Semi automatic washing machines are popular among a large user base, and the query ” how to use a semi automatic washing machine” is associated with almost all its first time users.
The name “semi automatic” itself indicates that the wash process is partially automatic, and it may need human assistance to complete the wash process.
Therefore, It becomes important to understand the Control System of the semi automatic washing machines so that the user provides the right instructions to the semi automatic washing machine. before diving into the steps to use it. A general understanding of the Control System may also help you understand how this particular washing machine type works.
Understanding the Control System of the Semi Automatic Washing Machine
Look at the pic above, it shows 5 control points: 4 circular knobs and 1 side selector. It is the control panel from where the user gives instructions to the semi automatic washing machine. Let’s discuss each one of these knobs, one-by-one.
First from the left hand side, is the “Water Selector.” The water selector allows you to direct the water flow to the desired tub: Wash tub or the spin tub.
The second knob is for setting the “Wash Time.” You can assign/set time for which the machine will wash your clothes. The time you set entirely depends upon your analysis of the dirt on your clothes and its fabric type.
The third knob is the “Wash Selector”. Semi automatic washing machines come with three types of wash cycles:
Gentle wash for Delicate or less dirty clothes,
Medium wash for medium dirty clothes , and
Strong wash for heavy clothes like bed sheets that need a prolonged rinsing.
You can assign the type of wash that you think your laundry needs with this knob.
The fourth knob in the row is the “Drain Selector.” You drain the dirty water from the wash tub, or rinsed water from the spin tub with the drain selector.
The fifth and the final knob is the “Spin Timer”. Assign a time for spinning the clothes( dry the clothes) with the Spin Timer knob, and clothes are ready for line drying.
How to use a semi automatic washing machine: step-by-step
There are 14 steps that must be followed to use a semi automatic washing machine, efficiently: These are
- Ensure proper installation of your semi automatic washing machine.
- Connect your washing machine to an electric source
- Unfold the drain pipe
- Load clothes into your semi automatic washing machine
- Fill water to an appropriate level
- Add detergent as required.
- Choose the right wash cycle depending upon the cloth type and dirt level.
- Assign a time to your wash cycle
- Start the wash process
- Drain water from the wash tub after the wash cycle stops, and keep the pointer on drain only.
- Transfer clothes to the spin tub
- Direct the water flow to the spin tub
- Set a spin time
- Your Clothes are ready for line drying
Explaining the steps to use the semi automatic washing Machine with Tips.
1. Semi Automatic Washing Machine Installation:
Semi-automatic washing machines are free standing washing machines. All you need to do is to ensure your washing machine rests on a uniform surface, and do not vibrate when in use.
TIPS: We recommend taking a dry run before putting the washing machine to use. If you notice vibration, do the adjustments and get a vibration free drive.
2. Washing Machine Electrical Source Connection
When connecting your semi automatic washing machine to an electrical source, make sure that the electric cord does not remain in tension. The washing machine vibration may possibly damage the wire connections.
We recommend Installing an electrical point near the sink from where you plan to connect the water inlet pipe.
3. Unfold the drain pipe
Though you can unfold the drain pipe after the wash cycle completes, we recommend doing it in the beginning only to avoid any rush, water spillage or confusion in case you forget to unfold it before draining the water. Just as a good practice.
My wife suffers ignorance sometimes 😊
4. Load the clothes into the semi automatic washing machine
Load your clothes into the wash tube of the semi automatic washing machine.
TIPS:
We recommend segregating your laundry in groups, based on fabric type, and then dirt levels.
This will help you save time, energy, protect delicate clothes from unwanted rinsing/ washing, as you comfortably assign the right wash cycle to your clothes.
We also recommend checking your clothes for pins, coins or other metal pieces, in your clothes. Their presence may harm your semi automatic washing machine.
5. Fill water to an appropriate level
We recommend filling the water to a level just above the clothes. Depending on the number of clothes, this level can be L: LOW, M:MEDIUM, or H:HIGH. You get these markings near the lint collector.
6. Add detergent as required
Add the quantity of detergent as required.
Tips if using a powdered detergent:
A helpful tip that applies to step 5 and step 6 together could be taking an estimation of the required water level in your washing machine before loading the clothes. Fill water till the estimated level, add detergent and rinse the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes. This will help the detergent dissolve in water better. Then Load your clothes and move to step no 7 i.e Choosing the right wash cycle for your laundry.
As per our estimate one cup-spoon ( that comes with detergent powders packets) of detergent is sufficient for 5 to 6 medium sized clothes, provided your clothes are average- dirty and do not have stain-spots.
Choose the right wash cycle depending upon the fabric type and dirt level.
Considering the dirt level and the fabric type, assign a wash cycle to your laundry.
In general, delicate fabric clothes like linen kurtas or silk clothes should be assigned with Delicate Wash Cycle. Our daily wear clothes should be assigned with Medium wash Cycle, whereas tough stained clothes or heavy clothes like bed sheets, curtains etc. should be given a Strong Wash.
Assign a time to your wash cycle
Based on your assessment, assign a suitable wash time to your laundry.
Start the wash process
Start the wash process, it will continue for the time you have assigned it. In the meantime, you may do some other work.
Drain water from the wash tub
Since you are going to rinse the clothes and spin it in the upcoming steps, keep the drain open. Drain water from the wash tub after the wash cycle stops, and keep the pointer on drain only.
Transfer clothes to the spin tub
The role of wash tub is over here, your laundry will now undergo rinsing followed by spinning. Both these activities are carried in the spin tub, so transfer your clothes into the spin tub.
Direct the water flow to the spin tub
We need water in the spin tub to rinse the clothes, therefore, with the side selector direct the water flow to the spin tub.
Set a spin time
Set a spin timer, somewhere between 3 to 5 minutes, for spinning the clothes. Semi automatic washing machines come with a high RPM spin speed that removes maximum water from your clothes, thereby requiring little time for line drying.
Your Clothes are ready for line drying
You are done with washing your clothes!😊
What comes Next: Clean Your Semi automatic washing machine after every wash
Fully automatic washing machines comes with auto tub-clean features that allows cleaning the wash tub at a button’s press, But in semi automatic washing machines, you need to clean the wash tub by filling some water in it, mixing little detergent, giving a short strong wash cycle of around 3-5 minutes and then draining the water.
Wrapping Up:
Semi automatic washing machines are known for their versatility to washing different types of clothes while being simple to use. If you are a beginner, the wash process may sound a bit tricky, but believe me, it’s going to be a piece of cake to you after some washes of your buy. All you need to do is to follow the mentioned step, in the initial days. Hope you loved this article on how to use a semi automatic washing machine. If so, please share it with your loved ones.
Happy washing!