Putting on a load of washing involves preparing your clothes and setting up the machine correctly for effective cleaning.
Here is a guide on how to put a load of washing on, based on standard practices:
Step-by-Step Guide to Putting on a Load of Washing
To ensure your clothes are cleaned properly and protected, follow these steps:
Prepare Your Laundry
Before you even touch the washing machine, preparing your clothes is crucial. This involves sorting and securing delicate items.
- Sort by Colour: Group your clothes into categories such as darks and lights. This helps prevent colours from bleeding onto lighter fabrics.
- Sort by Fabric: Separate clothes based on fabric type (e.g., cottons, synthetics, delicates). Different fabrics require different wash cycles and temperatures.
- Use a Laundry Bag: Place delicates and small garments, such as lingerie, socks, or hosiery, into a mesh laundry bag. This protects them from getting tangled or damaged during the wash cycle.
Set Up the Washing Machine
Choosing the right settings is essential for achieving clean clothes and conserving energy.
- Select the Right Temperature: Choose a temperature setting appropriate for your fabric types and the level of dirt. Hot water is effective for heavily soiled items but can cause shrinkage or fading; warm water is a good all-around choice; cold water is best for delicates, dark colours, and energy saving.
- Select the Right Program: Washing machines offer various programs designed for different types of loads. Select the program that matches your sorted laundry (e.g., cotton, synthetic, delicate, quick wash).
Loading the Machine
The method for loading depends on the type of washing machine you have.
- For a front load washing machine, open the door, place the sorted laundry inside, close the door, and add detergent to the appropriate compartment.
- For a top load washing machine, lift the lid, add the sorted laundry, close the lid, and add detergent (usually directly into the drum or a specific dispenser depending on the model). Ensure you do not overload the machine, as this can reduce cleaning efficiency.
Following these steps will help you successfully put on a load of washing.
