Buying the best washing machine model from a trusted company is a good idea, but what is more important for a hassle-free laundry experience is regular maintenance of your machine. Any machine, whether an effort-saving fully-automatic washing machine or a water-efficient semi-automatic washing machine, needs to be taken proper care of, if it is to run efficiently for years without much wear and tear.
Here are a few simple maintenance hacks from ‘Onida, one of the best home appliances brands in India' to help keep your machine operating smoothly for long, and get a truly refreshing laundry experience every time you use the machine.
While one may think that it is time and effort-saving to clean a big load in one wash, it actually deteriorates the condition of drum bearings and the motor, resulting in faster wear and tear of the machine. Even the cleanliness of clothes is compromised, as the rinse and spin cycles fail to function effectively with heavy loads. It is always good to leave space in the wash tub about a hand’s length above the clothes for an effective wash.
If you use a detergent that is not compatible with your washing machine, even a high efficiency machine will fail to give expected results. A low grade detergent can cause soap scum, resulting in poor rinsing and cleaning. It can even cause mechanical issues and premature wearing of the machine. Excess quantities of detergent leave behind a residue that is a breeding ground for mould, bacteria, and musty odour. It is better to use the detergent in the prescribed quantities. Eco-friendly detergents prevent harm to clothes.
It is essential to keep checking the condition of the filter from time to time. The accumulated lint not just gets remixed with the clothes, but also strains the pump excessively, causing damage to the machine. Even materials like coins from pockets, or safety pins coming off the dresses get collected in the filter, and hamper the drainage function. Filters must be cleaned at least once a month with warm water and soap to clear them of the debris, and make them germ-free.
Closing the washing machine lid immediately after use results in mould and mildew growth due to the moisture trapped inside. It is advisable to leave the machine lid and the detergent drawer open for at least half an hour after each use to let the moisture evaporate, and free the interiors of humidity.
A layer of detergent or fabric softener gets collected on the surface of the dispenser drawer. In order to avoid clogging of the dispenser or uneven distribution of its contents in clothes, the detergent dispenser must be removed completely, rinsed using warm water, and scrubbed with a brush to make it dirt and germ-free.
Even if a good quality detergent is used, dirt, lint, and the residue from soaps and fabric softeners accumulate inside the tub, and get mixed with clothes during the next wash. Running the ‘drum clean’ once a month with hot water and a commercial cleaning solution or natural ingredients such as white vinegar, rose water, or lemon drops dissolves grime, and refreshes the machine interiors, spreading a pleasant fragrance.
Hoses, especially the inlet pipes, tend to develop cracks over time, leading to leaks and flooding. Timely replacement can prevent such inconveniences. It is advisable to inspect the hoses every two to three months for any damage. Replacing hose pipes every four to five years is a good idea, and stainless steel is an ideal material for enhanced durability of pipes.
A washing machine standing on an uneven floor rocks or vibrates excessively during wash and spin cycles, damaging the internal components, and reducing the appliance’s lifespan. What should be done if the floor is uneven?
A washing machine’s balance must be checked using a spirit level, and the feet of the machine must be adjusted until the balance is restored and the machine stands firm on all the corners. If a machine makes a lot of noise while standing on a wooden or tiled floor, an anti-vibration pad can be used to minimise its movement or shakiness.
Minerals like calcium and magnesium, found in hard water, scale in the interiors of the machine over time causing damage to the pipes, heater, and the drum. Efficiency of the washing machine reduces due to this build-up, and its premature wearing is certain. In order to reduce scaling, you can use detergents formulated specifically for hard water usage. Installing a water softener in home is also a measure you can take for ensuring supply of soft water to the machine. Using a descaling agent on a monthly basis is also a good idea.
The rubber gasket, lining the machine door, and the rubber door seal are known to accumulate moisture, detergent residue, and lint, becoming breeding grounds for mould, mildew, and bacteria. If unchecked for months, they start emanating an unpleasant smell. Wiping the gasket and door seal with a smooth cloth, soaked in a mixture of warm water and white vinegar or a mild disinfectant helps remove this grime. One must also clean the areas hidden between the folds.
Even though fabric softener gives a fresh, soft feel to clothes, its overuse may create an adverse effect. It leaves a waxy residue inside the washing machine, coating its internal components and building up in the pipes, reducing the overall efficiency of the machine. It is recommended that one uses a fabric softener in prescribed quantities or use natural alternatives such as white vinegar or lemon drops, which give a rich feel to the fabric, without leaving any residue in the machine.
Even if you are using the best washing machine, and taking good care of its hygiene and maintenance at home, some issues may be left unnoticed or undetected. Getting regular servicing done from a professional technician (from an authorised center) helps identify any minor issue or damage in the right time, preventing the machine from wearing out further, maintaining its performance at the best.
If you are an Onida washing machine user, you do not have to run from pillar to post to get its maintenance done or an issue addressed. At Onida, we are convinced that delivering the highest-quality washing machines alone does not suffice; excellent after-sales services and responsible customer support are what customers value the most.
For any product related issue or maintenance requirement, you just need to raise a service request, and a prompt response will follow! Another way of ensuring regular maintenance of your machine is by signing an annual maintenance contract, which comes with the following benefits:
For a truly effortless fabric-cleaning experience, maintain the proper hygiene of your machine, check for its wear and tear in time, and go for an ideal model to suit your needs from a reputed washing machine company like Onida.
Onida F75TG Trendy 7.5 kg front load fully automatic washing machine comes with BLDC or brushless DC motor. Its advantages include smoother, quieter, and increasingly efficient operations, lifespan longer than washing machines with the traditional DC motor, and less maintenance.
Hexafin pulsators are a feature typical of semi automatic washing machine models such as Onida S70OGI Smartcare 7 kg 5 star and Onida S70TR Hydrocare 7 kg 5 star that cost you less than INR 11,000. Its six fins or blades create a powerful and multi-directional water flow during the wash cycle.
Onida T85GDB Grandeur 8 kg 5 star Sensomatic top load and Onida T65CGN1 fabric care 6.5 kg 5 star top load are the best fully automatic washing machines with toughened glass.
The maximum temperature one can set in Onida T85GDBH Grendeur 8 kg 5 Star Hot Hygiene Wash Top Load fully automatic washing machine is 60 degrees celsius. This temperature is more than enough for a powerful fabric wash and even for using the ‘Drum clean’ function.
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