Buying a new Indesit front-loading washing machine is an exciting time. Laundry day is much easier when you have the right tool, so your new appliance will do the job correctly.
Operating a front-loading washing machine isn’t rocket science, but every device has some slight differences.
When you know how to use an Indesit properly, you can be sure you are getting the most out of it. The purpose of this guide is to help you be sure that you get a lot of quality years out of your machine and get your laundry as clean as possible.
Read on for the guide on using your new Indesit washing machine!
Pre-wash routine
The wash begins before you use the machine. It would help if you had a pre-wash routine before every load that you do. This will ensure that your clothing comes out clean and help prevent any potential damage to the machine.
First, make sure you have all the necessary items needed for washing. This includes laundry detergent, fabric softener, and the clothing you need to wash. You should also check that the washing machine is clean and free from debris or dirt. It’s not a bad idea to wipe out the drum with a damp cloth to remove any grime or animal fur if you have pets.
Once the machine is turned on and the water supply is connected, selecting the correct settings for your wash is essential. The Indesit washing machine will have a variety of programs to choose from, depending on the type of clothing you are washing. To select a program, turn the program selector knob to the desired program.
Before you put your laundry into the drum, ensure you are not overloading it. Weigh your clothing first to see if it is within the limit of your particular model. Overloading the appliance will cause damage to it if you do it less frequently. It’s best to fill the machine to around 80% of its capacity, leaving some space for the clothing to move around during the wash cycle.
Loading the machine
The way you load your machine is also essential. There is the possibility of the machine being off balance if you don’t load it correctly. Make sure to place the clothing evenly in the washing machine and avoid packing them down. The clothing should be able to move around freely and not clump together in a big mass.
It’s also important to treat your articles in a way that will get them cleaned most effectively and reduce the risk of damaging your clothing. Make sure to sort the clothing by type and colour to avoid the clothing getting discoloured or ruined using the wrong setting.
For delicate fabrics such as silk or lace, it is best to use a laundry bag to prevent any damage during the wash cycle. You should also avoid washing items with zippers, buttons, or sharp objects that could damage the drum.
Lastly, check the pockets for tissues, coins, or other small items. These can come out in the wash and get caught by the pump filter. This filter is often called the coin catcher for this reason.
Choose the right program
You’ll get the best results for your laundry when you choose the proper cycle. Many are preprogrammed, so it takes the guesswork out of the process. For instance, if you select a wool program, the washing machine will automatically set it for a low spin cycle speed to avoid ruining the fabric.
Most Indesit washing machines have a variety of programs to choose from, such as cotton, synthetic, delicate, and wool. The list of settings is found on the front left of the Indesit so you can see which program is best for your load. Then you turn the dial to select the program. On the right, a display will show you what temperature and spin speed it will set for that particular load.
Start by checking the care label on each garment to ensure it is safe to wash in a washing machine. The label will provide the recommended wash temperature, cycle type, and spin speed information.
Some Indesit washing machines also have a quick wash option for when you need to wash clothing quickly. This program will wash your clothes in less time than the regular programs but may not be suitable for heavily soiled clothing.
If you want to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, you can set a delay timer, so the load starts at night when you are already in bed.
Starting the cycle
Starting the wash cycle is straightforward, but it’s essential to do it correctly to ensure that your clothes are washed effectively. Following the instructions carefully is necessary to ensure your clothing is washed effectively and without damaging the machine.
The first thing to do when selecting a cycle is to understand how big the load can be. Although your machine might have a max load capacity of 8 kilograms, specific cycles will have a lower limit. Some may be half of what is allowed. The type of detergent as well as the amount, will also be different depending on the cycle.
Once you know the programme you need, select the one that matches your laundry load. Turn the program selector knob to the desired program. You may also need to adjust the temperature and spin speed depending on the type of clothing such as wool you are washing.
With the correct programme set, you can press the start button to get it going. If you chose the wrong setting and you need to stop the cycle, you should press pause. This will allow you to select a different programme, adjust the temperature, or change the spin speed. Once you have made the changes, press the start/pause button to resume the wash cycle.
Once the cycle is done, you can open the door again, which is locked when you start.
What to do post-wash
Removing your clothes from the washing machine immediately after the cycle is essential. Clothing left in the drum for too long will start to smell musty. If this happens, then you may need to do a quick wash to rewash the clothing. When clothing sits too long and gets musty, it can also affect the next load. The mildew smell can linger, so running a clean cycle on the machine is crucial to eliminate the odour before doing the next load.
It’s a good idea to wipe down the inside of the machine with a damp cloth clean the detergent drawer and filter regularly. This includes when you take the clothing out of the wash right away. It will help keep the inside of the machine smelling fresh and clean. Leaving the door open to remove the washing machine’s moisture is also wise.
Troubleshooting tips
Indesit washing machines are very reliable, but there is always the possibility that problems arise. Usually, a problem is due to human error or is something that can be fixed yourself without needing to call a technician.
Here are a few common issues that you might need to troubleshoot:
The machine is not turning on
If the washing machine is not turning on, check that it is plugged in and the power supply is connected. You may also need to check the fuse or circuit breaker.
It’s not filled with water
Usually, when a washing machine doesn’t fill with water, the source is shut off, and somebody forgets to turn it back on. Check the inlet valve and open it if it’s closed. If it is open, check for obstructions in the water inlet hose, such as kinking, and attach it properly.
It’s not draining properly
If the washing machine is not draining water, check that the drain hose is not blocked. You may need to clean the filter or check the drainage pump.
The tub isn’t spinning
When a washing machine fails to start the spin cycle, it is usually because the door needs to be latched correctly, the tub must drain all the water after the drain cycle, or the clothing must be balanced or lighter.
It’s making a loud noise
If the machine has been running quietly and suddenly makes a lot of noise, the machine is off balance, and the tub is not spinning evenly. Take some of the clothing out and restart the cycle. If it still makes noise or has been getting louder over time, the bearings will likely wear out and need to be replaced.
How to clean the filter
Regularly cleaning the filter is essential for adequately maintaining your washing machine. It will ensure that your clothes come out clean every time and that you don’t have a wash interrupted due to a blockage.
Here are the steps to take to keep the filter clean:
Turn off the machine
Make sure the power source is entirely off before doing anything. Unplug it from the mains supply to be sure it doesn’t come on by accident.
Open the filter cover
The service flap for the filter is located at the bottom right side of most models. Open it up and slowly unscrew the cap cover for the filter.
Remove and clean the filter
You are very likely to find debris and small objects inside the filter. There will be sludge built up from lint if you last got on top of the filter cleaning a while ago. Remove small objects and then wipe down the filter trap with a cloth. Make sure to wipe down the inside of the compartment and the impeller.
Close things up
Reverse the order you did things by replacing the filter and screwing the cap closed. Close the service flap and plug the machine back in.
Do a test cycle
Before doing laundry, run a test wash cycle to ensure everything works correctly. It’s an excellent time to clean the inside using some washing machine cleaning detergent. Run it on a clean cycle setting with a high temperature of up to 90°C.
FAQs
Q: Can I use any detergent in my Indesit washing machine?
A: Indesit washing machines are compatible with most types of laundry detergent. However, following the manufacturer’s instructions and not using too much detergent is essential, as this can cause excess suds and damage the machine.
Q: How long are the wash cycles on an Indesit washing machine?
A: The wash cycle length depends on the program selected and the load size. Most wash cycles range from 30 minutes to over an hour.
Q: How do I prevent my Indesit washing machine from smelling?
A: To prevent unpleasant odours, cleaning the machine regularly and leaving the door open after use is essential to allow the drum to air out. You can also run a maintenance cycle with a washing machine cleaner to remove any build-up of dirt or bacteria.
Final thoughts
This guide should help you get the most out of your front-loading washing machine, but looking at the manual is still a good idea. Your machine should have come with it, but if you misplace it, you can download one if you search for your specific model. If you have any questions, comment below, and I will get back to you as soon as possible!
