Washing Machine Glossary
Load Capacity
The largest load that the machine will accept. This is usually around the 5Kg mark.Large Load
Lets you wash more than the usual 5Kg. Generally six to nine. Good for washing large items such as duvets.Noise dB/A
The amount of noise the machine creates. A quiet machine has a value around the upper thirties. The higher the more noise.Pre-wash
Runs a low temperature pre wash before the main cycle to improve the cleaning of very dirty laundry.Quick Wash
For slightly dirty laundry. This option allows the washer to use less water and power.Spin Speed
Some machine will set this depending on the programme you choose, other will let you specify this independently.The higher the spin, the more water is removed and the less time required to dry, but the downside is more energy consumption and risk of fabric damage on delicates.
Top Loader
A washing machine that you load from the top. This is usually via a hinged lid. This type is popular in the USA.Trap / Coin Trap
This is designed to stop any large objects like buttons or coins getting into the filter or pump and damaging or blocking it. Usually located just before the filter but can be incorporated as one unit.Variable Spin Speed
Allows you to control the spin speed independently of the programme chosen.Water Fill
Let you choose whether to use hot and cold water or just cold water to fill the machine. Using cold water is better at removing stains as it is heated in the machine, but using hot water means the programme finishes more quickly and can be more economical depending on the boiler.Wool Wash
Special programme designed to wash wool garments, to prevent shrinking and other unwanted effects.Wool garments that can be used with this programme are marked with Pure New Wool — Washable. If there is a Woolmark symbol, then The Woolmark Company has approved the wool wash for use with the item.