If you don't know how to turn on the washing machine for the first time, then this article will help you with the launch. In order to start the washing machine for the first time, it is recommended that you first read the manufacturer’s instructions or find these instructions on the website. If you purchased a used washing machine, check with the previous owner for operating and maintenance instructions and whether any errors or malfunctions have ever occurred. If there are none, it is recommended to find the manufacturer’s website on the Internet and download the operating instructions. If you still couldn’t figure out how to start and operate the machine, then in this article we will look at how to make first start of the washing machine, We will also describe the basics of connecting a washing machine.
Operating instructions: what is important to know
The first thing after purchasing a washing machine is to read the instructions for it, and not immediately try to start it up.
Often the instructions describe the process of installing and starting the washing machine for the first time. Be sure to read the manual in its entirety, taking into account all footnotes - they may contain the most important points.
If you want your washing machine to consume less electricity, follow our tips:
- It is forbidden to overload the machine more than allowed in the instructions.
- Do not wash items that are not machine washable.
- Make sure that there are no metal products in the machine - they can damage clothes and the drum.
Checking readiness
To ensure that using your washing machine for the first time does not become troublesome, we recommend that you not only read, but also follow these steps:
- On the back side of the machine there are shipping bolts designed to secure the washing machine tank during transportation. If the bolts are not twisted, then the machine cannot be used. First, you will need to unscrew the fasteners and insert plastic plugs into the remaining holes (supplied with the machine).
- It will be very useful to know what the hardness of your tap water is. This way you can clearly understand which washing powder to use for the first start and in what quantity so that the laundry does not remain dirty after washing.
- The equipment must be connected to water supply and sewerage. If you don't want to call a specialist, do it yourself.
- Check the inlet hose valve. If it is closed, open it so that water begins to flow into the machine.
If you have a question about whether it is possible to turn on the washing machine without laundry, the answer is yes. The opinion of experts is that the first wash in a washing machine should be “idle”.
Machines are often subjected to various tests, so there may be residual dirt and oil left in the drum. To prevent them from getting on your things, you need to initially run the machine empty - this will allow you to clean all the internal parts.
When washing for the first time, it is recommended to pour a small amount of detergent into the powder receptacle, select the long cycle mode and start.
The effectiveness and progressiveness of the first launch depends on how correctly the stages described above are completed. If you miss an important detail, you will not only fail to trigger the SMA, but you will also cause harm to it.
What should you do first?
Before first use, remove packaging. By the way, it is best to save it in case of subsequent return of the device during the warranty period. Sometimes for certain device models there is a requirement to provide them along with the packaging.
Then the shipping bolts are removed (they secure the tank to ensure trouble-free transportation) and, in general, everything that is on the bottom side, for example, foam plastic, cardboard.
Removing the transport bolts
After this, install the device itself on the surface as stably as possible, after which the water supply and drain are connected. If the transport screws are not removed first, they will cause strong vibration during operation of the equipment, which will lead to damage to the component parts of the device.
When first started, there should be no laundry in the machine being tested. If you put laundry there, then there is a risk that it will end up with an unpleasant odor at the end of the wash, because the new unit may contain various technical odors and lubricants, such as machine oil.
Although this does not always happen, it is better to be on the safe side in advance. It is enough to use a powder or a special product. They will just remove all technical contaminants from the inside.
Be sure to check the connection to the sewer and water supply before starting. When preparing the machine for the very first start, it is necessary to close the loading hatch, after which powder is added to the powder compartment. It is important that there are no foreign objects in the device.
The device is plugged into a power outlet. First you need to run a short washing program. After finishing washing, you should wait a little. For safety reasons, the machine will not allow you to open the loading door immediately.
After waiting a minute or two, open the door again. If the sink is suddenly clogged, the door will not unlock and the water from the drain will not be able to go down the drain, but will remain in place. So before the first wash, you need to thoroughly clean the drain and sink.
Selecting the optimal mode
After you have checked that the machine is connected correctly and have run the drum idle, it’s time to move on to the next step - select a washing program.
Modern models of machines differ not only in the number of programs, but also in their purpose. Among the more popular features of the machines is the quick wash program and additional functions, for example, a disinfection mode.
When choosing a washing mode, take into account temperature indicators that affect the quality of washing. An incorrectly selected temperature can ruin the item. You will find in the instructions what functions and modes your washing machine provides.
Each model has different controls. For example, more budget machines are equipped with an adjustment wheel for selecting a mode. Expensive models allow you to set the mode by controlling the touch panel.
After preparation for work is completed, you will need to figure out how to start the washing machine. There should be a “Start” button on the control panel - after pressing it, the machine will start washing.
Preparing for launch
All modern automatic washing machines differ little from each other in their initial start-up.
First of all, you need to check the presence of a 220 V power cable, and whether the machine is grounded. If the preliminary inspection is positive, we proceed to the next stage. It is necessary to place the laundry that needs to be washed in the drum of the washing machine. Each drum has its own regulated weight of laundry that it can withstand. This weight varies for different machines and should be indicated in the instructions. Because if there is an overload, this can lead to failure of the drum cross. Most modern machines have sensors that will notify you if the drum is overloaded.
When the laundry is already inside, you need to close the hatch door. Depending on the location of the drum, this process will vary. For machines with a vertical drum, you must first close the drum itself, and then the hatch. With a horizontal one, everything is simpler; after loading, you just need to close the door.
Next, open the powder compartment and pour a certain dose of the washing mixture into it. Usually the dosage is indicated on the package. It is important to take this factor into account, because... A large amount of powder can lead to the formation of foam, and a small amount can lead to the laundry not being washed at all. Usually all instructions are written in detail on the manufacturer's packaging, so read them carefully. There should also be a measuring cup with which you will pour powder or other washing mixture into the compartment. In most cases, the main powder compartment is located on the left, it is intended for the main wash. Next to this compartment are pre-wash containers and a section for rinse aid. The location of these compartments may vary depending on the model and manufacturer.
Next, you need to supply water to the washing machine.
In different models, water is supplied in several ways: most machines have a direct connection to the water supply, some have a connection to hot water, and there are also a number of machines that have a separate water tank. Sometimes, a valve is included with the delivery of machines that have access to a water supply system that shuts off the water supply. After all these manipulations, you can turn on the machine to the network. See also -
Functions and modes in the washing machine: from A to Z
First wash: important points
Experimental washing is an opportunity to check the machine for leaks. This way you can finally make sure that the equipment is correctly connected to the water supply and sewerage system.
If a leak is detected, the machine must be stopped immediately. Forcefully drain the water, and then be sure to seek help from a specialist. Only after all problems have been eliminated can the machine be used again.
If everything is in order and the test wash went well, you can start washing your clothes. Do not forget to use the instructions and follow all the recommendations indicated in it. You will find information about the maximum load of laundry and how much detergent to pour into the tray.
In order not to harm things and the machine, you need to know all the important nuances and set the correct parameters.
After loading the laundry and selecting the washing mode, make sure that the door is tightly closed. Now start the washer by pressing the “Start” button.
Important! Make sure the machine is not leaking. If this is not done, the equipment will fail and will be unusable.
What should you pay special attention to?
The first launch of washing machines from LG, Bosch, Candy, Indesit, Hotpoint Ariston, Samsung, Haier, Vestel, Beko and devices from other manufacturers is practically no different.
In all cases of violation of the normal operating mode and washing, you should call a specialist or look for the cause of the malfunction yourself.
If, when starting the washing machine for the first time, the user notices knocking, grinding or other strange sounds, without delay, you should call a specialist from a repair shop or service center. You cannot wash until the problem is fixed, even if the problem does not seem serious.
Recommendations for the first wash without laundry are based on the fact that most of the surfaces of the drum and drains are most often contaminated with technical liquids and oils, the use of which is necessary during assembly at the manufacturer. In addition, these same parts can retain unpleasant odors for a long time. The main thing, with such an idle wash, is to check whether the parts and components of the new machine are working properly, whether the water supply and drainage system is sealed.
Useful tips for starting a washing machine
We offer you some useful recommendations that will help you understand the operation of the washing machine after purchasing it:
- When you start the machine for the first time and notice that it rumbles, rattles and makes strange sounds, do not do anything yourself. You are entitled to free equipment repairs at a service center using a warranty card. In such a situation, call service and explain the problem. A technician will come to you and fix your equipment or take it for repairs.
- Wipe the washing machine body regularly. Use products that do not contain chlorine.
- Do not forget to remove moisture and remaining dirt after washing under the rubber seal.
- Use special products for machine washing. Do not use hand washing powders. This threatens not only with the dirt not being washed off, but also with the machine breaking down.
- Do not overload the machine with laundry, as this will cause the parts to wear out quickly due to the imbalance of the drum.
- Try to clean the drain filter of various small blockages as often as possible.
- Before loading items into the drum, be sure to check the pockets for foreign objects.
- After finishing washing, do not close the door - the machine must be ventilated. If ventilation is not done, this will lead to the formation of mold, fungal infections and the appearance of an unpleasant pungent odor.
- Carry out prevention. To remove scale from the heating element, it is recommended to use special products, citric acid, soda or vinegar.
These simple rules will help you cope with any difficulties. Proper operation and regular maintenance of the SM is a guarantee of stable, proper and high-quality operation. Things will be clean and fresh, and the machine will last a long time.
How to care for a household appliance?
Lack of proper care for the Indesit washing machine is fraught with such troubles as: poor quality of washing, excessive consumption of electricity and water, rapid wear of all internal and external elements.
In order to operate the washing machine for as long as possible without repair, you must adhere to certain care rules:
- At least once every five days, wipe the body of the washing machine with a soft sponge and soapy water (helps maintain the whiteness of the plastic panels).
- After each wash, wipe the rubber cuff dry with a cloth. Once a month, the rubber is cleaned of dirt with a soap solution.
- After each wash, wipe the hatch door dry with a soft cloth.
- If there are dry powder particles left in the detergent tray after washing, they must be removed with a soft brush. Additionally, once a month, the powder receptacle is removed from the housing and cleaned under running water with a brush and soap.
- Do not accumulate dirty laundry in the washing machine drum (an unpleasant odor appears, which is very difficult to remove).
- Once every few months, check the integrity of the inlet hose.
To extend the life of the washing machine, it is recommended to run a “cleaning” cycle once a year (at a temperature of 90°C, without dirty laundry, with washing powder, the machine starts for the longest washing mode).
You can find out how to remove the tray from the Indesit washing machine (for example, to clean it) here.
