Secrets of the Washing Machine: Tips and Tricks to Optimize Your Laundry Experience

Tucked into the unassuming parts of our homes, the humble washing machine is an unsung hero of our everyday lives, keeping our clothes clean and fresh so we can work and play with confidence and comfort.

For most of us, washing machines play such a functional role that don’t often see a need to “optimize” the laundry process. But unbeknownst to many, the choices we make – from the type of machine we pick at the showroom, down to our daily washing habits – has significant implications on the convenience of the laundry process and even the amount of energy and water we use.

From tips to picking the right washing machines at the showroom, to good habits to adopt on the daily, read on to find out how you can make the most out of your washing machines.

Purchase Decisions

Take your time and do the research into picking the right washing machine – it is after all a significant, long-term investment expected to last for a while.

Decision 1 – Top or front load?

Top and front load washing machines come with their respective advantages. Consider these factors when deciding between the two:

• Accessibility
  • Top-loaders are more convenient since you don’t have to bend over to load and unload clothes. You can also throw in a piece of garment even when the top loading washing machine is in the middle of a wash cycle.
• Gentleness of wash
  • Front-loading washing machines tend to be gentler on fabric – especially suitable for people wearing clothes with delicate materials.
• Water consumption
  • Front-loading washing machines use less water and electricity than the average top-loading washing machine.
• Flexibility
  • Front-loading washing machines can be stacked with a dryer. When these two appliances are stacked, space is saved – especially useful for those living in apartments
• Price
  • When it comes to affordability, there are certainly many more price-sensitive top-loader washing machines to choose from.

Decision 2 – Looking out for high-tech

When making your shortlist, look out for washing machines with innovative technologies that can make your laundry experience more seamless and efficient.

For instance, the QuickDrive™  technology available on Samsung’s WW7000T washing machines cuts your washing time by up to 50%¹, powered by a unique fabric care drum equipped with a pulsator that forces detergent deep into your clothes for a thorough wash in less time. When we consider the lifespan of a washing machine, the amount of money you could potentially save in the long term becomes substantial.

Meanwhile, the AI Wash function available on the WW7000T does all the thinking for you, with an easy-to-use control panel that remembers your laundry habits and suggests your favourite wash cycles. Its 4 built-in sensors work together to determine the optimal amount of water, detergent and rinses your load needs based on soil level and weight of your clothes. Additionally, the AI Control  personalizes washing by remembering your habits, suggesting cycles and displaying timely information. On top of freeing up your time for things that matter the most, these features extend the lifespan of your clothes by treating them with the right cycle.

Innovative technology isn’t limited to the washing machine – the integration of the WW7000T with the SmartThings app² , for instance lets you schedule your wash from anywhere through your smartphone – making laundry less of a chore for those who dread it – but more on this in the next section.

At Samsung, innovative excellence isn’t limited to flagship products. The entry level Front Load Washer features nifty, innovative features as well – such as Drum Clean, which moves detergent residue and dirt from inside the drum by using a combination of soaking, pulsating and high-speed spinning instead of harsh chemicals.

Smarter Washing Everyday

So now you’ve found the chosen one – the one machine that fits well into your laundry space, is equipped with energy-efficient technologies, and most importantly within your budget. But picking the right machine is only half the battle won – by practicing small habits daily, you can maximize the savings and benefits.

For starters, having a good understanding of the different types of wash cycles required for different needs could save you precious water. After all, the average family washes about 165 loads of laundry every year, using around 60 liters of water per load³ – a substantial part of the total water bill for most of us.

Simple habits make a collective difference – always opt for the shortest possible cycle to get the job done; the less time garments spend being spun around in the wash, the longer they’ll last. Reserve longer washes for heavily soiled and bulky items, and shorter cycles for less soiled and delicate clothing.

If you have a busy day ahead and won’t be home for a while, the AI-powered WW7000T can do the work for you – with the integration of Samsung’s SmartThing’s Laundry Planner, you can now specify when you want the cycle to finish – because we all know you shouldn’t leave laundry sitting in the washing machine after the cycle’s over, because it can grow mold or mildew.

Ultimately, for most of us washing machines are one of the most essential and frequently used electronic appliances in our homes – and likely one of the most longest lasting electronic appliances. By being deliberate in our decisions when it comes to laundry – from purchase to daily habits – we are not just able to enjoy significant cost savings, but also do our part for the environment.

1 Samsung QuickDrive WW8800M vs Samsung WW8500K (5kg 40°C Cotton wash)

2 Requires installation of SmartThings App on compatible Android or iOS device, with Android 6.0 and higher or iOS 10.0 and higher, and Wi-Fi® connectivity to the mobile device.

3 Electricity and water consumption for laundry washing by washing machine worldwide (Nov 2010)