the washing process, but it is also more labour-intensive. These machines tend to have fewer special features and cycles than automatic washing machines, which is why they are also more affordable. Top-selling brands are LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, Haier.

TOP LOADING OR FRONT LOADING?

If you have continuous water supply (hot and normal), you may prefer going for one of the front-loading models as the wash quality is better and they are relatively more energy- and water-efficient. Although about 10 to 20 per cent costlier, they are worth considering. Avoid going for machines loaded with complex features and selections as these may only end up complicating the washing. Four to six selections are adequate for satisfactory washing. For better cleaning of heavily soiled clothes, prefer to use soak mode during prewash.

One of the few things that makes people anxious is the rising cost of the utility bills. If you are also among those countless Indians who want to reduce the energy spending of their homes then you should read on to know how to boost energy efficiency in washing machine. The tips we have mentioned here are tried and tested for enhancing energy efficiency in washing machine and can save you thousands of rupees in a year.

Water Temperature

If you want to save washing machine energy, you should set the water temperature to cold as much as possible. Opt for warm water only if the clothes are too dirty or you suspect that they might have bacteria (like they belong to an ill person). Make sure that the clothes are rinsed in cold water even if you wash them in hot water.

The Right Load

Another trick to enhancing energy efficiency in washing machine is to plan your washing time right. You should wash clothes only when there is a full load and not when you feel like doing the laundry. It is a fact that every wash cycle used 60-90 liters of water so when you plan the washing, you will not only save energy but save water as well.

Detergent Matters

Do not make the common mistake of adding too much detergent to the clothes in order to make them smell great or look whiter. The more extra detergent you add, the more the machine would need to opt for extra rinses and the more would be the amount of water and energy consumed. Stick to the detergent guidelines as much as possible.

Less Work for the Machine

When hoping to achieve energy efficiency in washing machine, you should soak the clothes to get rid of tough stains or most of the dirt or you should dry them in the sunlight rather than opting to use the spin dryer. Both these options will ensure that the machine is used for lesser time and hence, less energy will be consumed.

Use the Right Detergents

Make use of high efficiency detergents whenever possible. They are better than regular detergents because they don’t produce too many suds and hence negate the need to repeatedly rinse laundry.

Clean the Machine Regularly

Every washing machine has some maintenance requirements like cleaning the lint screen before every load or cleaning the dryer duct on a regular basis. Make sure that you follow these instructions to ensure that the machine runs optimally and lasts long. The more you maintain the washing machine, the better it will work and the lesser would be the amount of energy consumed.

Avoid Over Drying

When hoping for enhancing energy efficiency in washing machine, you should use automatic cycle in the dryer rather than timed drying as the latter can lead to overheating while the former uses moisture sensors to determine if and when the laundry is dry.

In essence, it can be seen that saving washing machine energy, boosting energy efficiency in washing machine or enhancing energy efficiency in washing machine doesn’t involve too much effort on your part. Only small changes in habits are needed to make sure that you save on the energy bills. Adopt these tips from today and see the difference in a few months.