to not understand anything about our washing machine and only ever use the same programme every time?

[kitnkaboodle]

... which always seems to do the job fine, actually. Now we've got a new one with a digital display it's even worse. You can even chose the wash time within a cycle (who cares??) I can't be bothered to read the instructions and I simply don't care if it's prewashed/prespun/small load whatever. I just want it washed and spun. So I stick everything on 'synthetics' and it all comes out fine.

Does anyone actually pay attention to the different programmes or care??

[WashingFanatic]

I never used to. But a few weeks ago, 2 years after having our new washing machine, I discovered the 'quick wash' cycle. My new best friend. You can put about half a load in (it's an 11kg machine so still a lot) and it takes 14 minutes to wash and spin. It always comes out just as clean as a full hour + wash.

[PasswordProtected]

Well I do, if washing silk tops or bedding or towels.

[bloodyteenagers]

That's the point of buying something new, messing about to see what it does.

Never stuck to the same cycle. Quick wash should be less clothes than daily. Synthetics, less than daily but slightly more than quick. Baby care full load and has the highest temperature so great for the whites. Stain thing great for nasty stains, and did a fab job on some red wine without the need to use a stain remover.

[ouryve]

RTFM

[NewtRipley]

The best thing I discovered on my (quite basic) washing machine is the Delay Start. Means I can time it so the washing is done just about when I get in, so I can take it out and hang it before it's had time to sit and get crumpled. Much less ironing.

Just sit down with a cuppa and the manual.

[taxi4ballet]

I don't see why we should have to use separate stain removers. Why don't they just mix the stuff in with the washing powder? That's what the washing powder is supposed to be for - to clean things...

Or - maybe it used to be in there, and they've sneakily decided to take it out and sell it to us separately?

[DapSlash]

I can't believe it's Saturday night and I clicked on a thread about washing machines.

I used to be cool.

[PhaedraIsMyName]

Dapslash me too. In my defence I've been at a BBQ since 3 and have just got home.

[kitnkaboodle]

I just think they've overcomplicated things! Makes me quite nostalgic for twin tubs!

Sit down and read the manual? Do people actually do these things?

[DoJo]

YANBU - I live in fear of the day when my nice, simple, instructions basically on the dial itself machine breaks and I have to go all bells and whistles. I'm still gutted that my 10+ year old Nokia got broken last year, especially considering its replacement has started to go odd after just 18 months and apparently phone manufacturers don't just recreate old models for those who are scared of change, so I might have to learn to work YET ANOTHER new one soon.

[Pipbin]

I don't see why we should have to use separate stain removers. Why don't they just mix the stuff in with the washing powder? That's what the washing powder is supposed to be for - to clean things...

Or - maybe it used to be in there, and they've sneakily decided to take it out and sell it to us separately?

I had exactly this conversation with DH today.

There was someone who posted here once that she worked for one of the washing powder companies when they introduced the tablets. The whole thing with the tablets is that you can't use less than the recommended amount and therefore make it last longer.
She said that the best washes come from big box powders still and all the new stuff was just flummery.

[appealtakingovermylife]

I turned my dial to number 3 instead of 4 by accident once and the bugger was on for over 3 hours instead of a quick wash:)
It's definitely worth reading the manual, that's how I discovered quick wash, great for freshening things up and I even Chuck the lunchboxes in.
The reason why there are so many settings is to help you decide the most appropriate cycle as synthetic surely will not be suitable for everything.

[SwedishEdith]

Read 'Zen and the Art of. Motorcycle Maintenance' instead. Then you'll understand why you don't read manuals

[SwedishEdith]

I only use one tablet per wash

[Hairylegs47]

There's a MN who works for a major appliance company, she'd be in her element explaining it all!

I just stick everything on the quick wash, most things never get dirty enough for the 3 hour 'normal' wash.

I only ever use 1 tablet per wash, I think 2 is over kill.

[Pipbin]

But you can't use less than one.
With the big box powder you can use a quarter of a scoop.

[Ericaequites]

Washing machines are too complicated now. Some of them have more dials than a small plane. I just want clean clothes, not a trip to Havana.

[Coughle]

My washing machine came with a cheat sheet with little diagrams explaining the different cycles and the error codes. I laminated it and pegged it up for easy reference

[mumtobetothree]

I bought my Samsung digital as 1) it plays a tune when it's done and 2) it has fuzzy logic. I'll admit to not knowing wtf fuzzy logic was but it seemed a fab selling point lol!!

After spending a year using the 40 degree coloureds program I've discovered it does all manner of fancy things!! As well as the million pre-set cycles to cover just about every clothes washing need you can also customise the cycles, set your own (60 degree wash, for 90 minutes, 800rpm spin and not starting for six hours? Ok) and pre-set new loads. I'm becoming a bit of a washer bore tbh

[goldopals]

YANBU... I have a twin tub so there is only one way of using it. I get so confused using it

[goldopals]

That should say confused using others! I know how to use my twin tub perfectly well

[doziedoozie]

What makes the biggest difference for me is running the hot water through to the nearest tap (utility sink next to it) then it doesn't need to heat the water and cycle is much quicker.

Also always use min powder as our water is soft. Was in the SE recently and even there the water is now in the top section of soft (can look on council website), so prob no one needs the full quantity of powder (hence I don't use cubes).

A synthetics setting on mine does not spin as much as cottons.

[FunkyBoldRibena]

Watch Funky blow Pipbin's brain to shreds

[Munchmallow]

I can't understand why washing machine manufacturers think it's a good idea to have 'normal' washes that last three hours. Who has that sort of time to wait?

I use the 'quick' wash for everything and that takes an hour.

[FunkyBoldRibena]

I've often said that we just need a very simple washing machine, that just washes clothes 'hot' or 'cold'. And if you do them by hand it takes less than 3 hours so I always do a quick wash.
Quick hot wash
Quick cold wash.

Job done.