Starting a washing machine for the first time: tips and tricks

The new washing machine was delivered, unpacked, installed in its workplace and connected to the water supply. Do you really want to launch it as soon as possible and see it in action? Experts recommend not to rush, since its performance and durability depend on the first turn on and the initial wash. Haste and incorrect actions of the newly made owner can not only harm, but even destroy an expensive unit. The first start of the washing machine must be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Therefore, it is important to carefully read the attached instructions.

Checking readiness

Before turning on and starting the washing machine for the first time, it is recommended:

Read the operating instructions carefully. In this case, special attention should be paid to the section for controlling washing modes. Incorrect user control may affect the performance of the electronic unit of the device.
Check the connection of the machine hoses: rubber for water supply (fill) and corrugated for draining into the sewer (drain). It is better to secure the corrugated hose, since if water is actively drained from the washing machine, it can fall out and cause a flood.
Check the rear wall of the device for the presence of transport bolts. They secure the internal parts of the machine and the drum for safety during tilting and transportation. If the bolts are in place, they must be removed and the holes closed with rubber covers, which are usually included with the machine. In most cases, the manufacturer provides 4 shipping bolts.
Open the water shut-off valve on the inlet hose.
Check to see if any remaining adhesive tape used to secure the parts has been removed from the front, back and side walls of the machine.
Open and inspect the drum of the washing machine to see if there is any debris or any parts in it.

These are mandatory steps that must be carried out before starting the washing machine for the first time.

What to wash with? A terrible mistake that should not be made!

After the trial run is over, you can study the programs, try and enjoy the results. What is the main rule? Choose a detergent according to the water hardness! If the water is too hard, the heating elements inside will become covered with scale, like the bottom of a kettle. To prevent this from happening, soften the water with special compounds. They are added during each load, do not affect the result, but give the machine a long and happy life.

Look carefully at the packaging

Powders for colored and white differ in composition. You can wash white items with a detergent for colored items, but you cannot wash colored and black items with a detergent for white. If you have a lot of both in your arsenal, buy both.
Powder, liquid or capsules? For the most part, they are all good, and the choice depends on your desire and convenience. The first two need to be dosed. The liquid is usually dosed with caps from the bottle itself; for the powder you will have to choose a convenient measuring cup. The capsules do not need to be dosed, but it is important to keep them away from children. There is some difference in temperature conditions - the liquid copes better with stains when heated to 60 degrees.
The packaging must indicate “suitable for automatic washing.”

It would be a big mistake to add “manual” powder to the washing machine! It differs from the automatic one in that it produces more foam. When we wash by hand, we create a lot of foam, which actively fights stains. Excess foam, even on the most delicate program, is dangerous - from breakdown of drain hoses to internal breakdowns.

First wash

Manufacturers of washing machines and experts recommend doing the first wash in vain - without adding laundry and staying near the machine the entire time of washing.

Instructions for starting the startup launch:

Turn on the power supply to the device.
Close the loading hatch until you hear a characteristic click.
Add a special detergent for the washing machine for the first start or regular powder into the compartment for powder and conditioner.
On the control panel, select the “Cotton 60°” mode, start it and wait until the end of the wash.
Listen to the noise of the machine during operation, its rhythmic hum and whether there are any grinding or knocking sounds.
When you touch the operating device, there should be no vibration or shaking (if it is correctly installed in level, even during the spin cycle the machine should not move from its place).
Inspect the machine after completing the first wash. You should check the sewer and water hoses to see if there are any leaks or water leaks under and around the machine.

First launch of new equipment: step-by-step instructions

The best place to start is by reading the operating documents. There you can find information about everything, including how to power it up for the first time on this particular model. In most cases, the scheme of actions is approximately the same.

The first launch is a test one. It is carried out without things and without a cleaning component. If there is a self-cleaning program on the main panel, this is what you need. If not, just choose the shortest one, for example, rinse. Why is this being done? In order to carefully inspect all hose connections. Most likely, everything is fine, and there are no leaks anywhere. If so, move on to the next point.
Now we will get rid of possible traces of grease and any technical odors. Add a little washing powder or a special product for the first start (discussed below). Install a short program. The purpose of the first dry run is to clean the drum, so take your time loading it with dirty towels. It's important to be well prepared.

With a 90% probability, your machine has already been checked at the factory. By the way, that’s why some water was drained from its hoses before installation. But it would be a good idea to do a home check as well.

Products for the first wash in the washing machine

This question, of course, remains open to this day: is it necessary to additionally buy a special product for the first launch. Sellers, and sometimes manufacturers, may strongly recommend purchasing this innovation. They say that they cope better with any problems of new equipment (oil residues, technical odors).

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.

Is it possible to run the first wash in a new washing machine without laundry?

Manufacturers of SMA recommend running the first wash cycle without any clothes, empty. This approach is completely justified. Before being sent to stores in production, each device is tested. Therefore, there are stains from technical oil or dirt inside the drum. If you start the first wash with things, they will become even more dirty with substances that are difficult to remove. During the idle wash cycle, the drum will be cleaned of all dirt and unpleasant odors.

Step-by-step instructions on how to start the first wash:

The drum door is closed without loading laundry inside.
Pour any detergent into the powder compartment. This could be a washing machine powder or a product used to remove machine oil stains. In this case, the amount of detergent used is half that required for a standard load.
Connect the SMA to the power supply directly into an outlet. Adapters and extension cords cannot be used. This leads to device failure.
Set the program with a long cycle and press the start button.

Important! Do not put washing powder used for hand washing into the CMA tray. It creates too much foam and damages the automatic machine.

After turning on the device, all that remains is to observe how the washing proceeds. Pay attention to the following details:

the drum rotates slowly during washing, and when switching to the spin mode, a significant acceleration is visible;
heating water takes from 5 to 7 minutes in devices that provide for such an operation;
there are no signs of leaks on the floor;
the machine does not make any extraneous sounds during operation;
In spin and drain mode, the device operates normally.

If any malfunctions are detected, the device is stopped, disconnected from the electricity and the water is manually drained from the drum. A drain valve is used for this. Then it is recommended to contact customer service. You cannot fix breakdowns on your own. The device is under warranty. Therefore, it is better to call a repair specialist to your home, who will do all the work under the warranty card for free.

First wash products

Specialized household appliance stores offer an inexpensive solution for starting up a washing machine for the first time. It contains active surface substances that destroy all technical odors, dirt and impurities. After using this product, a pleasant smell remains in the washing drum for a long time. This product is added to the powder container during the first wash.

Tools that can be used when starting up for the first time

Let's talk in a little more detail about which tool should be used to start the machine for the first time.

As we have already said, you can take a small amount of any powder marked “Automatic” on the package. But if you don’t really trust ordinary powder, then purchase a special technical product that effectively removes industrial contaminants and eliminates extraneous odors. These products include Helfer Start HLR0054 .

It will help deal with any stains from lubricants. Helfer contains surfactants that degrease and clean all internal elements of the automatic machine from excess fuel oil, oils, and carbon deposits. It can be used for all types of SMA. The method of application is quite simple:

pour the contents of one package into the powder cuvette;
set the test wash mode (usually the “Cotton” program at a temperature of 60 degrees);
run the full cycle.

Now you know everything about preparing and starting the washing machine for the first time. Simple rules that you follow will guarantee you a positive outcome in this procedure.

Tips for proper washing

To make your washing machine last a long time, you need to listen to simple tips:

do not overload the machine with excess laundry;
separate white laundry from colored laundry and do not wash them together;
check the pockets of loaded items, especially for metal objects;
To soften water, use water softeners and conditioners when washing;
clean the drain hose filter from small debris;
Wipe the machine panel and drum door with special substances that do not contain chlorine or abrasives.

Recommendations for the first launch of a washing machine from Bosch, Candy, LG, Indesit, Hotpoint Ariston, Samsung, Haier, Vestel, Beko and other companies, as well as their further operation, are practically no different. Following these simple recommendations will help maintain the longevity of your household appliances without repairs.

How to properly care for your washing machine

To ensure proper and long-term operation of the machine, you need to follow a few simple rules. They will eliminate frequent calls to the repair service. Do not load too much laundry into the drum of the device so that it lies in a dense lump. Such a quantity of things damages the internal parts of the device and accelerates their wear. Moreover, if the washing machine has overload control, the machine simply will not turn on.

Important! To prevent clogging of the drain hose, clean it regularly. To reduce the likelihood of clogging, check pockets and folds before putting items into the drum to prevent foreign objects from getting in.

After the cycle is completed and the drum is freed from the laundry, it is left open for some time. This will help thoroughly dry the inside of the machine from moisture, prevent the formation of mold and protect against unpleasant odors.

To preserve the integrity of the oil seals and prevent bearing failures, products of dubious quality should not be used as a means against plaque and scale on internal parts. Strict adherence to all recommendations specified in the instructions and periodic inspections will allow you to notice a breakdown in time.

Diagnosis of machine breakdowns

Bosch equipment is highly reliable; breakdowns rarely occur with it. To indicate malfunctions, codes displayed on the machine display are used.

The most common complaints from owners are about the following problems:

The water does not drain out after washing;
the drum does not rotate;
the water does not heat up;
The car engine does not start;
Water does not collect at the beginning of the wash.

The reason for the lack of drainage may be a breakdown of the drain pump or its clogging. The water supply is usually disrupted due to a malfunction of the inlet hose or a clogged pump. These problems can be avoided if, when connecting the machine, you install good water filters that will prevent blockages, scale and rust.

Problems with the drum occur due to a malfunction of the engine, electronic failures or wear on the drive belt. If the drum makes a loud noise, the bearings or shock absorbers may be broken, or there may be foreign objects in the drum.

To determine the cause of the breakdown and eliminate the problems, it is best to contact a specialist.

Caring for the machine

With regular use, the outside of the unit body and the inside of the centrifuge should be cleaned. It is not necessary to wipe the latter dry; just opening the door is enough for the drum to dry. In this case, do not use aggressive chlorine-based products.

In addition to moisture, small debris, threads and other contaminants accumulate under the rubber seal, which also need to be gotten rid of. Otherwise, mold may appear.

We must not forget about the drain filter, in which debris usually accumulates. Fallen buttons, buttons, a bus ticket forgotten in your pocket, and other little things will be found in this department.

It is wrong to choose a detergent based only on the type of clothes. Water hardness should be taken into account. If you ignore this factor, you will have to frequently change the heating element, which will fail due to scale. If you don’t want to spend money on an expensive cleaning product, there are special substances that are added to a simple powder to care for the heating element.

Installation of a new washing machine, carried out in accordance with all the rules, will repay the efforts expended on it in the future with the stable performance of the unit. If you treat smart technology with care, it will serve its owner for a long time.

In order for your equipment to last as long as possible, you must remember to regularly care for it. In particular, it is necessary to clean the valve more often.

To prevent scale from appearing on the heating element, it is recommended to use special filters designed to soften water, or products that can prevent the appearance of scale.

Control panel and washing mode selection

Before you start using your Bosch washing machine, you need to study the special icons for all programs located on the control panel. Each model has basic buttons: on/off, wash, rinse, spin. The Bosch Classixx 5 model does not have a power button; instead, machine owners use a lever to switch programs. And the “start” button allows you to set the child lock - to do this you need to press it for 4 seconds.

The choice of mode depends on the type of fabric and the purpose of the item. Modern machines usually contain 12-16 modes in their program.

Washing modes can be indicated on the panel by the following icons:

Shirt on a hook - washing synthetics, lasts from 0.5 to 1.5 hours, water temperature - 40°C.
Flower dress and bodysuit – mode for cotton, with a duration of 2 hours and a maximum temperature of 95°C.
Dress with flower and trousers - quick wash.
Shirt with bow tie – for washing delicate fabrics: silk, satin. It is carried out at low temperature, with a light spin.
Pants – mode for washing denim fabrics.
A palm in a bowl of water and a skein of yarn is a mode for washing delicate items, including wool.
Romper - wash baby clothes at high temperature.
T-shirt – washing sportswear.

Some of the models, for example, Bosch maxx 5, have special functions. They are indicated by the following icons:

T-shirt with black stain – mode for removing stubborn stains. Not intended for delicate items.
Basin with a vertical stripe - soaking things.
Iron - light ironing.
A basin with water and an arrow pointing up - additional rinsing.

To choose the optimal mode, you should study the labels on the clothes; they will tell you which type of washing is best suited for a particular item. It is recommended not to mix light and colored laundry in one wash, and for expensive delicate items to use the appropriate mode.

When checking the operation of the device, you need to choose the right program. Modern machines are distinguished by a large number of possible modes, as well as the presence of a convenient program for quickly washing things.

When choosing the appropriate mode, you need to take into account temperature indicators. The wrong choice of temperature can ruin some or all of your items. It is important to note: all models have their own controls.

Thus, budget devices have a special small adjustment wheel designed to select the most suitable program. In expensive devices, setting the mode is possible using a convenient touch panel.

After preliminary preparation of the unit, you need to put the prepared clothes in the tank and pour the required amount of powder into the dispenser tray. Then you need to click the “Start” button located on the control panel. The device will start working.

A few important points for the future

Always keep an eye on the amount of ingredients you add. Reducing the recommended volume will result in contaminants remaining. Increasing the quantity, unfortunately, will not make the laundry particularly clean. Most likely, the powder simply will not be washed out completely. White stains may remain on dark clothes, and bed linen may cause allergies.
After work, check the drain hose to see if there are any small debris, rhinestones, or buttons left there. If you do not check for a long time, the drain hose will become clogged, the fastening will not hold up, and water will end up on the floor.
Did you know that washing very large items with small items can cause problems? This problem is drum imbalance. It manifests itself as knocking, vibration during the spin cycle, the washing machine may even start to move from its place!

Remember that the first washes according to the rules discipline you! Keep the thrill with which you feel about a new car (even if it is not new, but bought secondhand or received as a gift) for as long as possible!

Then you will not break the main rules and will not forget about the nuances of washing, and the machine will work for a really long time and with high quality!

[Total: 6 Average: 3.8/5]

Shall we start with bed linen?

The trial work is now over. You opened the door, looked at the shiny, slightly damp things... Is it really time?

Disassemble the laundry basket according to its parameters:

White and colored.
Even in the most modern machines, it is not recommended to wash white with color.
Check pockets for dirty clothes before loading.
Checking them after work can really spoil the overall impression of the result.
Have you already studied the modes?
Sort through things according to them: wool, synthetics, delicate clothes, children's blouses, cotton, and perhaps even your favorite sneakers. Yes, some modern devices have a special “shoes” program!

As the first serious task, it is recommended to choose bed linen. Don't load it too much. By the way, do you want to know how to determine the optimal volume of one load? Then read on!

Turn it on, pour the selected product into a special compartment (or directly into the drum, if it’s a capsule), load the laundry, set the program and press “start”! Congratulations! The first wash in the washing machine has begun!

While the work is happening, listen again: are there any sounds that seem unnecessary? Everything should work perfectly the first time!

How not to load the drum more than necessary

In the same instruction manual, which you have not yet let go of, there is data on the number of things per load. Weight is usually indicated.

Did you know? If the technical specifications say “5 kg”, this is calculated for 5 kilograms of wet things, not dry! Therefore, weighing everything down to the gram does not make much sense.

Cotton items for one full load fill the space completely. Just don’t push and compact! Put it in, fill the drum - and you're done.
Products made from synthetics fill the space by half (also without effort when laying).
Wool products need special care, including in terms of quantity: one full load of wool is a third of the drum.

The main rule is that it should be free inside, nothing can be pushed in. This, firstly, will keep the machine healthy, and secondly, it will allow it to wash perfectly!

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Source

The long-awaited purchase of a new washing machine has been completed, the unit has been delivered, unpacked, installed and connected.

It would seem that everything is ready for washing, but experts advise not to rush, but to study and repeat practically the basic steps of the first launch of a new washing machine.

Preparing to start the washing machine for the first time

The first start of the washing machine does not depend on its brand. For all models, the algorithm of actions will be similar.

To get started you need:

Unpack it and remove the special shipping fasteners. In this case, it is advisable to check the product data sheet, because depending on the model, the number of bolts can vary from 4 to 6.
Align exactly to the level. To adjust the tilt, use the special feet that come with the washing machine.
Check the incline level. This can be done using a building level. Also press on the corner of the washer - it should not wobble or wobble.
Inspect the drum for foreign objects.
The next step is to connect the SMA to the communications system. If you do not have the necessary skills, use the services of a specialist. If connected incorrectly to the water supply and sewerage system, the machine may refuse to work or cause a flood.
When connecting to power supply, follow safety precautions. It is advisable that the outlet used is designed for rooms with high humidity levels. Don't forget about grounding.

Reference. Experts recommend keeping the packaging from the car until the warranty period expires. In some cases, it is necessary to provide household appliances to a repair shop along with packaging material.

If all requirements have been met, you can proceed with the test wash.