Manufacturers of washing machines pamper us with a variety of functions and programs, but the external design remains traditional. To decorate and diversify the appearance, there are special covers for washing machines.
How it can be useful and what functional load it carries will be discussed in the article.
Description of finished cases
Modern washing machine covers are quite multifunctional devices, even though they look quite simple. In stores, consumers are offered a large selection of finished products made of polyethylene and covered with cotton fabric.
There are many varieties of finished products, which differ in:
- sizes,
- color,
- design,
- cost.
The main qualities include strength, lightness and water resistance. In the store you can easily pick up a cover for the machine, both with vertical and horizontal loading, either completely covering the device or only its upper part.
As a rule, finished products correspond to the standard sizes of washing machines, but if the equipment has non-standard sizes, then you will have to sew the cover yourself.
To increase the functionality of the devices, they have special pockets for various small items. Everyone must decide for themselves whether they need a cover for their washing machine, whether it is worth purchasing it or whether they can sew it themselves, but few will argue with the fact that with its help it will be possible to keep household appliances in excellent shape for a long time.
Why is it needed?
The casing for an automatic washing machine has both practical and aesthetic uses. Do you need to decorate your bathroom in a certain style? Please: choose a floral pattern or a simple color scheme. Tired of the same view? Swap it out for a brighter cape.
Covers for washing machines are made from a special fabric – polyester. They are lightweight and waterproof. Therefore, the casing is easy to care for and is resistant to dirt. And even if you put a stain, it can be easily washed in the washing machine.
If we talk about the practical function of the cover, then you will see that it protects the washing machine body from damage. It probably happened more than once that powder or rinse aid was spilled on the body or control panel of the SMA. In the future, this negatively affects her work. But the cover is able to protect the car from spilled products and other mechanical damage.
Most capes have special pockets where you can conveniently store detergents. Small pockets are provided for collecting small change and other items that are taken out of clothes before washing.
Moreover, fabric casings can reduce the noise level during spin operation.
Purpose
Products that fit onto washing machines are designed to perform the following functions:
- decorative,
- protective.
Most often, modern household appliances are offered to customers in black, metal and white, as well as in their combinations. With the help of accessories for the “washing machine” you will be able to diversify the usual appearance of the product and successfully fit it into the interior of the room.
For example, a marble-colored mantle will look good in a classic interior, while a floral design will look good in a Victorian-style room.
With the help of such textile products it will be possible to create a cozy atmosphere in the room and complete the previously created design. Moreover, it is worth knowing that there are absolutely no restrictions on the materials used to make car covers, as well as on their design.
But regardless of the material and type of cover, it must still fulfill its main purpose - to protect the washing machine from damage and allow it to fit beautifully into the interior.
With the help of a cover for a washing machine, you can achieve the following goals:
- protect the device from contamination, such as water marks or spilled detergents and cleaning agents,
- if household appliances are installed in the kitchen, then a protective device will help prevent oil, grease and brightly colored foods from getting on its surface,
- The cape protects the device from chips, dirt, scratches and other damage,
- prevents the penetration of water, debris, dust or household chemicals into the machine, because the surface of the device is often used as a shelf for a variety of detergents,
- it is possible to improve sound insulation,
- protection from children - the cape prevents small children from pressing buttons, as well as from coloring its walls with felt-tip pens,
- A waterproof cape is very helpful in cases where the panel is frequently exposed to water.
A carefully thought-out design of a protective product for a washing machine will allow it to harmoniously fit into the interior of any room, becoming a real decoration for it.
Do you need a cover for your washing machine?
A machine cover is a useful thing that simultaneously performs several important functions:
- Protective. Protects the car from dirt and scratches. This is especially true if it is in the kitchen, so all kinds of waste, splashes of grease, and food leftovers can get on it. Waterproof casings will be a real boon for those who have a washing machine installed near taps, because there is a risk of splashes getting on the control panel and causing the unit to fail.
Important! If there are small children in the house, then a protective cape can protect the machine from their inquisitive hands, accidental pressing of buttons, starting a washing program and other very dangerous situations.
- Decorative. There is no specially designated corner in the house for washing equipment, and is it placed in a visible place? Thanks to the cover, you can easily fit it into the interior and make it less noticeable. At the same time, a beautiful and original cape will become not just a functional thing, but a real accessory for the home.
What to consider when using the case
In order for a washing machine cover to bring only benefit and not harm, you need to use it correctly.
To do this, the following conditions must be met:
- Any device that contains a heating element needs heat removal. That is why it is necessary to remove the cover from the machine during washing, or lift up all its folding parts, even though the product has access to the door and buttons on the control panel. It is especially important to remove the cover from the back of the unit. If the cover is not removed, air circulation becomes difficult, which negatively affects the operation of the washing machine.
- The use of waterproof covers should be carried out according to its own rules - they should be put on only after the unit is completely dry. Otherwise, accumulating moisture can lead to rust, which can damage the washer.
- Lack of air access, especially in a poorly dried car, can cause not only overheating of the car, but also the formation of mold and a bad odor. Therefore, before putting the cover on the washing machine, you need to thoroughly dry the unit, since there should be no remaining moisture in it.
Following these simple tips will help keep your washing machine in good quality without damaging it.
Correct Application
Using a cover is not only aesthetically pleasing and practical, but also dangerous. If used incorrectly, the housing may accumulate moisture, which will lead to rust and corrosion of the housing. Therefore, during washing, it is advisable to completely remove it, or open the curtains for normal ventilation.
Having weighed the pros and cons of the invention, you can start making it. A fabric casing is convenient and beautiful when used to enhance the aesthetics of a room. But it should not interfere with the washing machine performing its function.
Types of cases
Depending on the way the washing machine is loaded, the capes can be different. Automatic washing machines are:
- with vertical loading,
- with horizontal loading.
Both types of capes are quite widespread. Machines with horizontal loading are quite convenient in their use, and products with vertical loading are used in rooms with a small area.
Covers designed for machines with vertical loading of laundry most often have two parts: one completely covers the body of the unit, and the second covers the lid.
The cover for a machine that loads laundry horizontally is a one-piece cover with four side panels attached on top. There is always a hole on the front side of the cape that allows quick access to the tank. Usually this window is covered with a curtain, which is rolled up or unfastened during operation of the unit.
For the convenience of washing machine owners, the covers often include various decorative components in the form of pockets where you can place washing powder, bleach, and so on. All this helps to save as much space as possible in the room.
The disadvantage of ready-made cases is the small selection of colors and models. Those who are looking for this product in a store should know that there you can buy not only full-fledged covers made of durable, lightweight and impenetrable polyester, but also ordinary capes for the top of the car. After all, if the washing unit is installed in such a way that it is not at risk of contamination or moisture, then it is enough to purchase a simple cape.
When choosing covers, it is advisable to know the dimensions of your washing machine. However, recently they have begun to produce universal models that can be easily adjusted in both length and width. When choosing the color and design of the cape, you must be sure to focus on the interior of the room in which the washing machine is installed.
A good alternative to looking for a cover for a washing machine in a store or market is to buy it online. Without leaving your home, you can carefully familiarize yourself with all the offered models and colors of covers, look at their descriptions and only then make your choice. And free delivery of goods, which is offered in some online stores, will make the purchase not only convenient and enjoyable, but also profitable.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any thing, washing machine covers have their advantages and disadvantages, which are worth noting separately.
The advantages of using covers include:
- protection of the device from mechanical damage,
- child protection,
- protection against water ingress,
- giving a decorative look to the room.
Disadvantages include:
- deterioration of air circulation, which impedes the outflow of heat,
- the likelihood of mold and rust.
Since the advantages of using a cover are much greater than the disadvantages, many people use such a cover to protect their washing machine. And the correct use of covers will help to cope with the shortcomings.
Features of using cases
Have you decided that you need a cover for your machine? When using it, remember the following rules:
- Remove the cape while washing. During operation, any household appliance tends to heat up and needs normal heat removal. Wearing a cover will make it difficult for heat to escape, and this can lead to damage.
- Place waterproof covers on the washing machine only after they are completely dry. Otherwise, rust and fungus will quickly appear on the equipment.
How to choose a case
Washing machines are narrow and wide, with vertical and front loading. The type of cover must be selected in comparison with the model of the equipment, which will allow it to fit exactly in size - not to crack when put on and not to hang down on the sides.
As mentioned above, covers for top-loading machines consist of two parts - one covers the main part of the device, and the second closes the lid through which the laundry is placed inside the unit.
The upper part of the cover must be folded down, for which it is made on:
- castle,
- buttons,
- buttons.
Covers for machines with horizontal loading are no less common among the population. To use them, just remove the folding part, after which you can load laundry into the drum.
If you buy not just a cape, but a product with a large number of different pockets, then it will bring pleasure from its use and will also help organize the space.
How to make a cape with your own hands
Since stores offer a small selection of cape colors, you can try sewing it yourself. To do this you will need to prepare:
- scissors,
- threads,
- a needle,
- ruler,
- meter,
- pins,
- fabric with water-repellent properties.
You can also sew the cover using a sewing machine, which will be much faster.
When choosing fabric for a cape, you need to take into account the interior of the room, the main thing is that it has water-repellent properties. Otherwise, everything depends on the imagination of the master, and then the washing machine can turn into a cheerful flowerbed, a spaceship and much more that the author of the product wants to see.
When sewing a cape, the most important thing is to take all the measurements correctly and only after that you can build on them. Carefully taken measurements from the machine are transferred to the inner surface of the fabric from which the cover will be sewn.
When modeling a cover, you need to take into account that the back wall of the cape should be open during washing, so it is better to think in advance about the method of fastening it, so as not to constantly remove the entire cover. The back wall can be secured using rubber bands or Velcro. You also need to provide access to the control panel and the download window.
How to sew a cover for a washing machine with your own hands
For these purposes, you can choose any fabric, preferably waterproof. If your goal is only to protect the washer from dirt, then you can choose regular oilcloth.
How to sew a case with your own hands? Measure the washing machine, leaving a small allowance. Do the work step by step, start by making a pattern. It must be taken into account that the front hatch and rear wall must always be freely accessible. You should also be able to use the control panel easily. To do this, provide folding curtains.
Consider the location of pockets, hooks, and Velcro that will hold the curtains.
